Fashion

Q. I keep seeing printed pants everywhere. Is this going to carry through to the spring? How can I wear them without looking like a fashion victim?

A. Printed pants are indeed a big trend right now and will continue to be all the way through spring. On the runways, we saw plenty of printed pants paired with printed tops -- and even printed shoes! But the best way to wear them in the real world is to pair them with monochromatic pieces and let the printed pants be the focal point of your look.

We're seeing everything from printed palazzo pants to cropped skinny jeans, the latter being the most wearable in my opinion. Here are some looks for inspiration and some of our favorite printed skinnies to wear now and in the spring:

Piazza Sempione Audrey Printed Capris $470 - Neiman Marcus

Alice Olivia Floral-Print Wide-Leg Pants $297 - Neiman Marcus

Lela Rose Static-Print Cotton Pants $695 - Neiman Marcus

Current/Elliott The Stiletto Leopard Print Pants $198 - Bloomingdale's

Vince Camuto Safari Print Skinny Ankle Pants $99 - Nordstrom

Runway Parker Print Ankle Skinny Pant $225 - DKNY

Runway Ankle Skinny Pant $225 - DKNY

J Brand 801 Leggings Jeans $209 - Piperlime

Legging - Galaxy $176 - Rag & Bone

Q. I'm a size 16/18 and looking to add some stylish (but flattering) dresses to my work wardrobe. I work at a very fashionable P.R. firm, so I'm looking for dresses that are on-trend, not the usual plus size frumpiness I see everywhere. I love color and prints, can you give me some options?

A. Absolutely! There's no reason why plus size women should have to settle for boring or frumpy. I found some really stylish work dresses for you at nordstrom.com. Here are some of my favorites, but it's worth checking out their full selection:

Q. I have read over and over again that straight leg style jeans (without whiskering) are the most flattering jeans for most figures. I'm having a difficult time identifying a true straight leg jean, one that goes straight down from the widest part of the hip and does not taper. All the straight leg styles look skinny or tapered, which I don't think would flatter my curves. Can you recommend a true straight leg jean!

Q. I keep hearing that pastel colors are a trend for spring, does that mean I can't wear all the bright colors and neon shades from last year?

A. Yes, delicate pastel hues are going to be big for spring 2012 in a way that they haven't for several years. Look for soft sherbet colors like mint green and pale pink to add a sweet touch to your wardrobe. The good news is, bright colors, and yes, even fluorescents, will continue to be hot through 2012. In other words, when it comes to color, anything goes.

From the soft pastel hues seen at Chanel, Phillip Lim and Marc Jacobs to the
bold bright color at Nanette Lepore and Jason Wu, expect spring to bring the full color wheel for 2012.

Q. I received a brown sleeveless vest cardigan sweater for Christmas from my mother-in-law. I really like it, but I am having trouble figuring out what to wear under it. Please help!

A. There are a number of ways to wear your sweater vest. For underpinnings, look for jersey long sleeve tops and turtlenecks or silk and cotton button downs. If your vest is chunky or oversized like the options below, be sure your underpinning has a slim fit. You can wear your vest loose and open or style it with a skinny or wide belt. Have fun with this versatile piece!

Forever 21 Stitched Stretch Belt $6 - Forever 21

Leopard Skinny Belt $99 - Isabella Oliver

Coincidence & Chance Silk Button-Down Blouse $69 - Urban Outfitters

Tahari cream jersey 'Cecile' turtleneck top $62 - Bluefly

Three Dots currant cotton-modal stretch long sleeve thermal t-shirt $45 - Bluefly

Splendid 2x1 Ribbed Long Sleeve T-Shirt $58 - Bare Necessities

Forever 21 Looped Yarn Cardigan $27 - Forever 21

Hinge® Belted Asymmetric Sleeveless Cardigan $98 - Nordstrom