Glen answers your summer fashion worries

Hello everyone,

I hope you're all ok and enjoying the warm weather! Thank you for all your questions, I hope the answers help.

Hi Glen
I'm a fairly young 46 (ie no wrinkles yet!), I'm somewhat chunky but luckily in proportion. However, I have really big upper arms, way out of proportion to the rest of my body (17"!!) I always end up in stretchy T shirts etc....HELP (sniff!)

Glen says: Being worried about your upper arms is a common problem. Soft, sheer fabrics that hint at skin are great for summer. Satin, silks, linen and mesh are all good fabrics to go for and can be worn day or night. For evening wear, go for beaded wraps or pashminas - these will hide your upper arms but won't add any extra bulk.

Hi Glen
Can you advise me on what to wear to feel good and yet be comfortable?  I am mainly in a wheelchair so creasing is a problem and long floaty sleeves are out as they catch in my wheels.  I am size 18/20 and 5ft 8ins. I do exercise daily so have quite big arms and shoulders (pure muscle)  Any advice would be appreciated as I like to look good even if I am in a wheelchair. I am 69 years young.

Glen says: 3/4 length sleeves are perfect - you still have your lower arms on show but the material won't get caught in your wheels.  3/4 length sleeves are really popular in the ranges we sell at QVC at the moment. You should check out Casual & Co for day wear and Kim & Co for both day and evening wear. Go for lightweight, soft materials that will keep you cool - linen blends or cotton are good for summer. To make yourself feel good, accessorise your outfits! There's loads of great jewellery around at the moment, so have fun with colours, layers and textures.

Hi Glen,
I wonder if you could possibly help me, I don't feel confident wearing belts, with any tops I've bought - I have bought all different coloured belts - red, black, brown, gold and pewter, but still don't know how to wear them. Can you help? Thanks Joanne.

Glen says: This really depends on your size - if you’re average to slim, you should use belts to cinch in your waist - it's a very high fashion look at the moment. If you’re fuller-figured you should wear looser fitting tops with a belt sitting just above your hips - this is hippy chic and is very flattering for larger figures.

Hi glen,
I have just lost about 2 stone in weight, I have much more confidence and am quite keen to wear the bright and unusual clothes that I used to wear however I am quite top-heavy and am unsure what sort of tops to wear, I am about a size 18 top at the moment!

Glen says: Indigo Moon would be fabulous for you - heavily embellished jackets with dark backgrounds and bright beads. The relaxed, easy shape would suit your shape wonderfully. For day-time, Artscape T-shirts would be flattering - they feature colourful designs but are also good for fuller figures.

Hi Glen, Could you suggest some tops I could wear on hot days which hide my upper arms and yet aren't too baggy?  I am fairly top-heavy and baggy tunics and t-shirts make me look huge!  Many thanks for your help, you do a great job and I always enjoy watching your shows.

Glen says: Tops with 3/4 length sleeves will cover your upper arms but are also quite cool for the warmer weather. Check out Casual & Co and Kim & Co - you'll find lots of suitable tops. Open or embellished necklines will draw attention away from areas you aren’t so confident about. Wear wraps around your shoulders in the evening - any wrap will cover your upper arms but will look very chic. Try wearing tailored tops as shapeless baggy garments will only make you look bigger. Pair these with flared or boot-cut trousers as these will balance your shape.

Hi Glen! I love your fashion shows as you are really helpful to us viewers. I want to ask you if a lot of the tops and jackets would suit me as I'm 5 feet tall. Also, is there going to be more trousers for the petite woman? I get a fair amount of trouble getting trousers and jeans to fit nicely as I have a 27" inside leg.
Many thanks.

Glen says: Centigrade would suit your petite frame. They have fun, summery-coloured jackets and tops that you could try. Centigrade also does some lovely leather and suede jackets that would suit you. Have a look at cropped trousers as they have the right proportions for your size.

Hi Glen - can you tell me when the next fashion day is please? Don't think I've missed Summer Fashion Day (??!!) but as an avid QVC watcher for many years, I'm sure you've normally had it by now.........Love QVC fashion, and desperate to see a fashion day!

Glen says: The next fashion day is on Friday 22nd August. Make sure you tune in!

Hi Glen!
What's the best trendy way for me to draw attention away from overweight thighs, bum and tum?
When the weather gets warm or I go somewhere hot on hols I always feel self conscious of these areas and often tight, brief or flimsy items can be a nightmare! However, I love bright colours and high fashion statement pieces. Thanks a lot for your help! Kerrie x

Glen says: Treat yourself to great shoes, sparkling accessories and a fabulous bag. These will make a statement and draw attention away from the areas you're self-conscious of. Be playful with accessories and don't be afraid of colour! Stay away from very tight, clingy garments, instead go for well cut, structured clothes that skim your figure or summery skirts and trousers. Make sure you choose cool, light-weight material that won't cling when you're hot. Have a look at our linen trousers or floaty loose-fitting skirts.

Glen you are such a down to earth presenter and you can tell that fashion is clearly your passion your so consistent in your approach and i love you for that!! keep doing what you obviousley do so well any how i could go on ....i would like some advice on summer fashion for ladies who dont want to reveal legs and arms but want to look summery fashinable and pulled together i have scars on my arms which i have to keep protected from the sun so please please more long sleeved tops but more fitted as am a small 10 would be wonderful thankyou so much love babs from manchester age 38

Glen says: As I've said to the other ladies, 3/4 length sleeves are such a good investment for summer - they'll cover your arms but will still reveal a bit of skin. Go for light fabrics like a linen blend - have a look at the Casual & Co range.
A long floaty skirt is a summer wardrobe staple - they're lovely and cool, cover any bits your conscious of and they look fabulous in the summer months. To pull the outfit together, try putting a belt around your waist or just above your hips.

Hi Glen,
Hoping you can help me, I have recently slimmed down from size 18 to size 14 but I have had breast cancer twice and have had double mastectomy with no reconstruction, therefore tops are very hard for me to find as any with darts, low necks or empire line detail are unsuitable as I have nothing to fill them with. I am buying mens t-shirts and jumpers but am desperate for some femininity, thanks
Debbie

Glen says: I think you need to create a clean fit with a little slip or a cotton vest top - both Casual & Co and Kim & Co do nice ones. Then you should layer with loose-fitting, floaty kaftans. They're very fashionable and feminine and will give you a soft, summery look. Pair the kaftan with lightweight, flowing skirts, cropped trousers or long-line linen trousers. Structure and proportion is important for you. Try a loose belt sat on your hip for shape and wear beaded jewellery for movement around your neckline. For looking and feeling good in the evening, have a look at the Dreamkeeper range - there are some lovely sparkly and feminine pieces.


Thank you for all your lovely comments and questions, I hope the advice helps!

Glen x

Comments

[rosie]

Hi Glen - love QVC fashion - thanks for the date for the next fashion day.Would love to see you in your own once a week regular show,with the great fashion and all your hints and tips?

[patricia coulson-wood]

Hi Glen, I have recently retired as a district nurse and following wearing a uniform daily for years I am now stuck to know what to wearon a daily basis.
I am 55 now and tend to wear alot of tops and overshirts which are safe clothes and at times I feel totally boring. I want to cover my upper arms and am unsure what else to wear. I am 5.8 and size 14/16.

[joanne]

JUST TO SAY THANKS GLEN FOR YOUR ADVICE ABOUT WEARING BELTS, IM A SIZE 16 AND I WILL WEAR THEM JUST ABOVE MY HIPS HOPEFULLY IT WILL LOOK GOOD SO THANKS GLEN PS LOVE YOUR SHOWS ON QVC THANKS JOANNE.