Recently in How to wear Category

Q. I love that shorts are longer this season, but I always feel so frumpy in Bermuda shorts. Can you help me find a flattering pair?

A. Bermuda shorts were a hit on the Spring runways and a nice alternative to the short shorts we’ve been seeing for many seasons now. Depending on the style of shorts you choose as well as what you pair with them, they can be dressed up for work and evening, or dressed down for weekends. Here are a few tips for finding your most flattering pair (and avoiding the frump):

• Choose a slim-cut pair for the most flattering silhouette.
  
• Petite women want to look for a pair that hits a couple of inches above the knee, while women with longer legs can wear shorts that hit at or over the knee. (Tip: You can cuff your shorts to get them to your ideal length — or bring them to a tailor for a more finished look.)
  
• Wear shorts with heels or wedges to lengthen and visually slim your legs. Flats work too, but tend to make legs look shorter
  

Here are some looks for inspiration:.

Q. I keep hearing about metallic skirts lately, but I have no idea how to pull them off! Any tips on how to make it work?

A. Surprising, but true: you pretty much can’t go wrong with a metallic skirt. It’s sassy, adventurous and a little bit daring, but it’s not so OTT that it’s impossible to pull off. The great thing about this piece is that it’s so versatile, and because of that it’s a great alternative to the basics you might otherwise opt to wear. For example, recently Hilary Duff was spotted wearing a gold maxi skirt with a black tank. It sounds impossibly bizarre for a day out and about, but guess what? It works. The key here is to strike a pronounced balance. Steer clear of tops so overwhelmingly busy that they compete with the skirt’s glazed finish. Try your metallic skirt with one or more of these suggestions:

Topshop Flower Ceramic Print Crop Cami, $45
Amy Gee Short Sleeve Sweater, $78
MICHAEL Michael Kors Sleeveless Silk Blouse, $271.51
Topshop Daisy Bead Tee, $72

BR Metallic Mini, $59.99
Duro Olowu for jcp Metallic Pencil Skirt, $40
BCBGeneration Metallic Circle Skirt, $26.99

Q. I invested in a sequin skirt and sequin jacket to wear to a few holiday parties this year (not together of course!). Do I need to shelve them after New Year’s or can I wear them after the holidays are over?

A. There’s something about the holidays that makes us crave all things sparkly, so you’re definitely not alone. The great news is, you really don’t have to save your sequin and sparkly things for the festive season — or just for fancy events, even. Sequins pair easily with more casual items for daytime wear, think sweaters, jeans, and even military jackets. To prove it, here are four looks we’re obsessing over from Madewell and J Crew:

In the Madewell looks above, a sequin skirt is paired with a military jacket for the perfect dressy/casual combination that works great for dinner with friends. On the right, a sequin cardigan is paired with a white button down, skinny cords, and leopard print shoes for a look that can be worn to a creative workplace or Sunday brunch.

J Crew pairs a sequin mini with a chunky sweater and a sequin sweater with a button down and basic black pants. Either of these looks work well for daytime, long past the holiday season.

Q. My wardrobe is full of sleeveless shift dresses that I wear to work in warmer weather. In the fall and winter, I often wear a jacket or cardigan over them with tights, but I’m wondering if there are any other ways to “warm up” my sleeveless dresses?

A. Absolutely! Take a cue from Carven’s Fall 2012 runway show and layer a thin long-sleeve shirt underneath your shift dress, or opt for a slim fitted button down like Alexa Chung. The key to pulling off this trend is to look for thin underpinnings that fit close to the body and won’t add any bulk to your look.