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Intimates
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Q. I love polka dots and I know they are a huge trend for fall. I absolutely love polka dot tights but I'm not sure how to wear them without looking silly. Any suggestions?
A. You've hit on one of the hottest trends of the season, polka dots, and spotted hosiery is a chic way to incorporate the trend. The obvious looks to pair your polka dot tights with include little black dresses, pencil skirts, and more. But really, you can wear them as you would any pair of black tights: with everything from tweed midi skirts to slinky dresses in bright colors. They're easiest to pair with monochromatic skirts and dresses, but you can also try mixing them with other prints. Check out our tips on pattern mixing from earlier this week.
Q. I have a Saturday evening affair in mid September and I am wearing a knee length black cocktail dress. What color stocking is acceptable. I have been seeing a lot of comments saying sheer nude is acceptable.
A. My first preference would be to wear no hosiery since the weather is rather mild in September. However, if you are more comfortable in hosiery, you can try black hosiery or even a fashion-forward lace hosiery.
There is a lot of buzz lately about sheer nude hosiery, especially since Kate and Pippa Middleton have been seen wearing a lot of nude hosiery lately. In fact, according to New York Magazine and WWD , there is an increased demand in nude hose over the past year with an 85% increase in sales in the U.K. and 12% increase in the U.S. -- largely credited to the Middleton sisters. Sarah Jessica Parker, Mischa Barton, and Hayden Panettiere have also been spotted wearing nude hose over the past few months.
The key to wearing nude hosiery is to find an ultra-sheer style that most closely matches your skin tone. Here are some options worth exploring:
Q. I've got a soon approaching wedding reception to go to and after going crazy have finally found the dress I am going to wear. A little number hidden in the back of my closet, an off-white mini-sundress with ruffles --PERFECT for a lake side wedding. Only issue with the dress is that because it is made of linen, and not lined, it is see-though in direct sunlight. To not give my boyfriend's family a show, I've been trying to find solutions to my dilemma and have run into a brick wall. Every half-slip or full slip is either too long or the cut isn't right at the neck. Please be the gurus I know you are and help me figure out what I can do.
A. We can definitely help you find the correct underpinning for your unlined sheer dress. Since the top is closer to the body and you will likely be wearing a bra, you will only need a skirt-style slip for the bottom half; one that is short enough to wear under a mini dress.
That being said, you may want to think twice about wearing a white dress to a wedding. Though your linen mini dress can hardly be considered bridal, there are many who feel that a guest should never wear white to a wedding. If you are looking to impress your boyfriend's family, consider whether they are traditional-minded when it comes to fashion before you wear white. Also, bear in mind that an all-linen dress will easily wrinkle, so you may not look as polished as you'd like after stepping out of the car.
Q. I have a dress that comes right above the knee and is pretty sheer. What would you suggest I wear under it? Do people still make "slips"?
A. To some, the thought of a slip sounds rather old fashioned, but it is often a necessity to wear under sheer or unlined clothing. Today's slips offer many added benefits including shaping, slimming and smoothing your silhouette. Spanx, Sassybax and Flexees offer several shaping options from half slips to full shoulder-to-thigh slips. If you prefer a more traditional slip, there are many lightweight silky options, including some peek-a-boo slips with lacy details that are meant to be seen.
Whatever option you prefer, we recommend choosing a nude color which closely matches your skin tone so you'll get the most wear out of it with a variety of skirts and dresses in your closet. Here are some of our favorite slips with a range of benefits and price ranges:
