Recently in What to Wear Category

Q. I’m a student and on a really tight budget. I want to buy a few items for spring to update my wardrobe. Can you recommend a few trendy but affordable items?

A. Absolutely! Sometimes all it takes are a few high impact pieces to freshen up your look for a new season. (Start by checking out our Spring 2013 Trend Report for an overview of what’s hot now.) We put together a 5-item shopping list to give you an instant update:

Style&co. Jeans, Slim-Fit Capri, Vintage Floral Print $49.00 - Macy’s

Talia Low Heel Sandals $89.50 - LOFT

Short Multicolored Stone and Cord Necklace $39.50 - LOFT

Tinley Road Vegan Leather Mini Skirt $79.00 - Piperlime

Striped ponte academy blazer $88.00 $59.99 - Gap

Start with a piece of statement jewelry. A colorful stone necklace like the one shown above or statement earrings will do the trick. Stripes are huge for spring and this Gap academy blazer looks great with just about anything and doubles as a light jacket.

Jeans are a mainstay for any college student; make yours printed and cropped this season for a cool update. We particularly like this soft floral pair for under $50. If you haven’t heard, leather is making a surprise appearance for spring. This vegan leather flared mini is an affordable take on the trend and perfect for date night or when you want to dress up a bit.

Sixties-inspired chunky low heels are making news this season and this pair features a gleaming silver metallic heel. Add to that a touch of chic snakeskin and you have one must-have pair of shoes.

Q. I’ve been invited to a wedding that will take place in early May and will be held on a golf course at 7 PM. My first thought was a really nice black cocktail dress that I already own but haven’t worn yet but that feels so boring. What can you suggest for an evening wedding at this type of venue?

A. The attire for a golf course wedding is similar to a country club wedding which, unless specifically stated otherwise on the invitation, typically means cocktail attire or semi-formal wear with a preppy twist. Opt for pretty and flirty rather than sultry and sexy. Think pretty pastels (a current trend), lace or eyelet details, and shoes that won’t poke holes in the gorgeous golf course (think wedges or chunky heels). Of course, your black cocktail dress will work too, but consider softening it up with a light colored wrap or bow belt.

Here are some suggestions to wear to your golf course wedding:

Forzieri Powder Blue Pashmina Shawl $350.00 - Forzieri

Kate Spade New York Women’s Violet Wedge Sandal $228.00 - Amazon.com

ASOS PIVOTAL Wedges $76.30 - Asos

Heidi dress in silk chiffon $250.00 - J.Crew

Nine West Dresses Women’s Eyelet Crossover Bodice Full Skirt Dress $134.00 - Amazon.com

Flame floral jacquard dress $238.00 $170- J.Crew

Q. I’m interviewing at a fashionable PR firm and am having trouble choosing the perfect interview outfit. Can you help?

A. The great thing about interviewing for a fashionable workplace is that you have some flexibility about your wardrobe choices. Feel free to express your personal style and add fashion-forward touches like a hint of animal print or a statement necklace. The goal is to look professional yet creative, stylish but not too trendy. Be sure to stick with the usual rules applying to interview clothing which includes the always-important: don’t show too much skin, cleavage or leg.

For your interview, I would suggest starting with a classic sheath dress that has interesting details like colorblocking or prints. Add a sleek leather jacket or blazer, black tights, chic pumps and one piece of statement jewelry for an impressive outfit that will give you the confidence you need to help land the job you want.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Handbag, Jet Set Medium Gather Shoulder Tote $268.00 - Macy’s

Alexandra Beth Designs Suzy Cuff $168.00 - Designs by Stephene

Belle noel Enameled Thread Cuff $195.00 - shopbop.com

Jones New York Women’s Ponte Color Block Wave Sheath Dress $129.00 - Amazon.com

Caslon Knit Trim Leather Jacket $298.00 - Nordstrom

Calvin Klein Dress, Sleeveless Colorblocked Sheath $89.98 - Macy’s

Q. I’m meeting several friends that I haven’t seen for a while to celebrate the holidays and a birthday at a restaurant in New York City. I want to dress up without looking like I’m trying too hard. Any ideas on what I should wear?

A. AnnaLynne McCord and Brittany Snow wore versions of the perfect “night out with friends” combination at the Four Stories premiere this week. Combine these 5 elements for an outfit that’s simple, chic and put-together: a printed top or pretty sweater + slim black pants + heels + clutch + bright lip. If it’s too cool for you to wear pumps with your pants, opt for an ankle boot instead.

Q. My office holiday party will be held at a nice restaurant/lounge later this month and I’m not sure what to wear. Please help!

A. Dressing for an office party can be tricky: you want to have fun and get dressed up, but you’ll still be partying with your boss and coworkers. Your best bet is to stick with your usual office dress code, but with a bit more sparkle. If you typically wear a suit to work, try replacing your underpinning with a sequin top, or replace your jacket with a chic tuxedo jacket, or substitute your pants for a slim tuxedo pant. If you usually wear a dress, perhaps add a sequin belt, statement necklace, or glittery heels to fancy it up a little. Add a little extra eye makeup or a bright lip and you’ll be ready to go.

One important thing to remember: don’t wear anything low-cut, short, or too sexy. It may be a party, but this isn’t the place to show too much skin.

Let your jewelry make a statement. Jet/Crystal Statement Necklace $78.00 - White House

Let your skirt shine. Halogen Sequin Skirt $59.00 - Nordstrom

Swap your blazer for a tuxedo jacket. Lc lauren conrad velvet tuxedo jacket $74.00 - Kohl’s

Replace your work tote with a sequin clutch. DEUX LUX Anais Sequin Envelope Clutch $90.00 - Lord & Taylor

Fancy up your top. Anne Klein Sequin Blouse $129.00 - Bloomingdale’s

Add a sparkly belt. Glitter round-buckle skinny belt $34.50 - J.Crew

Wear a glittery shoe. Alice Olivia Meyer Suede Glitter Heel Pumps $295.00 - Saks Fifth Avenue