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Q. I love leopard print shoes, but have no idea how to wear them. I work in an office, but don’t know how to wear them so that they aren’t too showy or inappropriate. How can I work this?
-Grrrrrr

Sp05f2677cA. Isn’t the idea of wearing leopard print shoes a chance to add a little panache to your outfit? Simple tips for wearing your leopard shoes in a professional office:

  1. Don’t wear other animal prints
  2. Keep the rest of your outfit classic
  3. Don’t wear more than one other pattern or print
  4. Don’t be shy about showing off your style

A pair of animal print shoes can make a classic outfit like a black or chocolate suit look more stylish.  And don’t assume that your top has to be white—choose other colors like burgundy, deep green, bronze, black or chocolate in silky blouses with a bit of shine.

Check out some of our favorite animal print pieces

Q. I love wearing shrugs with camisoles, but I’m wondering if one can safely (and fashionably) wear a shrug over a white blouse?
-Shrugging My Shoulders

A. Do you think you need a license to wear a shrug safely? It won’t bite. You’ll only know if the shrug looks good if you try it on with the white blouse and YOU think it looks good.  My only advice is that the blouse should be fitted and not boxy, oversized or appear to add extra bulk to your figure when you wear the shrug.  There are also shortened cardigans and 3/4 length sleeve cardigans that can look good with a button down shirt and still give you a shot of color and another layer with your outfit during the cooler months.

72233_bk0001Q. I recently bought this black chiffon skirt with sequins from J.Crew.   I am planning on wearing it to a semi formal attire party where everyone will be wearing dresses.  Any suggestions of what to wear on top?  Keep in mind that I’m only a teenager and don’t have the bank account I would like to have. Thanks!
-Skirt SOS

A. We like coming to the rescue of stylish budget-minded girls like ourselves.  I went “window” shopping on several sites for you and found several party-worthy tops that would do your skirt justice and not make your bank account look suddenly bleak. I decided to stick with black tops to give the illusion of a dress since you believe many girls will be wearing dresses. And each top has something to be desired whether it be sparkle, shine or a great shape. Don’t forget a great pair of earrings to finish the look.

Yq3631_001deep v-neck tank
$49 at espritshop.com

P193863b
Sparkle & Fade
Sequin Inset Cami
$19.99 at urbanoutfitters.com

P203103b

Sparkle & Fade
Glitter Tank
$24 at urbanoutfitters.com

Q. I am wearing a knee length black dress to a wedding and party at night.  Can I wear nylons that are nude instead of black?
-Leg Cover

A. You can wear nude stockings instead of black, but you may need to spend a little extra time in the hosiery department matching up your skin color to make sure the nude stockings really do look like you are wearing nothing at all - since that’s the point. Or, if your can swing it in the cooler temps, go bare legged and perhaps use a sunless tanner on your legs.

Q. I am going to St. Thomas this February for vacation and would like some advice on what to bring as far as eveningwear. I have a lot of cute long skirts from last summer which I usually pair with a tank. I do not, however, want to always wear a tank out at night. Do you have any suggestions of what kind of tops I can wear besides a cute tank with longer skirts?
-Tankless

A. There are plenty of options beyond a tank to wear with skirts in the Caribbean.  Try a short sleeve fitted button down shirt, a sleeveless or short sleeve wrap top, a camisole, or a pretty ruffled cotton top. And don’t assume that your tanks are not an option. Add a long beaded necklace or a multi strand necklace and the tank can suddenly look incredibly chic.  And when it comes to the Caribbean, casual usually is the clothing theme.  Even at a five star resort, many still wear flip-flops to dinner, albeit they’re silver or gold, but flip flops nonetheless.  Here are some options to consider with your long skirts:

9m7421_main
That 70s Shirt
$28 at alloy.com

167541

Sweet Pea by Stacy Frati
Split Neck Victorian Top
$78 at nordstrom.com

V0414035973411_v1_m56577569

Nanette Lepore
Beach Safari Top
$110 at saks.com

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