March 2009 Archives

Q. The ankle strap seems to be back this year. Could you please show a few examples of how to wear these sandals so they do not visually shorten your legs.

A. You’re right, the ankle strap is everywhere this season in many variations, from thin and ladylike to thick and rocker-inspired to wraparound gladiator-style. You are also right that they have a tendency to visually shorten legs. Here are some tips for wearing ankle straps:

1. Flat gladiator styles that often wrap more than once around your ankle can be a tough style to pull off for women with short legs or muscular calves. Look for lighter colors that closely match your skin tone like the model in look 1 above. Wear them with dresses, skirts or shorts that hit above the knee to make your legs look as long as possible. Or, wear them with maxi dresses that cover most of the leg anyway.

2. Look for ankle straps that hit below the ankle, like the pair in image #2. As you can see, they actually dip down towards the foot, giving you an extra inch or two below where the typical ankle strap hits.

3. Look for skinny straps in light colors like the pair in image #3. This will prevent the straps from visually chopping your leg at the ankle. Again, opt for a hemline above the knee. You can also try wearing them with cropped or rolled pants that hit just above the ankle or just below the wider part of your calf.

4. This season’s newest trend is the chunky cage heel which often comes in dark colors and features thick ankle straps - a tough look for anyone with less-than-slim calves or short legs to wear. This style looks best worn with minis or short shorts which allow as much leg to show as possible. As with other ankle strap heels, you can also wear them with cropped or rolled pants that hit just above the ankle or just below the wider part of your calf.

Q. I’m seeking Spring/Summer shoes that are appropriate for a formal office environment and that do not look stuffy outside of the office. I live in the city where walking can not be avoided so they need to be comfortable enough to be worn all day (standing, seated, or walking) , stylish enough to be considered a bit sexy, and between 2 3/4 - 3.5” high. Closed toe preferred or minimal toe. I’m flexible on color as long as they look good for summer.

A. Here are some (relatively) comfortable pumps and peep toes to wear to a conservative office that are cute enough to wear after hours.

Q. What kind of shoes can you wear for Spring and Summer if you don’t like the way your toes look? I see some really ugly toes sticking out of cute shoes and I don’t want to be one of those people!!

A. Footwear options for spring and summer tend to be toe-baring, but don’t fret, there are some beautiful options that will conceal your toes in the warm weather. Some of our favorites include strategic cutouts and perforations which give you the feel of a sandal in a closed-toe style:

Q. I have a skirt similar to the one featured in Ask Us (what to wear with a short, full skirt). I, too, am petite, but I’m curvy, so I don’t think horizontal stripes or lots of ruffles would work for me. I’m a size 4-6 in skirts, but I’m a 32F on top. Have any advice for the more voluptuous woman?

A. If you’re petite with a full bust, it’s best not to tuck your shirt into your short full skirt, as this will emphasize your bust and give you the appearance of a short waist. Instead, wear fitted v-neck or scoop neck tops that hit mid-hip for the most flattering silhouette. Darker tops will also help to deemphasize your bust. Cardigans, fitted blazers and jackets are also good options for you. Experiment with a skinny belt worn slightly below your natural waistline, but only if it’s flattering for you. Here are a few more ideas:

Current/Elliott The Snap denim jacket $275 - Net-A-Porter

Women’s Ruffled Cardigans $26 - Old Navy

Ribbon Chiffon Blouse $21 - Charlotte Russe

pleated Miuccia skirt $66 - Fred Flare

Juicy Couture Pleated Silk Skirt $228 - Saks Fifth Avenue

Matter & Motion Skirt $88 - Anthropologie

If you’re petite with a full bust, it’s best not to tuck your shirt into your short full skirt, as this will emphasize your bust and give you the appearance of a short waist. Instead, wear fitted v-neck or scoop neck tops that hit mid-hip for the most flattering silhouette. Darker tops will also help to deemphasize your bust. Cardigans, fitted blazers and jackets are also good options for you. Experiment with a skinny belt worn slightly below your natural waistline, but only if it’s flattering for you.

Q. For the past few years, I have been looking for a spring jacket that I can wear to work and still wear on the weekends. I have yet to see anything that really catches my eye. Can you please offer some insight?

A. I assume you are referring to outerwear and not a blazer or jacket intended to wear as part of your outfit. Your best option for a spring coat to wear to work and on weekends is one of our favorite wardrobe must-haves: the trench coat. Look for one that hits above your knee - it will easily pair with everything from work dresses and suits to casual jeans and cropped pants. We’re loving bright colors and pretty patterns this season, but basic black and khaki are nice options also.

Here are some styles you’ll want to wear 7 days a week:

Q. I bought this “Susanna” skirt pictured below from Delia’s for spring, and I’m not quite sure what to wear with it. It’s a bit high-waisted, which I’m not used to. I’m very petite (5’3, 100 lbs) so i was trying to find something that would add some curves. The website shows girls wearing it with hoodies but I think that looks a little ridiculous (plus I’m 28 - looking for more of a pulled together, fashiony look). Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

A. Great find! Short, full skirts are a big trend this season and there are many ways to wear them that don’t look too young. Here are 3 ideas for you:

1. Wear a simple fitted shirt over the waist band and then add a belt at the waist if you want to dress it up further, skip the belt if you prefer a relaxed casual look.
2. Tuck in a pretty blouse. You can also add a belt at the waistband here if you like.
3. Pair a belted jacket (great for adding curves) or little cardigan over a tank top or tee shirt.

‘Janelle’ high-heel gladiator $140 - Banana Republic

Matisse Women’s Scoop Ankle Open Toe Flat $84 - Endless.com

Kenneth Cole Reaction Pine Language $79 - Piperlime

Patent Pyramid Stud Belt $7 - Forever 21

Stretch sateen safari jacket $69 - Newport News

Elle Stripe Side Ruched Tee $24 - Arden B

Mixed Lace Ruffle Top $38 - Arden B

Susanna Skirt $34 - Delia’s

Q. I recently bought a white twill blazer from Old Navy and would like some casual ideas on what to pair it with. I live in Florida and don’t have to wait til it warms up to start wearing it. Seems like it should be a no brainer and would work with just about everything but you always offer great ideas that I would never think of!

A. A white blazer is a great wardrobe addition this season, and yours from Old Navy is not only versatile, but affordable too! I applaud your decision to start wearing your blazer now - that old rule about not wearing white before Memorial Day is so outdated. To wear your white blazer casually, think of it almost as a replacement for a jean jacket, wearing it with day dresses, cargo pants, jeans, skirts, etc. Here are a few outfit ideas for you:

Women’s Twill Blazers $29 - Old Navy