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What To Wear To A Black Tie Optional Affair

October 15, 2008
Q. I am attending a black tie optional affair and am wondering what to wear? Female/35. Some of the ladies are wearing slacks, but this is an affair where all the bigwigs will be attending and I want to make a statement. What should I wear?

A. At a black tie optional affair, men wear tuxedos or dark suits and women wear everything from gowns to dressy cocktail dresses. Slacks can be difficult to pull off, but if you choose to go this route, make sure that they are dressy evening pants and pair them with a glamorous top, great jewelry and heels.

Since you want to dress to impress, a dress always offers the greatest impact. Look for luxe fabrics and special details. Here are a few black tie optional choices that demonstrate the range of appropriate attire:

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1. Maggy London Chiffon Gown with Charmeuse Waist, $158 at nordstrom.com
2. Adrianna Papell Shutter Pleat Satin Dress, $158 at nordstrom.com
3. JS Boutique Beaded Waist Cutaway Dress, $158 at nordstrom.com
4. Carmen Marc Valvo Satin Pants, $210 at saks.com

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Versatile Dress To Wear To Multiple Weddings

October 13, 2008
Q. I have to attend three weddings in November - one which is an optional black tie. I didn’t know November was such a popular wedding month! I’d like to get a dress that I can wear to all three…without spending a FORTUNE. Something trendy and gorgeous! I like black and bright colors and have auburn hair and fair/medium skin tone. Everything out there seems like it is still summery…also can I still wear sandals in November?

A. How lucky you are that you’ll be getting so much use out of one fantastic dress! You mentioned that one wedding is optional black tie, but we’re not sure if the other two weddings are more or less dressy. Below are some affordable options that can be dressed up or down for a multitude of occasions. Pair them with strappy evening-worthy sandals, some fantastic jewelry and you’re ready to dance the night away.

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In Search Of Boots For Skinny Calves

October 10, 2008
Q. Thanks for your site, I find it really helpful! I’d like to invest in a good pair of boots for fall and winter. Unfortunately I have really skinny calves so that most boots that are supposed to fit snugly end up looking like galoshes. Other than wearing two pairs of socks to bulk up my legs, do you recommend any boot styles for girls with skinny legs?

A. First, measure your calf at its widest part and take note of its circumference - this will help narrow down your search to boots that are likely to fit your slim calves. Search sites like zappos.com, shoes.com and piperlime.com which handily list the circumference of the boots and often let you search for narrow calves. Generally, stretch styles seem to fit slim calves best. Alternatively, look for details like buckles and ties which allow you to adjust the width of the boot for a customized fit.

Other than wearing two pairs of socks, try textured tights and tucked in jeans to help fill up the gaps in your boots.

Here are some chic slim options to try:

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1. Vaneli Lindly, $146 at zappos.com
2. Sudini Posta, $229 at zappos.com
3. Type Z Shelle, $243 at zappos.com
4. Naturalizer Women’s Scurry, $119 at shoes.com

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Boots To Wear With Skirts For Chunky, Petite Figure

October 8, 2008
Q. I love this feature of your site and will often peruse the archives. While I have always liked the skirt with knee length boots look, I have never been able to wear this style. My problem is that I am short (5’1), have small feet (size 5-5.5) and have thick calves. I have a difficult time finding a skirt that looks good with my chunky legs and a pair of boots that will fit around my big calves. By the way, I live in Los Angeles and want to rock this look either at work or on the weekend. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

A. We will probably catch a lot of flack for this answer but here’s the truth: tall boots with a skirt is probably not the most flattering option for your petite frame and “chunky” legs. It’s always important not to be a slave to fashion and the hot “look of the moment” but to recognize what works for you as an individual. Sadly, there are often trends we love that no matter how hard we try, we just can’t pull them off (ankle boots and tights anyone?)

Rather than pair boots with your skirts, opt for pumps or heels without ankle straps and opaque tights in a similar color to your shoe - this will help to elongate and slim your legs to offer the most flattering silhouette for you. Make sure your skirt hits at or just above your knee. However, if you still want to give the boots and skirt look a try, opt for a skirt that hits above or well above your knee, a slim dark boot with a heel and dark tights.

Here are a few tall boots with heels that should fit your small feet and thick calves:

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1. Fitzwell Norah/Wide Calf, $129.70 at zappos.com
2. rsvp Denisa (Wide Calf), $150 at zappos.com
3. rsvp Derisa (Wide Calf), $126 at zappos.com



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How To Wear Chunky Sweaters Stylishly

October 7, 2008
Q. I have several sweaters that I’d like to wear for fall - many of which are the chunky styles that are so popular for fall right now. I’d like to create a stylish outfit with these, but am unsure of what would look right for the season.

A. Designers and fashion magazines are once again declaring that chunky sweaters are a hot fall trend. This is great news for those who live in cool climates. The big question is, how to create a flattering silhouette with a chunky knit?

The best way to wear a thick or oversized sweater is to balance it with a slim-fitting bottom such as fitted jeans or cords. A sweater that is longer in length looks great with skinny jeans, leggings or even opaque tights if long enough. Layer thin t-shirts, turtlenecks or feminine blouses underneath to avoid bulking up.

Here are some ideas for layering your knits. Take note of the slim bottoms paired with all:

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1. Free People ‘Gypsy Mélange’ Marled Cardigan, $128 at nordstrom.com
2. Michael Kors Cable Knit Sweater Coat, $59.50 at nordstrom.com
3. Juicy Couture Popcorn Knit Cardigan, $288 at nordstrom.com
4. Free People ‘Heather Fuzz Shaker’ Hooded Sweater, $78.91 at nordstrom.com
5. Rebecca Taylor ‘Runway’ Fringed Pullover Sweater, $380 at nordstrom.com
6. BDG Intarsia Shawl Collar Cardigan, $78 at urbanoutfitters.com

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