Variety is the spice of life and when it comes to fashion, boy is that true!
Janette Liggins has always been top dollar when it comes to fashion and with her fashion advisory skills, she is here to help the people of Norfolk look and stay cool this 2008/2009 winter season.
Becoming a fashionista
"John Lewis is where my love of fashion all started. I initially did a design degree at University and spent 13 years working for the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ, including ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Look East," said Janette.
"I then fancied a change of career. I had my own small craft business for a time, before the job at John Lewis in Norwich came up. I applied, got it and haven't looked back since!" she added.
Her love of fashion and knowing how to look good has always been key to Janette's success.
"I've always loved fashion. When I was a teenager, I spent hours in vintage clothing shops picking up pieces to create my own look or you'd find me hacking away at one of my dad's shirts to make it into a cute little mini dress for the disco that night!Ìý
"When I saw this job advertised, I was very excited at the prospect of meeting so many people and being able to help them create their own looks.
Choosing what to wear can be difficult
"It's fantastic being surrounded by beautiful clothes and helping ladies think differently about how outfits go together," said Janette.
Being an open and friendly fashion advisor is essential as some women can lack confidence.
"My job is a free service. I see people on a one-to-one basis and chat to them about their requirements, body shape, size and colour. I then suggest outfits and they try them on in our special fitting room. It's nice and relaxed - a great way to shop," said Janette.
"A lot of woman get stuck in a rut. They either don't know what to buy, or buy the same or the wrong thing. Many of my clients admit they have piles of clothes at home they never wear.
"I try to find clothes that mix and match. I see quite a lot ladies who are trying to find something for a special occasion. It can be stressful, so I take the stress out of shopping and put the fun back in!" she added.Ìý
Dressing for your body shape
We're all different shapes and sizes and when it comes to buying and wearing clothes, it's really important to know what shape you are.
Are you a skittle, goblet, apple, pear, hourglass or lollipop? It can all get very confusing, so here's Janette's simple guide to put you on the road to styling success.
Curvy shapes
Pear:
60% of British women are this shape. A top half that's hard to fault - smallish bust, narrow shoulders, trim waist, flat stomach and then it all goes 'pear shaped'. Saddlebags, big thighs, heavy legs, sturdy calves and ankles.
Famous pears: Katie Holmes.
Apple:
Another common shape. Very cuddly - the sort you want to hug. Average to large size bust (usually with great cleavage), a round tummy, small flat-ish bottom, respectable legs and slim ankles.
It is quite a hard shape to dress and ladies with this shape are often the ones with the least self confidence. They regularly wear enormous tops and T-shirts that make them look four sizes bigger than they are!
Famous apples: Jo Brand.
Hourglass:
Very feminine shape that men love - large bust, small high waist, big hips, generous thighs, great calves and feminine ankles.
Famous hourglasses: Kirsty Allsop, Nigella Lawson, Charlotte Church.
Big bottom (Booty Babe/Bell):
As its name suggests - narrow shoulders, small bust, narrow high waist, big bottom, not always big thighs but great legs.
Famous bottoms: Jennifer Lopez.
Straight shapes
Column/Rhubarb:
They are usually quite tall, shoulder and hip width are the same and there is only a slight curve in for the waist.
Finding your correct shape is important
They have long arms and legs, are usually slim and have quite a boyish figure. Ladies with this shape often find it difficult to get clothes that fit well.
Famous columns: Nicole Kidman, Lady Diana.
Brick:
Quite a boyish figure with little or no bottom, no waist, average tummy, wide shoulders and straight up and down legs. A strong and powerful looking shape.
Famous bricks: Dame Judi Dench.
Petite:
As its name suggests, petite all over. Not necessarily straight, but generally in proportion with short body, legs and arms. Small tummy and bottom.
Famous petites: Kylie Minogue, Julie Reinger.
How to wear current trends - Pear
Coats:
Big news in winter 2008/2009 and one of the more expensive items, so it's vital you get the right shape for your body. Try an Empire line that skims over the hips or try wearing it open, so the line of the coat slices the thighs vertically.
Dresses:
A strapless dress with full skirt is great for the party season. Strapless broadens the shoulders and the flare disguises the saddlebags. A shrug is a good way to broaden the shoulders and attract attention to the top half.
Blouses:
There are lots of ruffles about - good for adding femininity to a small bust. Puffed sleeves will add width to your shoulders and balance out the hips.ÌýÌý
Boots:
In winter, boots are an absolute must for hiding heavy calves and allowing you to wear skirts. More manufacturers are making boots to cater for wider leg fittings with expandable buckles, such as Gabor and Peter Kaiser. Chunky jewellery will add colour and interest further up top.
