A long scarf that’s “pulled through a loop” or tied in any other way so that the ends form a vertical line down the front of your body has a slimming effect. Worn this way, the scarf creates a long lean line that is surprisingly flattering. Remember to think of a scarf as an item that you can add to your ensemble on mild Autumn and Winter days without a coat. The scarf is often the first accessory to come out in Europe when it gets chilly (before a jacket or coat), so don’t feel that you have to save the item for freezing temperatures.

I love everything about scarves. They keep me warm and elongated, add colour to my outfit and complete the look. I keep my scarf pulled through a loop because that works best for my style (the blue scarf on the right), but here are more ways to tie a scarf in keeping with its vertical appeal.

Each season there’s a handful of items that everyone can integrate into their wardrobe to keep their look updated, hip and current. It’s just a question of finding the versions that are right for you. Here’s my top 10 list for this season:

1. Boots, boots, boots kick any outfit up a notch and I can’t stress this point enough. Booties, ankle boots, calf-high and knee-high boots either casual or dressy are statement pieces and absolute winners.
2. Clutches are “the bag of the season” and they don’t need to cost the earth. You’ll get away with a perfectly fine looking $30 clutch for an “of the moment” going out look.
3. Patent shoes or handbag (or both), because the trend has been around for 3 consecutive seasons and there’s no end in sight for Spring. It’s time to indulge in black, a colour or crinkle versions of high shine.
4. Party capsules are essential at this time of year because you don’t want to be caught unprepared for a fancy event. Invest in the right party pieces and you’ll wear them over and over again.
5. Comfy tunics allow us to move around freely and stylishly, so make this season’s voluminous trend work for you. Either over jeans, with leggings and flats, or with hose and knee-high boots.
6. Dark straight leg jeans (or skinnies) go hand in hand with voluminous tops and therefore can not be ignored.
7. Lantern sleeve top or jacket, because this type of volume is easy to wear and interesting to look at.
8. Trenches are timeless and they work in Spring, or as your only Winter coat if your Winters are mild. Think beyond the traditional Burberry style trench because there are countless options to suit all fashion personas.
9. Winter coats add a level of polish and sophistication to any ensemble. Casual or smart, long or short, trendy or classic, a Winter look is not complete if you don’t have the perfect coat (remember the 3 coat complement if you prefer a tight wardrobe).
10. Something bright in either a top, coat, shoe, handbag, scarf, hat or all of the above to celebrate the glorious resurgence of colour.

Spring fashions hit stores in February so there’s still time to work through this list.

A pair of casual knee- or calf-length weatherproof boots are a must if your Winters are cold and wet. They’re usually best worn over straight or skinny jeans, but under a casual dress or skirt with tights is also an option.

Causal tall boot selections are abundant this season.Take your pick of the following styles:

• Wellies are ideal for muddy playgrounds, farm settings and walks with the dogs. You might need to try on a few before you decide on a pair because rubber can be a little stiff around the ankle. I’ve found that wellies are most flattering when they are knee-length instead of calf-length, so be sure to try both looks.
• Lace-ups are rugged and sporty and a particularly good choice for those with narrow calves.
• Fleece-lined boots are cozy and toe toasting. Select a style with rubber heels and soles to keep the warmth in and the damp out.
• Faux fur styles are adorable and perfect for snowy après ski settings.
• Urban looks with rubber soles are versatile, utilitarian and the perfect Winter walking shoe.

Your look comes together quickly with a pair of great casual boots because they do all the talking. Add a flattering piece of knitwear, a casual parka or coat and a tote or sling bag and that’s it. Your outfit is functional, comfortable and stylish. Easy!

Lace-ups	Fleece-lined	Faux Fur

Faux Fur	Urban	Urban

Thank you for last week’s informative comments on Trinny & Susannah’s twelve body shape definitions. Overall, I’m left with the impression that people find them a little confusing. Perhaps the simpler approach of sticking to five simple categories is more effective after all.

Here are some additional thoughts on using body types to maximize your style quotient:

1. Don’t expect an exact match: Instead of boxing a person into one category, I prefer to suggest that they tend towards a particular body type. It is impossible to create a small set of shapes that matches all of our unique bodies, but a few rudimentary generalizations can be made to create rough guidelines.
2. Use the definitions as a starting point…: Even if you’re unsure about your exact body type, chances are high that you will at least tend towards one of my five categories. This makes for a good starting point. Once you understand the basics of what’s recommended for this shape, you can zone in on the specifics and concentrate on which cuts and fits look best.
3. ...but focus on your unique body: Whether you have a short or long neck, a large or small bust, a short or long waist and a flat or full tummy will all play a role. In the end it’s all about figuring out what looks best on your body rather than categorizing your body shape. Nicole’s comment sums this up perfectly.
4. Use multiple categories if necessary: Some people find similarities with more than one category. For example, you may tend towards an hourglass but your slightly fuller thighs have you also following some of the rules for the pretty pear. Note that some types are not compatible: you can’t be a mixture of the pretty pear and the inverted triangle because these shapes are completely opposite.
5. Rules are made to be broken: You might find that you can break some of your body type rules because you have a stronger feature that lets you “get away with it”. Again, body type is a starting point, but your unique body has the final word.

I enjoyed The Body Shape Bible because it addresses real women with real bodies. I don’t personally find Trinny and Susannah’s nomenclature offensive, but I can understand how some people might feel this way (after all, no-one likes thinking of themselves as a “brick”). The overall tone of what they are saying about ALL women’s bodies is positive and in no way harmful to any body image.