Q.  I love all the geometric prints and patterns that are on trend for spring but find it hard to pull off this look with my hourglass figure.  Is this achievable?

A. So, you want to incorporate a few right angles into your wardrobe? Wearing oversized geometric prints is certainly difficult to pull off with any body shape let alone an hourglass one.  However, it is possible to achieve with a critical eye. 

The trick is to find a print that you can wear, rather than the print wearing you.  Large scale geometric prints will make your curves appear bigger while smaller prints and cleverly placed geometric lines can make you appear taller and leaner as well as emphasizing your best feature – your curves!

For a head to toe look opt for a simple sheath style dress.  Avoid long horizontal lines and always make sure vertical lines run down the centre of the garment. Wear softer abstract and diagonal prints around the bust and hips.  Highlight curves with lines that trace over them in figure hugging body con styles for a sexy night out that will guarantee you male attention. 

Choose small geometric repeat prints on an A-line coat nipped in at the waist. Be sure to always keep the hemline at knee length to elongate the body and create the illusion of longer legs.

You can clash prints but this requires much skill so I advise that you stick to either dressing your top or bottom half in geometric prints - for example pair a geometric print pencil skirt with a peplum top in block colour. Geometric print across the shoulders onto a capped sleeve is also very flattering on the hourglass shape. 

If the thought of wearing geometric prints makes you feel uncomfortable but you are still determined to work this trend you can choose to take the minimalist approach and concentrate on the details.  Laser cut geometric shapes in fabrics and statement accessories are an easy and less complicated way to wear this trend.  Wear one statement accessory - this can be anything from a handbag, belt or scarf to a detailed piece of jewellery or a watch.    

Go on, give this trend a try and start to play with triangles, squares, rectangles, diamonds and geometric frameworks on your clothes.  Precision patterns and hi-res digital prints are the perfect way to introduce flamboyancy to your wardrobe for 2013.  Master the geometric trend now as I can assure you these powerful prints will be everywhere by Spring.  

Peter Pilotto's resort 13 collection offers a striking range of modern geometric prints with clean lines that create a sleek sophisticated look, definitely not for the retro lover.

Look 1

       

Printed shift dress by Peter Pilotto £500 at Harvey Nichols. Steel white rubber case set premier watch with diamonds and white mother of pearl dial by Chanel £3275 at Hamilton & Inches. T-bar open sandal with gold & metallic blue heel by Christian Louboutin £425 at Cruise.

Look 2

       

Printed top £405 & printed pencil skirt £485 both by Peter Pilotto at Harvey Nichols. Steel white rubber case set premier watch with diamonds and white mother of pearl dial by Chanel £3275 at Hamilton & Inches.

Look 3

       

Printed 3/4 sleeved dress by Peter Pilotto £775 at Harvey Nichols. Steel white rubber case set premier watch with diamonds and white mother of pearl dial by Chanel £3275 at Hamilton & Inches. Nude and mesh ankle shoes by Nicholas Kirkwood £550 at Cruise.

Styling: Lisa Ringrose

Photography: Jeff Mars

Hair: John Bowers at Bowers & Peacock, using Lanza’s Keratin Healing Oil

Make-Up: Susan Lucas using Tom Ford Beauty

Location: House for an Art Lover, Glasgow