Accessories

Q. Wedding season is in full swing and I'm relying on this dress to carry me through several nuptials. I'm starting to have second thoughts on its overall cuteness and need help accessorizing to make it really pop with something like pink peep-toes or a yellow Pashmina. Also, can this dress translate from day to evening?
-Color Wanted

A. Don't rethink the simple sophistication of this dress, it will work for those special occasions this summer and a lovely way to make it pop is with a shot of color. We editors at StyleBakery adore our Love Quotes linen blend scarves, they work as a wrap with just about every summery dress I own and I can't do without them on my plane trips. They come in multiple colors, so choose a color and then add your heels as the potent pop to give flair to your look. I found several statement making pink strappy heels that would work with your patterned dress. As for a translation to daytime wear, tone down the look and keep it classic. Wear neutral heels or flat sandals and add a little cardigan or cropped fitted jacket and wear a thin patent leather belt around your waist over the cardigan or jacket. For sass, choose a belt in a color if the jacket or cardigan is simple.1. Nine West Solelyn, $83 at zappos.com
2. Nine West Argent, $83 at zappos.com
3. Charles by Charles David 'Soiree' Sandal, $114 at nordstrom.com
4.Martinez Valero 'Camila' Sandal, $126 at nordstrom.com 6. Love Quotes Scarves, $85 at pinkmascara.com

For daytime:
7. Leatherock Skinny Double Wrap Belt, $60 at nordstrom.com
8. Cashmere V-neck cardigan, $158 at jcrew.com
9. Summerweight cashmere short-sleeve cardigan, $168 at jcrew.com

Q. I just bought a shift dress from Target in a gorgeous jeweled plum color. How do I accessorize it? It came with a waist tie, but I want to dress it up as much as possible with a belt. I was thinking metallic or perhaps turquoise? And the high neckline leaves me wondering how (or if) to wear a necklace.
-Accessorize Me

A. I always suggest that women skip the belt that comes with a dress and choose a new one to distinguish it from the rest. Choosing a color or a metallic belt is a great option to mix it up and create a look for day and night simply by changing the belt and shoes. As for jewelry, you can certainly wear a necklace, just be sure it hangs longer than 18" so it doesn't fall inside the dress. A multi strand chain link style or a larger "bauble" or beaded style necklace would be perfect. However, if you go with a bold belt, then try bigger earrings and a cuff bracelet instead of a necklace.

Q. I have my 10-year reunion coming up and purchased a fabulous Milly zebra printed dress (I have attached a picture). I am only 5'3" so the dress isn't quite so short on me, but with the sleeveless shape, I am concerned about shoes. I do not want to look too tart-y!
- Reunion Blues

A. We all obsess over making a grand impression at our reunions. We want to look cool and hip, young and stylish. We want to make ex-boyfriends think of us fondly and the snotty girls jealous, and mostly catch up with the old crowd we haven't seen in years while still looking good. I found several options that range from very hip to straight forward classy.

Dress: Zebra-Print Shift Dress, $126 (sale) at neimanmarcus.com

1. Very Hip: Vince Camuto Alfie, $132 at piperlime.com
2. Still Hip: Lauren Ralph Lauren Women's Aaralyn, $100 at shoes.com
3. L'Autre Chose Shoes Open Toe T Strap Pump, $310 at shopbop.com

Dressy:
4. GUESS by Marciano "Hutton" Strappy Sandal, $95 at bloomingdales.com
5. Chinese Laundry Women's Colette, $69.99 at shoes.com
6. Franco Sarto Women's Utopia, $74.99 at shoes.com

Q. I've attached a photo of my wedding dress by Maggie Sottero (color shown in Pearl Rose) and unsure of what color veil I should wear. In fact, I'm even questioning if a veil would be appropriate for this dress, as I'd be afraid it's too overpowering. I have received so many opinions and I am completely lost! I'd appreciate your input.
- Overwhelm or Appeal

A. My input is this: skip the veil. I agree with those friends who said it could be overpowering. I like the look of a flower, real or faux, or a jeweled or decorative hair comb. I had a milliner make a large, off-white fake flower with beautiful beading and attach it to a comb that could be hidden within my hair. I received many compliments and I was glad to have chosen something original.

Q. I need HELP! So, I just purchased this fabulous boat neck silk dress from J Crew. It's the Python Print Silk Dress. Now, some may think I'm crazy for such a wild print, but I'm a redhead so the color of the dress is a find in itself! I was wondering what color shoes would work? I'm hoping to carry these mystery shoes into early fall for a rehearsal dinner as well. I plan ahead. I'm an event planner, its what I do!
- Pythons Need Shoes Too

A. I, too, am a planner and rarely buy shoes that won't work with other outfits or for other occasions. I'm sure you'll look quite sassy and stylish in the python print dress and I've found multiple heels that will work now and in the early fall for dressy events and even meetings with clients.

