Fashion

Q. I just bought a very cute BCBG dress, but it has fall colors: oranges (light and deep), bone, and dark grey. I am wondering if I could wear such an obviously fall dress in the spring and if so what color shoes and accessories to put with it.
- Wear in Spring

A. While the dress may be darker fall colors, the whether-to-wear-now depends on the fabric. If it is not a heavy wool dress and is made of lighter fabrics then slip it on. The best way to lighten up the look for spring would be to pair it with shoes and accessories that play with the colors of the dress. Opt for light grey patent peep toes or a bright orange strappy sandal. Alternatively, look for a taupe strappy heel that you can wear with many other pieces in your wardrobe. Add bright enamel bracelets to add more color.

Q. I love your website, you have excellent fashion advice. I have a question about skinny jeans, well a few questions really! I love the look of them, but do you have to be a size 2 to pull it off? I'm a size 6/8 with a booty. What tops are best to wear with them? And what about shoes? Are flats ok? They seem to make your feet look bigger but heels aren't practical everyday.
- Skinny on Jeans

A. A girl doesn't have to be a size 2 to wear skinny jeans, but she does need to have minimal curves in order not to emphasize a triangle effect - meaning looking much bigger around hips and butt while looking skinny around the ankles. Generally a variety of top styles work, but to help slim the look, avoid billowy tops. Shoes will depend on the head to toe look. And true, flats can be tough to pull with skinny jeans. Just remember that all trends do not work for all people and you should dress in what suits your figure best.

Q. I want to buy a basic black dress that I can dress up at night with pearls and cute bag/shoes. I would also like to be able to wear it to work with a jacket or cardigan. I am in my early 50's, size 14/16 and although I feel like I carry most of my weight in my hips/thighs I also have a fairly large bust area. Can you advise any items that I could purchase?
- Basic Black

A. I found several options that will work for your curvy figure and move fluidly from work to evening. They won't hug your hips and thighs and are flattering for a busty gal.

Q. I'm the maid of honor (and only attendant) for an April wedding in Florida. Most of the dresses that I like have a halter-style bodice, which definitely flatters my figure. The bride's gown is also a halter-style, and neither of us is sure if my dress will complement hers, or if it will look strange for them to be so similar. She's in white, I'll be in black, her halter is smooth satin with some beading, mine would be more of gathered silk or ruched chiffon, and so the only similarity would be the basic shape. What do you think?

A. I think you'll be fine wearing the halter style. What would help distinguish them further is if your dress were cocktail length.

Q. I have a question about skirt lengths. I just bought 2 amazing skirts that I just love, but I'm short and don't know if they are too long. I am 5'3" and a size 12. The first skirt is black and has beautiful embroidery on the bottom, but it's probably 5" below my knee. The second is a nice brown with embroidery also on the bottom, but is about 3" below my knee. Are these going to be too long for me? What are the guidelines on skirt lengths, not talking about mini-skirts!
-Short & Chic

A. The average woman's height in America is 5'3" so you're not alone in your confusion in finding flattering pieces. Generally, the best skirt length to give the illusion of height would be a skirt that hits around the knee. The skirt that is five inches below the knee may "shorten' you further so why not keep the 3" inch embroidered version and find a second skirt that flatters, but doesn't repeat the embroidery detail. Mix it up in your wardrobe. The best balance would be to pair it with a high heel or wedge.

Q. I'm a young college student who is in a search for an affordable dress - something fairly casual, but something that can be dressed up as well. The trouble is, I'm bottom heavy. I'm a plus size on bottom due to my thighs and hips, but nothing ever correctly fits me at the waist, which means all my skirts either sag or are a little too tight at the waist; at the top I'm usually a regular size. I fell in love with the Ruffle Cotton Dress from Boden, but am not quite sure if it would work on me. I have a decent size chest but am not a big fan of showing off my arms or my underarms. Could you help me find one?
- Right Fit

A. This dress from Boden is young, flirty and has those extra details like ruffles and the wrap style that will help to define a waist. And with the short sleeves you'll get a little coverage for the arms and under arms. Sticking with Boden, here's another dress that should work with your figure - it will lay smoothly over your hips and thighs, has the flattering v-neck and gives arm coverage. Plus, I found a similar wrap style from Banana Republic in a pretty eyelet pattern.

