Big on summer fun

IT'S summertime and the living is supposed to be easy. But for many women, the thought of shorts, sundressess and strappy tops can leave them feeling queasy.

The equation in summer is simple: the more the temperature rises, the fewer clothes we wear. Which means only one thing - a mass strip off.

There's no place to hide. Your winter coat will be put away, ditto your comfy woolly jumpers and cardis. In fashion terms, you are born again. In real terms, you're going to have to bare some flesh. Yes, that stuff you've been hiding for nine months.

And here's another piece of maths. The more flesh you have, the less you feel like revealing. The temptation is to stock up on a rainbow selection of T-shirts and a couple of long skirts or loose trousers to see you through the summer.

Or you could take a different approach all together. You could have fun and splash out on a few summer basics which make the most of your best assets.

Yes, you shall go to the beach. Or at least get the most out of summer.

Elizabeth Wright is the personal shopper at Browns department store in York and often works with plus-size customers, transforming their wardrobe, image and confidence with a few easy-to-follow and common-sense tips.

She says: "Lots of larger ladies actually buy clothes which make them look bigger. Gentle tailoring, choosing the right fabric and cut can make all the difference.

"A simple rule is to wear a uniform colour and not split the body up by wearing a mix of different colours."

Elizabeth advises people to look at themselves in the mirror critically and pick out their best feature - then play to that.

"It might be your eyes, your lips, your hair. Pay attention to that. That is what people notice about you," she says.

Don't skimp on accessories such as shoes, or grooming. Have your hair done regularly, and learn how to apply make-up expertly which, says Elizabeth, can make your face appear thinner.

One of the best investments is a properly-fitted bra.

"Lots of larger ladies have a lovely bust, which they try to hide. But they should accentuate it. A well-fitted bra is essential. It makes all the difference; it will lift your bust, give you a waist and make your top half look slimmer."

Finally, she advises, ooze confidence. "It doesn't matter what size you are, if you look good, you will feel good about yourself. You will look in the mirror with a sense of satisfaction. Walk tall, and you will instantly look slimmer."

The High Street is stocked with the latest looks for summer, so there is no excuse not to dip your toe in the water.

Shops such as Dorothy Perkins and Wallis offer a limited range of plus-size fashions, but M&S, New Look and Evans all have their own dedicated ranges. Elvi at Browns in Davygate is a plus-size specialist and has just brought out a new range designed for women shorter than 5ft 2ins. Ann Harvey in Coney Street stocks fashions in sizes 16-28.

The internet is a good resource for the plus-size shopper. Check out the website: www.plussizeclothing.co.uk which offers a guide to buying everything from shoes and sexy lingerie to maternity and wedding dresses.

All you need now is that vital summer accessory. Some sunshine.

Top tips for a slimmer silhouette

Turning tricks: Dress from head to toe in one tone, preferably in a dark colour such as navy or aubergine, which will give the illusion of a slimmer figure because dark colours absorb light.

Size matters: Choose the right size. Floppy, baggy clothing looks scruffy, while tight clothes are unflattering. Instead of a cardigan, wear a long jacket, unbuttoned to create a longer line.

Go undiecover: Invest in good underwear. Get measured for a bra and splash out on tights, bras, knickers and bodyshapers with plenty of lycra and control features.

Height stuff: Ditch the flatties and get some heels, those extra inches will balance your width.

Love that neckline: Elongate the neck with V-necks, sweetheart necklines and vertical cowl necks. Avoid chokers, go for long necklaces and pendants instead.

Shop with a mission: Try on your favourite clothes and note how they fit and flatter you, then shop for similar colours, fabrics, shapes and lengths.

Keep it simple: Forget frills. Go for simple, sharper styles, but not stuffy ones.

And finally: Choose trousers with flapless pockets and flat fronts, prints with a dark background, and remember a small handbag emphasises the fuller figure, go for a square shaped one instead. If you are petite (under 5ft 3ins) scale prints, pockets and accessories down, so they don't overpower your figure.

Updated: 08:44 Saturday, May 22, 2004