Recently in Special Sizes Category

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 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.

Q. I loved your feature on how to wear leggings last year. I was wondering if you could do a more current feature on how to wear leggings this fall, preferably for a mix of temps. Are leggings still current or should I skip them and move on to denim leggings?

A. Leggings are not only current, they are hotter than ever. Everything from basic black to denim to wild patterns and colors were shown all over the fall runways. Leggings look best worn with longer tops like a boyfriend blazer or chunky knit sweater; or worn in place of tights with a skirt or dress. This season, pumps or ankle boots are the hottest pairing for your leggings, but you can also wear knee high boots and even flats.

Here are a few leggings looks for inspiration:

Q. I'm looking for a stylish summer dress than i can wear to work (business casual) and wear to weekend events. I like to dress up but have trouble finding dresses that are flattering to my petite (5'2") curvy (size 4-6) frame. Dresses either have too much fabric and make me look bundled up or are too revealing. Please help me find something in between that is stylish too!!

A. You are on the right track by choosing a dress to wear to your business casual office and on weekends. Not only are dresses versatile, they are also the easiest thing to throw on in the morning - no worrying about matching up tops and bottoms - just one piece and you're good to go!

Since you are petite, it is important that you shop stores that carry petite lines. This will ensure that dresses are cut to fit your shape, without all the extra fabric you're complaining about. You'll also save a bundle on trips to the tailor! We especially like Ann Taylor, Banana Republic and J Crew for their selection of petite sizes. Take note, though, you'll often have to shop online for the largest selection since many stores only carry limited petite (and tall) sizes.

Here are some dresses we found for you to wear to work and on weekends. If you're concerned about a dress being too revealing for work, try layering a cami underneath to cut down on cleavage, or wearing a cardigan over the dress to cover up arms if necessary.

Q. I have tried to wear the new style of blazer, the short blazer. However, I am plus sized (size 16) and find that they don't flatter me. If I wear a longer blazer, will I be committing a fashion faux pas?

A. Quite the contrary! You're in luck, this season's newest silhouette is the longer boyfriend style blazer. To properly wear this look without looking sloppy, the rest of your outfit should be slim: skinny or slim jeans or pants work best (and yes, even on a plus size figure). As for a shorter blazer, try layering it over a longer top for a more flattering look. Here are two long blazer looks and two short blazer over long top looks for inspiration:

Q. My husband will be graduating this month from ASU, I have no idea what to wear I don't even own a pair of jeans at the time. I'm 5ft tall and weigh about 106 pounds. Please give some ideas, the ceremony will be at 4:30pm. Thanks!

A. Skip the jeans and go for a chic day dress for your husband's graduation. Not only will you be dressed appropriately, but you won't have to worry about matching a top to a bottom - one-piece dressing is the ultimate in ease. Below are some selections that will flatter your petite figure, will be suitable for the Arizona weather, and will carry you from the 4:30 ceremony out to an evening of celebration. Finish off the look with a pair of chic pumps and you're ready to go!

Q. As the days get colder and colder here, I have been strongly considering purchasing a jacket/coat to wear for the rest of fall, before hardcore snow-weather sets in. My two issues are style and price range. I am on the short side (5'3"-ish) and the top half of my body is heavier than the bottom half. I've tried pea coats and other double-breasted styles in the past and they made me look heavier. I've considered trench coats, but they seem to make me look even shorter and pudgier. Given my grad student budget and the failing economy, I would like to stay within a price range of $50 or under, though $40 and under would be ideal. Any suggestions?

A. You should definitely avoid double breasted style, as they will not only make you look wider, but shorter as well. Other styles to avoid include long coats and belted coats that would accentuate a thick middle. Now that we've gotten what you shouldn't wear out of the way, let's focus on what styles will flatter you most. Your best bet is to look for coats that hit just above your knee with an empire waist to create the illusion of height. Choose a semi-fitted single breasted style to create a slim silhouette while avoiding adding unnecessary bulk.

Now that you know what kind of coat to look for, let's address your price. A fall coat that looks great can be tough to find for under $50. In fact, we found only two in your price range and style (see below). Consider spending just a bit more - a coat that fits great in a classic style will be worn for many years and is a great investment.

Annabelle Linley 3Q Coat, $7.99 at forever21.com; Wool Coat, $39.80 at forever21.com; Wool-Blend Duffle Coats, $69.50 at oldnavy.com

Q. I have a dilemma. I've been searching for riding boots for months! I just can't seem to find a pair that hits below my knees. They're all too tall. Are there any options for petite women with normal-sized calves?

A. Several of us here share your plight - many riding boots are simply too tall for women who are 5'4" and under. Boots that hit at or above the knee can ruin the proportion of your legs, making them look even shorter. Your best bet is to seek out boots that have a 14" shaft or smaller (the shaft is the part of the boot that covers the leg, measured along the inside seam of the boot). Or better yet, measure your leg so you know exactly what shaft height you need before you begin your search. To measure: measure the height of the inside of your leg, starting at your instep to below your knee.

We sought out some chic options for you that are 14" or shorter, good luck!

Q. I am loving this season's focus on belts but I am having a lot of trouble adding this stylish detail to my wardrobe. I see beautiful belts everywhere I shop but the small is always too large to fit around my 27'' waist. The petite stores near me seem to only carry 'mom-style' utilitarian belts. I want to wear patent leather and double-wrap belts too!! Can you suggest a store or online sites that have stylish belts for smaller waists?

A. It wasn't easy, but we found a slew of belts to suit your small waist (see below). If you still can't find what you're looking for, you can always bring a size XS or S belt to a shoemaker and ask him to add an extra hole for you. Or look for Ring style belts that don't have any holes at all and are easy to adjust.

Q. I have been looking everywhere for flat, silver leather, strappy sandals for a wide foot for summer for under $45. But I can't find any that aren't gladiator or thong style. I want a casual sandal that I can still dress up if needed. Do you have any suggestions?

A. Wow, that's a tall (or wide) order - flat, silver, wide, not a thong or gladiator and under $45. We did find several silver wide options at zappos.com and shoes.com, but none that fit all of your parameters. You may have to raise your price range or opt for a slightly higher heel to find a silver shoe that fits your wide foot. Here are some of the best we've found: