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Q. I love your website. I have gotten rid of a lot of things in my closet and seriously need to build a new wardrobe. I was wondering what basic pieces I need to have. If you could add a section to your site that shows great basic finds would be great. I am a curvy petite.
-Shapely Figure

A. First off, make it simple and shop from designers that cater to your size so you don’t have to spend even more money heading to the tailor. Petitesophiticate.com offers pants in both petite regular and petite short, plus stylish dresses, suits, tops and more. J. Crew, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Liz Claiborne, Gap and Jones New York also make petite sizes.

The classic list of items every woman should have in her wardrobe hasn’t changed much in 25 years, but it’s what you add in that injects your own personality. It can mean colors that brighten or deepen your skin tone, tops with added details or accessories that help liven up a white button down.

I consider the top 10 classics to be:

1. Well fitting white button down shirts.
2. Long sleeve and short sleeve shirts, primarily v-neck which is most flattering.
3. Trench coats. For your size be sure it doesn’t overwhelm your height. Look for belted versions to help define your waist and a style that you can wear with suits, dresses and jeans. A truly versatile style will also have a zip out or button out wool lining.
4. Black pants. Nowadays, it’s also good to have navy, chocolate, khaki and white for choices all year.
5. Dark denim jeans. A pair that can be dresses up with heels for evening and ballet flats to run around doing errands.
6. Turtleneck, v-neck and cardigan sweaters in black and other various colors.
7. One good suit, but if your career doesn’t require a suit, then just buy a good blazer that you can pair with trousers and jeans. It is a polished look to wear a button down shirt, blazer and dark jeans.
8. Dresses. Go for a wrap style and a v-neck dress that is fitted on the top half and has an a-line bottom half.
9. Skirts. For a curvy, petite figure look to score a-line shapes and avoid full skirts and straight up and down pencil styles.
10. Additional tops that have flirty features, but are not laden with ruffles and bows. Too many girly features on a petite figure can make you appear like a little girl rather than a woman.

Q. Stumbled onto your web page while looking for a jean jacket for my wife.  She had this beautiful Gap cropped, longer sleeved jean jacket with pearl snap buttons and a paisley cotton inside liner (size M) w/ 1969 collection logo on it. I think it may have been a special edition because it cost around $160 and most items don’t cost that much from the Gap. It has since torn and I want to replace it as a gift but can’t find it anywhere.  Do you know where I can buy or locate this jacket?  I contacted Gap and they said they don’t make it any more.  Need help.  Would pay almost anything.
-Pulling Threads

A. No slam dunk on this one, sorry.  My search came up empty, but you may have better luck finding a gently worn replicate on ebay. If the jacket cannot be repaired by a tailor and you’ve exhausted your search, then it’s time to shop for a new jean jacket. This is not necessarily the prime time for jean jacket shopping season, but I did find some styles that may appeal to your wife.

1. Lauren Jeans Co. Classic-Fit Denim Jacket, $109 at macys.com
2. Lucky Brand Jeans Denim Dark Wash Jacket, $45.99 at amazon.com
3. Classic stretch jean jacket, $98 at jcrew.com
4. Tamara Denim Jacket, $109 at ralphlauren.com

Q. I need more formal business suits – think Washington politico or federal agent.  I’ve been down the J.Crew and Banana Republic roads (I own a basic black Banana suit that I love), but where else should I look/try?
-Suit Search

A. Your suit may have to be conservative, but it doesn’t have to be boring.  Look for well-tailored, well fitting suits that step beyond dull box cuts.

1. Tahari by ASL Solid Skirt Suit, $140 (sale) at macys.com
2. Tahari by Arthur S. Levine Plaid Skirt Suit & Camisole, $320 at macys.com
3. GARFIELDMARKS Pinstripe Jacket, $394 and 'Lori' Pants, $194 at nordstrom.com
4. Theory "Andy Albers" Suit Jacket, Blouse, and Pants at bloomingdales.com

Q. I'm such a huge fan of your website, please keep up the fantastic work!  I was wondering where I could find a classic checkered houndstooth coat very similar to the one Charlotte had in season six of Sex and the City. Most of the ones I see are modern variations of it, and I'd like a classic look.

A. While I am a big fan of Sex and the City, have seen the whole series and watch the reruns late night, I don’t know exactly which coat you are describing. I still went in search of a range of classic wool houndstooth coats that may appeal to you:

1. Plaid Winter Wool Coat, $99 at shop.com
2. Cynthia Steffe Houndstooth Trench, $210 at bloomingdales.com
3. Charles Gray Belt Front Coat, $290 at nordstrom.com
4. ABS by Allen Schwartz Plaid Trapeze Coat, $407 at nordstrom.com
5. Mackage Wool Houndstooth Capelet, $357.90 at nordstrom.com

6. Soia & Kyo Billy Plaid Coat, $350 at tobi.com

Q. I LOVE your column and how you offer such nice advice at a variety of prices.  I'm writing to you for help for my friend, who's on the hunt for the perfect sweater dress. She tried on some of my sweater dresses (two that are currently sold at the Gap), but, since I'm not even 5'2" and she's about 5'7", they were too short on her.  Do you know of any nice sweater dresses that: 1) wouldn't be too short on her, 2) are simple enough that could be mixed into a few different outfits (she likes the color brown), and 3) are relatively cheap (since we're both graduate students)? 
-Cozy Cover

A. I found several sweater dresses that should be long enough for your 5’7” friend to wear with tights and heels or boots, pair with slim jeans or belt at the waist for a different vibe. And only one is over $100. Stay cozy!

