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Q. I just bought a really cute dress from Anthropologie to wear to a wedding reception. The reception isn’t overly formal, sort of a hip party. It’s a halter style dress, smoky grey on the top, rust and cream mild graphic print from the bust down and a rust color tie around the waist. I’m struggling a bit with what shoes & accessories to wear. I’ve tried a few orange shoes, but they are too florescent orange for the dress. I ordered some grey peep toe pumps, but haven’t received them yet. I also thought about gold or pewter. What are your thoughts on shoe colors and a purse?
- Dress it Up

A. I adore the idea of brightening the dress look head to toe by daring to wear orange/rust heels. Although I don’t know the actual color of the belt, I found a few colors that may work. If your search is fruitless, the best next choice would be a grey heel and I’m digging some of the patent styles from this season.

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1. Jessica Simpson Jinkx, $93 at zappos.com
2. rsvp Mardi, $65 at zappos.com
3. Nine West Glasshouse 2, $83 at zappos.com
4. BCBGirls Constance, $114 at zappos.com
5. Martinez Valero ‘Camila’ Sandal, $126.95 at nordstrom.com

Q. I have a wool and polyester pair of solid color medium grey pants from Sarah Jessica Parker’s Bitten clothing line and I wanted to know if I can wear a khaki blazer with the pants. The blazer is fitted and it’s short but not short like a bolero jacket and the material is cotton twill. And what other colors and materials can I wear with these grey pants? I have a pair of black pants and seem to have no trouble matching those with colors! I also should say that I will be wearing the pants while working in an office whose dress code is business casual.
- Grey Color Blind


A. Think of grey as a neutral that can be paired with almost any color. As long as the blazer is thicker cotton twill you should be fine wearing it with your grey pants to the office. Going forward pair your grey pants with lavender, purple, greens, a variety of blues from teal to turquoise, even red and pastels as well as hot pinks will work. It’s just a matter of deciding which of those colors look most flattering with your skin tone.

Q. I bought this dress to wear to my bridal shower being held this summer. The dress comes to just above my knee (in the picture it is shorter). What shoes can I wear with this dress?
- Shoe Need

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A. Since it’s your bridal shower, it’s not necessarily an event to sport stilettos. Your dress is sweet, but not overly dressy. I’d suggest a mid height metallic heel or wear a bright spring color like a yellow sandal.

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The Dress: Evan Picone Pleated Dot-Print Dress, $99 at amazon.com

1. Lumiani Fawn, $170 at zappos.com
2. Twyla midheels, $175 at jcrew.com
3. BCBGirls Albania, $89 at piperlime.com

Q. I am 46 years old. Can I wear a long sleeve black blouse made of rayon/spandex to a birthday party when the weather turns warm? What would be a good color for pants and shoes?
- Black in Spring

A. Black is never out of fashion or stuck in one season, however many of us just excited to embrace color once the weather gets warmer. So if it is a tres chic top then wear it to the party. And pair it with a black pants and a colorful beaded necklace, or a white and black print skirt for a bold expression. Add metallic heels to complete the party look.

Q. I have been addicted to your website for years. It is so helpful for many reasons. I am writing to you for advice on finding a bathing suit. I am a 34D sometimes DD, but a size 6 on bottom. I am having the hardest time finding appropriate bathing suits (I am 38 years old) that don’t make me look pregnant in the middle, but fit nicely in the breast area. I usually wear halter type tankini’s, but lately the cuts are so low that I feel like I have to squeeze into it. Any suggestions or ideas on where to find decent bathing suits that are made for a woman and not a young girl?
- Suit Yourself from Long Island

A. I found several options that will fit a size D-DD cup size and offer coverage so you don’t feel uncomfortable at the beach or pool. Sites like jcrew.com and figleaves.com offer swimwear sections specifically for D-cups and you can buy separates to insure you get the right support on top and the coverage on your bottom half. Don’t forget to check out our swim style recipe with more swimsuit tips and suggestions.

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1. D-cup solid halter tank (available in 5 colors), $74 at jcrew.com
2. D-cup solid halter tank top (available in 6 colors), $57 at jcrew.com
3. Contrast Waist Suit, $152 at couturecandy.com
4. Women’s Regular Solid Ruched V-neck Tankini Swimsuit, $69.50 at landsend.com
5. Next by Athena Tiny Bubbles Tankini Top (D & DD-Cups), $56 at macys.com

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