Q. I have no idea what shoes to wear with this dress. I am attending a ball (black tie event). I am so clueless. Please help.

A. Your best color options for a purple dress are black and silver. We found some stunning options - all for under $100!

Unlisted Shoes, Secret File Evening Pumps $54 - Macy's

Madden Girl Luckiie Sequined Platform $60 - DSW

Peep Toe Sequin Heels $34 - Windsor

Silver Strappy Leather Heel $98 - White House

Zigi Soho Justus Stretch Platform Sandal $90 - DSW

Bandolino Women's Zarba Evening Sandal $75 - Endless.com

Miss Me Garnet 8 Ruffled Platform Sandal $50 - DSW

Q. I would love to invest in a pair of Frye Harness boots but I can't decide between the shorter 8R or the knee-high 12R style. I'm only 4'11 so I'm concerned that I might look silly if I paired the 8R with a loose dress or skirt.

A. We are huge fans of the classic Frye Harness boot with its motorcycle styling and rugged good looks. Not only are they great looking, but they are built to last for years and only look better with age. We love them with jeans, leggings and yes, dresses and skirts.

Since you are 4'11, you are right to be concerned with the height (shaft) of the boot and how it works with your proportions. Depending how long your legs are, the 12R with its 12" height should hit below your knee, making it our top choice to wear with your dresses and skirts. If, however, the 12" boot hits higher than 1" below your knee, your better choice would be the shorter 8R boot.

left: Frye Harness 12R, $222 at zappos.com

right: Frye Harness 8R, $192 at zappos.com

Q. I am 5'3" and weigh 140lbs. I wear a size 6-8. I am fairly curvy with a butt and hips. Can I wear skinny jeans? I always feel like i am too big for them.

A. Yes, curvy petite women can absolutely wear skinny jeans. Many women are surprised how flattering a skinny jean can be when they try on a pair worn with the right accessories and top. Here are some tips for looking great in skinnies:

• Pair them with a longer top that covers your tush and the widest part of your thighs
• Wear them with boots or heels to help elongate your legs
• When possible, opt for a monochromatic leg (dark denim or black skinny jeans worn with black knee high boots, for example) for a long, lean look

Here are a few looks to inspire you:

Jessica Simpson Women's Troppo Platform Bootie $128 - Endless.com

Silence & Noise Boyfriend Open Pinstripe Blazer $78 - Urban Outfitters

Two Way Shawl Collar Sweater $118 - Max Studio

N.Y.L.A. Women's Retusa Boot $189 - Endless.com

DKNY Jeans Skinny Jeans, Rinse Wash $48 - Macy's

Calvin Klein Jeans Petite Skinny Jeans, Black Sheen Wash $49 - Macy's

Q. I have two questions in one: I just got this cute but basic dress from Target in Charcoal. I am not great at accessorizing but would love to know what your suggestions might be. Also, could I wear knee high boots and tights with it? I'm short (5'3") and curvy (size 12-14) and I have finally found a great pair of leather knee high boots that fit my thick calves but I'm afraid they make me look even shorter. Can short, curvy gals wear knee high boots without looking stumpy?

A. Your dress was a great score for less than $20! It's a simple, timeless and flattering silhouette that you'll likely get a lot of use from. A necklace would be the perfect accessory to brighten up the monochromatic look. Look for one that doesn't hang too low or it will compete with the button details at the waist. A fun patterned or textured tight can also add interest to your dress.

For shoes, opt for a nice leg lengthening pump or yes, your knee high boots. Petite curvy women can absolutely wear the knee boot trend. For the most flattering look, follow these leg lengthening tips:

1. Opt for a boot with a 3" or higher heel that isn't too chunky. Flat boots can be a tough silhouette for petite women to wear.
2. Look for a shaft (the height of the boot) that hits an inch or more below your knee. A shaft that is too high and close to your knee can visually shorten the look of your legs. You may have to try on several different boots to find the most flattering shaft height for you, but try a 14" or 15" height to start.
3. Wear your boots with a similar color tight, legging or jean for a monochromatic look. Black boots worn with black tights creates one long line, rather than "chopping" your leg in half with a different color.

