Grab your handkerchief and heels. Lisa Haynes reveals how to work your womanly charms with the ladylike look
Tomboys take cover - fashion is embracing all things feminine with the ladylike trend.
Perfect for transition season, womanly styling looks equally as pretty in summer or autumn - just add a coat or cape when temperatures drop. "There's nothing like a favourite dress or skirt to make you feel oh-so-feminine," says Gok Wan, who plays on elegant silhouettes for his latest Gok for TU collection at sainsbury's. "I've applied a forties American twist, seen in the fit, flared hems, long, plunging necklines and billowing fabrics, for a look that's sophisticated, smart and chic."
From hourglass curves to cinched waists, flaunt your female form with some grown-up glamour.
FLARED VOLUME
Look to the runway of Dior for the ultimate in ladylike dressing: billowing full skirts that gracefully skim the shins, pointed heels and neck scarves to really raise the retro glamour factor.
Full skirts with maximum volume have an instant ladylike appeal from the moment you secure the zip. "Layer up with net underskirts to add as much volume as you want," recommends Gok.
The trick to wearing swooshy skirts the modern way is to team them with simple and elegant tops. Even a plain T-shirt will pull the biggest of skirts back down to earth for a daytime-friendly look.
Prom-style skirts and dresses will skim the hips and disguise heavy thighs making them perfect for pear shapes.
FORM FITTING
say hello to the hourglass silhouette with curve-clinging frocks that enhance the waistline. you don't have to have perfectlyproportioned curves like mad men's Christina Hendricks to pull off this look. seek out dresses with pull-in panels around the middle or bottom for a figure-boosting cheat.
If your bust is your best asset, look for scooped necklines but always balance out the decolletage on show with a longer hemline. separates are more flattering for those who are top or bottom-heavy and need to vary sizes.
Gok describes pencil styles as "the sexiest skirt shape on the planet". Try teaming one with a wrap-blouse to achieve the form-fitting effect and stick to darker colours on the half you want to slim down.
PRETTY PLEATS
Forget fine and dainty pleats and aim for the catwalk's box-fresh versions.
Pleated dresses and skirts are still ladylike, but the larger box pleats look more powerful than pretty, making them ideal for the office. "sophisticated A-line skirts flatten a bigger bottom and balance out curvy cleavages," Gok advises. "balance out the volume by keeping everything else as simple as possible."
For a floatier look, opt for lighter fabrics with movement or go structured with heavier fabrics that won't budge at the slightest gust of wind. box pleats can easily be dressed up or down - just adjust your top, jewellery and shoes accordingly.
ELEGANT EXTRAS
For top-to-toe demure, accessories will complete your ladylike look.
Gok says: "For a Grace Kelly look, team a fine-knit sweater with a pearl necklace and mid-height heels or ballet flats."
Whether you opt for above or below the knee hemlines, heels instantly elongate legs and boost the slimming effect. Keep things prim 'n' proper with round toes, or vamp things up with points.
Take inspiration from the Queen with the ultimate ladylike accessory - pearls. If you don't fancy wearing them the traditional way around your neck, experiment with an arm cuff or clutch bag, for a modern twist that won't remind you of an eccentric auntie.
n Seraphine fuchsia knot front dress, £46 (www.seraphine.com)
n Oasis pearl embellished clutch, £45 (www.oasis-stores.com)
n Teatro Jasmine jewel occasion dress, £42.40 (www.littlewoods. com)
n Meslita skirt, £125; jumper, £89; both Coast (www.coast-stores.com)
n Wrap blouse, £25; jacquard skirt, £30; both Gok for TU
n Pink blouse, £35; skirt, £35; both Damart