1.  Lux Funnel Neck Sweater Dress, $68 at urbanoutfitters.com
2.  Paul Frank Vanessa Sweater Dress, $86 at urbanoutfitters.com
3. The Kingston Sweater Dress By Triple 5 Soul, $88 at karmaloop.com
4. Aqua Cashmere Turtleneck Dress, $168 at bloomingdales.com
5. Maria Sweater Dress, $44.50 at delias.com

Q. It is about that time again, for the office holiday party season.  I was hoping you could point me in the direction of something that would be suitable for such an occasion.  I know red/green plaids were big as a last year fashion but I was hoping to find something this year.  My ideal dress would be full length plaid/tartan dress and thought you would be the perfect person to ask. 
--Seeking in Portland

A. I would have thought it would have been one stop shopping from Ralph Lauren, but this year he skipped much of his tartans and plaids for chic black. So I searched elsewhere and came up with a few options from a strapless wonder to long length glam and a few day to evening options that can be dazzled with a pair of sparkly shoes.

1. Wool Jacquard Black Watch Dress, $498 at brooksbrothers.com
2. L.A.M.B. Plaid Dolly Dress, $385 at saks.com
3. Ralph Lauren Toby Taffeta Tartan Skirt, $398 at ralphlauren.com
4. J Crew Kerin dress, $450 at jcrew.com
5.  Donna Ricco Plaid Taffeta Shirtdress, $158 at nordstrom.com

Q. I have a fabulous antique swing coat that is a subtle grey/black tweed pattern.  The sleeves are 3/4 length and I am looking for some long leather gloves to wear with it.  Do you have any suggestions?  I have been having trouble finding a nice pair I like.

-Arm’s Length

A. I’m quite fond of vintage clothes and giving them a stylish second life. If the coat is warm enough to get you through two months' worth of wear during Fall and Winter, then perhaps buy two pairs of gloves - one long to cover the arms fully and another pair in a bright color that will pop when you wear a sweater with sleeves that reach past the length of the coat arms and to meet the gloves.  Below are a few options from tres chic grey and embellished plum (warning: they're all a bit pricey):

1. Nordstrom Chain Leather Gloves, $88 at nordstrom.com
2. Nordstrom Ruched Leather Gloves, $135 at nordstrom.com
3. Giorgio Armani Long Ruched Gloves, $285 at saks.com
4. Long Black Leather Gloves, $116 at shop.com
5. Saks Fifth Avenue Patent Leather Gloves, $198 at saks.com

Top photo:
6. Echo Long Side Button Gloves, $195 at nordstrom.com

Q. Why can't I buy Prada’s footless knee highs anymore, and are there any imitations out there?
-Footloose

A. I’ll admit I didn’t fall for these. While fanciful and truly trendy I don’t think I personally could pull them off, but I applaud the stylish gal that can strut down the street in her pair. I also would rather buy a pair of over the knee Falke cashmere socks for the price tag than pay $50 for the Prada footless knee highs. However, in my quest to help you strut your stuff, I did multiple online searches and even on Ebay they were sold out. I visited the Prada store on Fifth Avenue in New York City and they informed me that they have been completely sold out and impossible to find.

The Prada Version:

For some less than exact imitations you could get crafty and cut out the foot of a pair of knee highs and create your own pair. Or try these Trasparenze Esmerelda Footless Over The Knee Leggings at alexblake.com - just fold down the top to get the look of a sock.

Q. I want to get some ideas about semi formal jackets to wear over jeans. I am 5' 2" and am plump - with typical hourglass figure...small waist, big bust/thighs and hips.
-Jackets with Jeans

A. Best options are ones that belt at the waist or help define a waist. Look for jackets that cover just the tops of your hips and are not boxy. Avoid long jackets that will only make you look shorter or that resemble more of an outdoor coat.  Since you plan to pair the jacket with jeans, be sure your top underneath isn’t bulky - keep it feminine with a v-neck or scoop neck top that is more flattering for busty girls.

1. INC International Concepts® Petites Cropped Double-Breasted Leather Jacket, $99.50 at macys.com
2. Petite velvet Bella jacket, $158 at jcrew.com
3.  Semantiks Flecked Wool Jacket, $88 at nordstrom.com
4.  Classiques Entier® Funnel Neck Belted Jacket (Petite), $198 at nordstrom.com

Q. For two seasons I've been looking for a dark hued denim A-line skirt.  I'm not finding one anywhere!  Lots of dark denim pencil skirts, or long, long Mormon looking skirts out there, but no A-line.   Am I just out of the loop and crazy to think it's out there-- or still fashionable?  I got one three years ago and it became a staple in my wardrobe.  Great for summer, great for winter with boots and tights.  I'm afraid I'll never find another one--- or even worse, that I'm out of fashion!
-Denim Desperate

A. You’re not going cuckoo. There are options for a flattering fit in an A-line denim skirt. And clearly with the right top and accessories you can wear any of these all year long with everything from sandals to tights and boots.

1. Esprit Pleated Denim Skirt, $59.50 at espritshop.com
2. Paper Denim & Cloth Denim Skirt, $51.99 at macys.com
3. Citizens of Humanity 'Cadet' Stretch Denim Skirt, $196 at nordstrom.com
4. Lauren Jeans Co. Stretch Denim Five-Pocket Skirt, $79.50 at macys.com