Merona® Petites Ponte Tab Waist Dress, $18.99 at target.com

SPANX Black Corset Patterned Tight-End Tights $28 - Torrid

Grand entrance chains necklace $49 - Banana Republic

Franco Sarto Artist Collection 'Buckeye' Boot (Nordstrom Exclusive) $139 - Nordstrom

Q. I got these great boots from my husband last year and I haven't worn them because I don't know what to wear them with. They are Stuart Weitzman tall boots that are very fitted and hit just below the knee, in a beautiful wine color. Help me because he thinks I don't like them because I haven't worn them!

A. First, count yourself lucky that your husband has such great taste and bought you such a stylish present. Second, pull those boots out of the closet - now! Not only is a wine colored tall boot incredibly chic this season, but it can be worn with so many looks you (hopefully) already own.

Don't let the wine color throw you, treat this as a neutral - the same as you would brown or black. In fact, wine pairs well with virtually every other color: black, brown, navy, cream, camel, green... the list goes on. Now that you know the color matches everything, wear your tall boots with: skinny jeans or leggings tucked into the boots, boot cut jeans worn over the boots, skirts and dresses paired with tights and your boots. On top, everything from chunky knit sweaters to pretty, feminine blouses will work.

Once you finally wear them, we're betting they'll be your new favorite shoes - and remember to thank your husband!

Q. I am a college student in the perpetually rainy state of Missouri. I own Hunter rain boots, but as it tends to be hot and muggy when it rains here, I have no idea how to wear them. My go-to combination of a sweater over skinny jeans is much too warm, and I don't really like wearing leggings. What do I pair with my boots to avoid being sweaty and wet, while still remaining chic on campus?

A. If skinny jeans or leggings tucked into your Hunter boots aren't working for you, then sub in a cute skirt to pair with your usual sweater combo. A dress also looks great with rubber boots. Here are 2 looks for inspiration:

Bobi Lightweight Long Sleeve V-Neck Tee $35 - Piperlime

Women's Plaid Belted Shirt Dresses $29 - Old Navy

Dark rinse denim pencil skirt $54 - Gap

Hunter Huntress $115 - Piperlime

Q. I am attending a fall wedding soon and am wondering how to look stylish and classy while maintaining warmth (I live in a very chilly climate.) What would you recommend wearing to such an event?

A. When it comes to fall and winter weddings, we women often have to suffer the cold weather in order to look stylish. Strapless dresses and strappy sandals are worn year round, regardless of the outside temperatures.

Since your wedding is likely inside, you really only need to worry about dressing warmly for the short walk from the car. You can either invest in a pricey evening coat that you'll rarely wear, or you can stick with a classic wool coat in 3/4 or longer length. I've even seen chic New Yorkers somehow "work" a puffy coat and black tie dress for a dressy evening out. Or, you can try one of this season's big trends: a (faux) fur jacket or chubby. Not only will it look great with your evening dress, but it will look fabulous with casual jeans and a sweater. Here are some favorites at every price range:

Bisous Stella Chubbie $695 - Kate Spade

Kristen Blake Faux Chinchilla Fur Jacket $128 - Nordstrom

Ralph Lauren Calbourne Faux Beaver Jacket $499 - Ralph Lauren

Du Monde Ombré Faux Beaver Jacket $128 - Nordstrom

Juicy Couture Faux Fur Jacket with Bracelet Sleeves $398 - shopbop.com

Betsey Johnson Faux Mink Chubby Jacket $357 - Bloomingdale's

Q. I'm trying to think of a Halloween costume that is still a costume, yet chic and stylish. Any ideas?

A. If batgirl, the sexy secretary or naughty nurse aren't your style, we've put together some stylish Halloween costume ideas using many of the items already in your closet. Have fun!