1. Sexy Jersey Dress, $98 at boden.com (available in 4 colors)
2. 2. Eyelet wrap dress, $140 at bananarepublic.com (available in 2 colors)

Q. I attend a college where all ladies are required to wear hosiery and skirts to classes. My problem is, I'm allergic! I've tried different types of hosiery and none work for me. I took a doctor's order to the dean of women, but she confiscated it and told me I would have to wear hose anyway. She suggested I wear knee-highs and long skirts, but I miss all my knee-length skirts! I tried Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs and got away with it for several weeks, but every bottle I've used has broken before I get through half of it! I have tried tanning, but I just burn over and over; it never turns into a tan. I've also tried many self-tanners, but they leave me very orange, or with streaks around my ankles. As a college student, I'm on a very tight budget. Can you give me some cheap options that look like hosiery that won't have me breaking out in hives?
- No hose, please!

A. Get another note from your doctor, in fact get two notes and ask for a sit down meeting with your dean. Tell her that you wish to resolve this and perhaps there is way to set a hem length requirement without you having to ditch half your skirt wardrobe. And ask your dermatologist what is the ingredient/material in the hosiery that is causing the allergic reaction so you are better informed when possibly having to do a new search. Plus, you should be contacting customer service at Sally Hansen to let them know of your breaking can debacle.

Q. Forty and fabulous, or at least that's what I'm feeling. My 40th birthday is coming up and I need help finding a dress that will wow them at my party. It will be a mix of family and friends and I don't want boring or brown. I am petite; a bit apple shaped and am large breasted. I have been uninspired by my recent shopping expeditions so I need some suggestions.
- Fab for 40

A. Girl, there's plenty of gorgeous dresses out there that will flatter your figure and make a grand entrance. And these picks are offered in petite styles.

1. Maggy London Chiffon Dress, $150 at nordstrom.com
2. JS Boutique Embellished Matte Jersey Halter Dress, $158 at nordstrom.com
3. Phoebe Couture for Kay Unger V-Neck Stretch Satin Dress - Petites', $280 at bloomingdales

4. Maggy London Silk Chiffon Halter Dress, $148 at nordstrom.com
5. Acetate Interlock Dress, $180 at bcbg.com

Q. I have been asked to be a bridesmaid in my brother's wedding this coming August. Instead of selecting a specific bridesmaid's dress, the bride said that we can wear any dress, as long as it's navy. I am having a terrible time deciding on a style and finding the perfect dress. The bride's dress is quite fancy, but the guys are just wearing khakis and blue blazers. And it's an August outdoor wedding, so it will most likely be HOT.
-Navy Ne'er Do Well  

A. Hey, high five to you. Three cheers, make that an ovation to the bride to be. I wish you could see my jubilant face right now and you'd probably feel a little more confident. You have been given the great "gift" of not having to conform to a long list of bride's wishes and demands and you'll save yourself some money or at least the anguish of stashing the dress in the back of your closet after the wedding is over. Navy is super chic and I've fallen in love with it lately as a substitute to black. The dress doesn't have to be long-YEAH! Since the guys are wearing the classic prep look of blue blazers and khakis you just need to find a cocktail length dress that can possibly take you from the wedding to a Saturday night dinner party some other time. These fabulous dresses should keep you looking cool.

1. Donna Ricco Stretch Satin Halter Dress, $158 at nordstrom.com
2. Jones New York Dress Bateau Neck Silk Dress, $180 at nordstrom.com
3. MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Kitty' Strapless Dress, $448 at nordstrom.com
4. David Meister One Shoulder Sheath Dress, $306 at nordstrom.com 

5. JS Boutique Embellished Matte Jersey Halter Dress, $158 at nordstrom.com
6. Tiered Layered Strapless Cocktail Dresses by BCBG MAXAZRIA, $320 at edressme.com
7. Sophia short silk dress, $195 at jcrew.com
8. Silk tricotine Jenelle short dress, $195 at jcrew.com 

Q. I'm dying for a cool, worn in bomber jacket for spring. But I can't find one that's just what I'm looking for. I want one that's kind of slouchy, rock and roll cool, but not too over the top. Something I can dress up or down.
-Rock Chick  

A. I found plenty of options in all price ranges that you might fancy for rock and roll cool.

1. Theory Lanri Leather Jacket- Bloomingdale's Exclusive, $615 at bloomingdales.com
2. Xhilaration® Shirred Metallic Faux Leather Bomber, $29.99 at target.com
3. S.W.O.R.D. Lucca Jacket, $745 at tobi.com
4. Corpus Lambskin Quilted Leather Bomber Jacket in Black, $462 at revolveclothing.com 

5. Lux Faux Leather Bomber Jacket, $128 at urbanoutfitters.com
6. Converse by John Varvatos Zip Hoodie Leather Jacket in Olive, $611 at revolveclothing.com
7. S.W.O.R.D Piacenza Leather Jacket in Black, $770 at revolveclothing.com
8. Mossimo® Black: Faux Leather Button Bomber, $34.99 at target.com