Glorious as an apple
Coats:
A straight coat worn open will create slices of the body and a contrasting colour underneath can produce a clever illusion. Alternatively go for a cape or trapeze style. A broad collar keeps attention up top while the body of the coat skims down and out. The wide bottom of the coat creates the illusion of very slim legs, making you think the slimness goes right the way up!
Janette Liggins
Tops:
Look out for tops that are tight or have a contrasting strip of fabric or ribbon just under the bust (the narrowest part of the body). A long tunic top with paisley print and a belt (up at the back, down at the front) is very clever at disguising the tummy and creating an illusion of the waist.
Trousers:
Keep them wide to fall from the bottom and try and get side fastening with a wide waistband to cut the tummy in half. Avoid side pockets that jut out and broaden you further.
Jacket:
Keep tailored. A deep V-neck is good for a larger bust and a tie front will trail down and hide the tummy.
Attractive hourglass
Coats:
Emphasise a fabulous waist with a belted coat or go for a tailored deep V-neck that fastens with one or two big buttons.
Skirts:
The pencil skirt is everywhere this season and it is the best piece of clothing an hourglass figure could purchase. They accentuate the curve from the hip to knee and there are lots of lovely colours and fabrics. Don't just think of the classic black office skirt.
Evening dresses:
Try 1950's style with a fitted top, tight waist and a dark coloured A-line shaped skirt with contrasting cumber-band ribbon to accentuate the waist. Keep necklines low with scoop or sweetheart.
Jewellery:
Don't over do - the bust is too big for this. Keep it simple with a chain and pendant ending below the bust.
The bigger bottom
Skirts:
Look for a tulip shape. They're big at Balenciaga this season - fitted around the bottom and flaring out. Make sure they hit the knee or are a little longer, as shorter skirts will emphasise the width of your bottom.
Coats:
Simple, straight-cut works well by creating a slim column shape. Wide lapels will broaden the shoulders and help balance. A little half belt at the back can cut the bottom in two.
Bags:
Keep attention up top and balance out your bottom with a big bag tucked under your arm, NOT swinging around your rear! Big necklaces or broaches work well too.
Column/rhubarb shaped
These athletic figures need figure-softening styles. You're an up and down shape, don't follow the same line with your clothes. Think sashes and ruffles.
Petite ladies should wear bright colours
Blouses:
Really big news this winter 2008/2009 and ideal for this body shape, with plenty of movement in frills. Find styles with gathers and pleats and different sections that break up the long shape, such as pussy-cat bows.
Dress:
Some great paisley prints around this season in chiffon type fabrics. Boho trend is still very much in season - it's moved on from summer with tassel boots. Bags are great for adding swing and shape to a column body.
Coats:
A belted 3/4 length coat with hip pockets or a classic double-breasted trench coat with epaulettes, shoulder flaps, belts and buckles will add fullness and interest.
Skirts:
Hemlines ending below the knee make your calves appear more curvaceous. Try the tulip shape for winter.
Jewellery:
Pile on lots of interest to add depth to the chest area. A big bag carried under the shoulder will add width up top and add boots and bags with tassels. A furry gilet will add width and shape.
Brick build
Tops:
Tank tops fitted over a blouse will create the illusion of shape with its different lines. Stripes can be a great asset - not uniform like 'Dennis the Menace' that flatten and widen the body, but stripes of varying widths and spaces.
Soft jersey fabric tops with draping effects create movement and shape. Look out for irregular patterns that can create great illusions of shape.
Trousers:
Wear trousers that are super wide and drape. Don't wear tights over those athletic thighs!
Jackets:
Try and find ones that nip in at the waist with a sash or tie. A tuxedo with super satin lapels that swoop down to a glitzy button look great with evening gowns or jeans.
Coats:
Try an Empire line that gathers under the bust.
Keeping it petite
Go for bright colours, but styles that are simple and streamlined. There are many stores that offer petite ranges these days.
Dresses:
Try a classic shift dress in a single colour. Keep it slim and straight - the wider the shape, the shorter you'll look. Ensure hemlines are no longer than the knee - seeing more leg makes your legs look longer. Avoid too many belts or bands of contrasting colour that shorten the look of the body.
Evening wear:
Try halter neck, strapless or off the shoulder styles. Black will make you disappear - go for shiny eye-catching colours.
Accessories:
Ensure they're not too overwhelming. Bags and jewellery should be in proportion with the small body shape. Choose a long narrow scarf to drape down the front of the body, providing an illusion of length.
Trousers:
Wear a fitted boot leg shape to give curves teamed with a loose satin shirt and short cardigan.