Beyonce's Single Ladies - Go with a couple of friends and dress like Beyonce and her dancers in the "Single Ladies" video. Wear a swimsuit or leotard, stockings and heels; tease your hair into a half up/half down style and wear a gigantic oversized cocktail ring.

1950s Housewife - Wear a '50s style dress with an apron and classic pumps. Carry an oven mitt and pie or a feather duster. Bonus points for retro hair.

Marilyn Monroe or '40s Pin Up Girl - If you're blonde, go for the Marilyn Monroe look; brunettes can be a pin up girl. Wear a retro-styled halter dress and pumps, add retro curls to your hair, and follow these makeup tips courtesy of celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman:

For bombshell makeup, start with a foundation that's a shade lighter than you usually use (try Revlon's Custom Creations foundation). This sets the stage for the crisp, retro look. Shade the crease of your eye with a soft beige-y taupe shadow. With a sponge-tipped applicator, apply a matte, bone colored shadow (or pale face powder) all over lids and add a silvery shimmer along the brow bone to highlight. The black liquid liner is very important. Run from tear duct to outer corner very close to the lash line. Extend liner up and out. Corner false lashes finish this alluring eye look. Fill out lips with a true blue-red lip liner and fill in with a deep red lipstick. Use very minimal blush in a soft pink. Ice the cake with Marilyn's iconic mole aka your black liquid liner!

Prom Queen / Bridesmaid / Pageant Girl - Find a new use for that old prom dress or bridesmaid dress (the tackier the better!) with one of these costumes. Add a tiara and perhaps a date in a powder blue tux for Prom Queen; a tiara, a bouquet of flowers and a sash with your town or state on it for Pageant Girl (don't forget your pageant wave!); for the always-a-Bridesmaid costume, carry a beat-up wedding bouquet and mess up your hair a bit so it looks like you knocked a few girls down to catch the bouquet.

Hippie - Put all those boho-chic clothes to good use and put together an outfit from the age of Aquarius (find pictures of the musical Hair for inspiration). Pull out the flared jeans, hippie tops and vests and frizz out your hair.

Robert Palmer girl - Here's a costume that's Simply Irresistible: grab some girlfriends, a little black dress and a guitar, slick your hair back and wear pale foundation, smokey eyes and red lips.

Lady Gaga - If you're adept with a makeup brush and willing to go pants-less, adopt one of GaGa's many looks for your Halloween pleasure. Get the makeup how-to here.

Q. I'm on the hunt for a stylish wool coat that is actually warm. Wool blends aren't warm enough for Midwestern winters. I'd love to see some suggestions for 100% wool coats and if you know of any with Thinsulate or similar layer for extra warmth, that's even better.

A. There are a few brands that offer wool coats lined with Thinsulate (or a similar insulation) which provide an added layer of warmth without the bulk or puffiness of down or quilted linings: jcrew.com, delias.com, alloy.com and landsend.com. Lands' End even goes the extra mile with temperature ratings for all of their coats. The insulated wool styles tend to be pretty basic and classic, in general, so if you're looking for one of this season's hottest coat trends, you might have to layer up for warmth.

Here are a few insulated styles we're liking, most are available in several colors:

Q. Do you have any suggestions for boots that be worn in the rain that aren't rain boots? I want boots that aren't Uggs for fall/winter but I don't want to ruin leather ones by wearing them when it's wet and gross outside.

A. There are many chic rain boot options that aren't Uggs and aren't made of rubber. Aquatalia and La Canadienne are famous for their waterproof/weatherproof leather and suede boots that come in a variety of styles and heel heights. Stuart Weitzman also offers a few rain proof styles. And for lightly rainy days when you're not stepping in deep puddles, a rugged boot like the ones from Frye should hold up well.

We found a ton of great options for you, check them out: