By Lisa Magrath

The mac has been around for what seems like forever, and with very good reason. It’s the perfect option to transition your wardrobe from spring to summer, smart enough to wear to work but also ideal for a more relaxed look at the weekend.

The supercoat we know today started life as a raincoat and was first sold in 1824. Thankfully, things have come a long way with everyone from Hermes to Dunnes Stores offering their take on this wardrobe must-have.

Fit is essential when choosing a mac. If you don’t fall in love with it the moment you try it on it’s not for you. Watch out that the coat doesn’t appear too strained across the chest, that the back of the coat is not too tight fitting, and make sure you can comfortably lift your arms above your head. At the same time if the shoulders are too generous or the belt doesn’t fit neatly round the waist you won’t achieve the sharp look a mac usually brings.

This year the most coveted mac has got to be the Burberry trench, which has become ubiquitous with their poster girl – actress Emma Watson (pictured). But there’s a vast range of fantastic macs well within the grasp of a more modest budget. If you’re in the market for a mac check out Marks and Spencer, Dunnes Stores, Topshop, Debenhams, Wallis or Dorothy Perkins who are all giving great mac at the moment. With so much choice out you’re sure to find the perfect fit, and as the mac seems to make a reappearance every spring, it’s extremely likely you will reach for it again this time next year.

The modern take on the mac has a hemline that hits on or slightly above the knee creating a sassy, sexy look. This season why not inject a splash of colour into your outfit with a bright bold mac in yellow, blue, red, fuchsia or even polka dots. If you’re a traditionalist the neutral beige option will still hold the most appeal.

Macs work well over tailored trousers, pencil skirts or shirt dresses for the office, but be careful of the length here as an above the knee mac with a knee length dress or skirt will look untidy. Ideally I’d recommend wearing a mac slightly longer than your skirt – macs are all about structure and tailoring, so sloppy layering just won’t cut it.

For a more casual approach, team neutral macs with skinny jeans and simple pumps. A vintage print silk scarf folded in a triangle around the shoulders will give a great element of Granny chic, or a tartan woolen scarf is another kitsch way to add colour if you’ve opted for a neutral coloured trench. To avoid Dick Tracey comparions ideally steer clear of hats with a mac, in particular a beret – remember the look you’re going for is classic contemporary not French Resistance

One of the most beautiful things about the female form is that it comes in such a variety of different shapes and sizes. Definitely something to be celebrated, it’s also something that can cause a lot of headache when shopping.

Ask yourself, how many people do you know with the same body shape as you? Most stores manufacture sizes for a mass market, essentially creating garments made to fit millions of women. In reality this just doesn’t cut it.

If like so many women, you sometimes have trouble finding clothes that fit perfectly off the hangar, don’t despair! Here are a couple tips you should bear in mind when dressing for your body shape…and you should have the number of a good tailor on speed dial.

1) No matter what your body shape use cuts, colours & patterns that accentuate the positive aspects of your figure and draw the eye away from any problem areas.

2) If you’ve a long torso and short legs, you should put together outfits with the focus on your legs. By wearing clothes that make your legs look longer, you’ll look longer overall and therefore leaner. High-waisted skirts & trousers are great for this. Also by matching the colour of your belt, trousers/skirt, tights and shoes you create the illusion of a longer line.

3) Most women would kill for long legs so I say if you’ve got them flaunt them! Wear slim fitting pants or skirts that show off your legs.

4) If you’re wider at the waist than you’d rather be, start by drawing attention elsewhere such as your neckline, face or legs. V-necks or empire lines are ideal for this as they draw the eye upward. Avoid trousers that cover your entire tummy as they’ll only make it look larger than it is.

5) Lastly, If you’re problem area is your bum and bottom half then you’ll want to make it appear smaller. Choose tops that hit at the top of the hip and choose silhouettes such as A-line skirts that flow away from the body. Avoid skirts with a lot of embellishments or a large pattern as they will only draw attention to your problem area.

These are just a couple of tips to help get you started on dressing for your body shape. Feel free to drop me a line if you have any more individual queries. Happy shopping!