Dress: Python-print silk twill dress, $79.99 (sale) at jcrew.com

1. Lucie d'Orsay high heels, $168 at jcrew.com
2. Pura Lopez 'M503' Pump, $270 at nordstrom.com
3. Boutique 9 Shiala, $130 at zappos.com

4. Linea Paolo 'Brooklyn' Peep Toe Pump, $129.95 at nordstrom.com
5. Elie Tahari "Crystal" Ankle Strap Sandal, $276.50 (sale) at bloomingdales.com
6. Pair it with opaque tights in later fall with these for a casual look: MICHAEL Michael Kors Devon Open Toe, $128.70 (sale) at zappos.com

Q. How would you recommend I accessorize this Banana Republic dress? It's obviously Navy inspired but I don't want it to look like a costume or a tennis outfit. What color/size bag should I carry with it? I'm unable to wear heels due to a recent foot surgery, so are ballet flats my best bet or would a cute pair of tennis shoes be too much?
- Shoe Troubled

A. What you wear - whether it be ballet flats, low-heeled sandals or cute kicks - should all depend on what activity you plan to do and with whom you'll be with. For running around comfort choose cute "kicks" not meant for the gym and for days when you want to wear the dress for nicer occasions then pair it with ballet flats or sandals. As for a bag, that too depends on what your needs are for the day, but I would lean towards medium size to carry your daily essentials.

1. Juicy Couture Roslin, $129 at zappos.com
2. Bettye Muller Frame, $220 (sale) at zappos.com
3. Naturalizer Gersen, $51 at zappos.com
4. Steve Madden Synapse, $77 at zappos.com

Q. Our good friends are getting married in Malibu in a beachside ceremony with an indoor reception, late afternoon to early evening. I just bought a sweet cotton Antonio Melani dress that's A-line and pale yellow, which I love, but I'm not sure where to go from here! I would love to incorporate another color (maybe turquoise?) or a print in the accessories. Help!
- Beach Bound

A. Yeah! A girl who wants to add more color and not just match it head to toe. I found several items from accessories to sandals that should add some sass and sophistication.

1. Tasha Butterfly Bangle, $48 at nordstrom.com
2. Juicy Couture 'Garden Party' Bracelet, $98 at nordstrom.com
3. Seychelles necklace, $150 at jcrew.com
4. double-strand jeweled-flower pearl necklace, $250 at jcrew.com

5. Nine West Argent, $83 at zappos.com
6. Betsey Johnson 'Fanny' Sandal, $165 at nordstrom.com
7. Linea Paolo 'Adella' Sandal, $99.95 at nordstrom.com
8. BCBGirls 'Saraff' Slingback Sandal, $109.95 at nordstrom.com

Q. I just bought a new button down white short sleeve shirt and I love the look of wearing a black belt with shirts although I've never tried it. I'm always at a loss with what type of belt to wear with shirts. Could you help me to find the perfect belt to go with my white button down shirt?
- Belted

A. This answer could not have been simpler. Anything goes with a classic white button down. A black belt is a safe bet, but don't stop there. Choose stripes, patents, bright colors or a neutral woven band to give your white shirt - and whatever you pair it with - distinction.

1. Women's Basic Leather Belts, $16.50 at oldnavy.com
2. Lacoste 201000, $64 at zappos.com
3. Silk resin-buckle belt, $34 at jcrew.com

4. Cynthia Rowley Patent Leather Belt, $42 at nordstrom.com
5. Lucky Brand Leather Embroidered, Perforated And Studded Belt, $2 at zappos.com
6. Splurge: Gucci Bamboo D-Ring Buckle Belt, $315 at saks.com

Q. I love the all the metallic out there - bags, shoes, belts, even clothes, and have bought a few pieces for Spring & Summer. How much metallic is too much? And what to wear when wearing a metallic accessory? For example if I wear bronze shoes, I would assume that a metallic handbag is too much. Likewise, if I'm carrying a beautiful bronze or silver tote, handbag or clutch, do I go with a neutral shoe?
- Bronzed in Boston

A. You really do love your metallic. The old rules of accessories used to be that one always matched their bag and shoe color, but that doesn't necessarily apply today. I believe that as long as the bag and shoes are not bright shiny metallic you can get away with pairing a metallic shoe and bag. Err on the side of subtlety. I have no problem wearing strappy metallic sandals and carrying a metallic clutch for evening. Think of metallic as a new form of a classic piece in your wardrobe, but they have to be used conservatively like you would and animal print. More than one or two pieces at a time can be too much.

Q. What jewelry and accessories look best with white on white? I am going to a white on white party (which is a color I never wear) and need help with accessories and jewelry tips?
- Wear with White

A. While you'll wear white on top and bottom, there's no need to be a walking cotton ball. You can follow the invitation request, but still inject a bit of style by choosing accessories that have a pop of color. Choose a necklace, a cuff bracelet and sandals that effortlessly "work" with white and help you stand out just a bit from the wall-to-wall white at the party.

1. Wide hand-painted enamel zebra bangle, $68 at jcrew.com
2. Hand-painted enamel seahorse bangle, $78 at jcrew.com
3. Resin floral necklace, $59 at bananarepublic.com
4. Anchor pendant necklace, $32 at bananarepublic.com

5. BCBG Max Azria Ceren, $198 at piperlime.com
6. Rafe New York Wendy, $245 at piperlime.com
7. Nau‏ghty Monkey Sugar Pop, $64 at zappos.com
8. Delman Lane-Gpm, $249 (sale) at zappos.com