by 
Lisa Armstrong is the Telegraph’s Head of Fashion. She started her career in fashion at Vogue. She has written four novels, has an honorary doctorate from the University of the Arts in London and was awarded an OBE in 2022 for services to fashion.
Every week, she answers your questions, lending her expertise to help you shop smart. Do you have a question for her? Enter it below.
Dear Lisa,
I am slowly entering a new phase of working life, ie. more work from home (I’m 66 but don’t want to retire yet). I gave a lot of my good press to Smart Works (please promote them!) and the rest to charity shops.
I have nice jumpers, leggings, boots, etc. ! Strange how it suddenly seems to be fashionable!
I have an evening work event, a posh birthday lunch with my husband, dinner with my sister, Christmas drinks at home and Christmas itself. Looking for something as versatile as possible! If so, I don’t need to think about every occasion. I’m 5ft 8in, size 18-20, no waist to speak of, I don’t want cleavage. Thank you!
– Veronica
Dear Veronica,
Thanks for the shout out Smart Works – charity is close to The Telegraph Heart of the Fashion Team. If you weren’t at one of our big annual sales for their sake, try to make up for it next year. We only have one and the deals are great.
The sequin midi and cashmere sweater definitely sounds very timely, but to contrast, how about a trouser suit. With your height you could look great – and the right blazers, one that is slightly inclined, with strong shoulders, will give you the illusion of a waist. Try this one from Jigsaw, currently on sale for £192.
It’s nice to wear showing as much skin as you feel confident (no need for cleavage if you don’t want to). Or go directly with the androgynous flow with a straight cut. Add some feminine glamor with a silky, unbuttoned blouse and gold or silver jewellery – especially near the face because it really helps skin glow up. This look from ME+EM is pricey (£650) but it gives you the idea. They go up to a size 16 but their sizes are quite generous.
A good quality cotton corduroy could also do the trick, and this one, from Max Mara (£375), should shrink with age, and is sold up to a size 18.
Alternatively, a midi knit skirt and a long-line jumper like this one from M&S (£49), accessorised with heels or boots and clean-line jewelery itself could give you plenty of options.
– Lisa
Dear Lisa,
I’m in my late twenties working in the City and my progress is a classic (British) look. I have an athletic body type that I’m used to dressing and loving, but my chest has grown! I can’t find the right blouse or the right bra to go with the specific blouse.
What blouse style or top/shirt style should I be thinking about? I love a classic feminine look but late blouses just don’t hit the mark for me. I like to use fashion as a subtle means of communication at work and it also helps me to trust myself.
– Mathilde
Dear Mathilde,
I’m glad you ask because designers often ignore dressing your body shape. You’re right, getting the right bras is key. I have always loved Rigby & Peller for their gold plated expertise – generally you need to make an appointment with them, which sounds like a faff, but the wait time is reduced, and once you’re in, they make the whole process painless. Unlike the department stores, their service is consistent.
Blouses and fussy tops are not for you. Avoid yokes, ruffles, exaggerated lapels and high necklines. Wrapped blouses are great – much better on a fuller bust than flat chests. They can also help define your waist, giving you an enviable hourglass shape.
This cotton top (£250), with a hip-enhancing peplum from the Fill, in white, black or navy, is perfect and so is this pink silk top (£250). Investments sure – the blouse is your main piece – but if they’re a bit overpriced, use them as a template. Boden and M&S also have some good options.
You don’t have to limit yourself to a wrap blouse. Anything in a soft, silky, drapy fabric could be good. This one from ME+EM with ties (£250) is very nice – leave them undone for a modern, easy move that’s also super feminine. This glamorous lamé blouse from Wyse London (£195), however, is selling out fast.
You could even get away with frills if the cut and fabric are right. This olive blouse from Sézane (£100) is definitely a possibility. – an unbutton may look like the picture online on your figure, although you should try it first.
T-shirts – again, look for V necks as they elongate your neck, creating better balance and a fuller bust. Cefinn, Cos, ME+EM. Or this looks great, from Everlane, £29.
You will look great.
– Lisa
