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Q. Can short girls rock wide leg jeans?

A. Follow the lead of famous petite girls, Kylie Minogue and Rachel Bilson, and yes, short girls can wear wide leg jeans. Here are a few tips for wearing them to achieve the most flattering look:

• If you’re slim, opt for high waisted wide leg styles which will help elongate your legs.

• Always wear heels (chunky styles work best), which will also help to elongate your legs.

• Opt for a slim fitting, tucked in shirt.

• Look for styles that are slim through the hips and thighs.

• If you are petite and long waisted, with shorter legs - avoid this style!

• If you are petite and plus size - avoid this style!

images via denimology

Q. I saw your post last week about the new wide leg jeans trend. Please tell me how to wear this look without looking huge - or like a throwback from the ’70s.

A. True, ’70s-inspired wide leg, high waisted jeans are the fresh new silhouette. For some, this is a welcome change from skinny jeans that have been so popular for the last few years. More flattering than you think, flared or wide leg jeans can actually make you look taller and thinner - if you wear them right.

A tucked in shirt and a pair of chunky heels worn with wide leg jeans will make your legs look a mile long. If you’re not comfortable tucking in, try a slim fitting top with a skinny belt at the waist, or a closely cropped jacket. If you have a bit of a tummy or rear end, avoid the high waist styles which tend to look better on slimmer figures, and opt for a medium rise instead.

Here are some looks for inspiration:

Streets Ahead Skinny Snake Belt $56 - ARCADE Boutique

ASOS Oversized Pocket Boyfriend Shirt $43 - Asos

New wide leg trouser jeans (pintucked) $79 - Gap

Sam Edelman Women’s Willie Suede Lace-Up Oxford On Chunky Heel $148 - Endless.com

French Connection Jules Chunky Platform Heeled Sandals $224 - Asos

Steven Alan Cropped wool-blend blazer $385 - theOutnet

Essential Knit Striped Top $78 - BCBG MAX AZRIA

New wide leg trouser jeans (dark wash) $69 - Gap

Like the look? Here are some of our favorite wide leg jeans to wear now.

Q. So I finally gave in to the skinny jean trend (a couple years late, I know) and now I keep hearing that the new “hot” denim shape is wide leg or flared jeans! Do I have to ditch my new skinnies in favor of a wider leg?

A. True, the hot new denim silhouette is a 70s-inspired wide leg jean, but no need to throw away your skinnies - they’re still a stylish option. In fact, this week’s Women’s Wear Daily said that skinny jeans have officially crossed over from a trend to a classic, and they’re here to stay! Here are two quotes that appeared in the WWD article from major department stores:

“The skinny jean has transcended trend. It’s just become part of our everyday wardrobe.”

— Ken Downing, Neiman Marcus

“The legging just continues…the legging and the skinny jean have just become wardrobe staples.”

— Colleen Sherin, Saks Fifth Avenue

So, if the major department stores consider skinny jeans to be a classic, you can expect to see them in stores on a permanent basis.

Cameron Diaz, in James Jeans
Twiggy 5 Pocket Legging Jean
from singer22.com

Q. Ugh, I am so bored with my winter wardrobe already. Do you have any ideas for adding excitement to my daily look?

A. I hear you. Every year, right about this time, I tend to get bored with winter clothes too. Perhaps it’s the dreary winter weather or possibly all of the bright spring clothing starting to trickle into stores, but our daily sweater and skinnies uniform is starting to feel a little drab. The best way to perk up your look is to look forward - try adding a fresh new spring piece to your look. Not only will it help makeover your look, but it will also give you a few months of added wearings to your purchase. Who says you have to wait for warm weather to start wearing spring trends now?

One of our favorite trends for Spring 2011 is the color orange. In various hues, orange appeared on many designer runways, including Proenza Schouler, Tory Burch and Vena Cava. Try adding one orange piece to your winter blues, browns and grays to give them an instant wakeup. Below are some orange pieces worth the investment.

Sliced Leather Bracelet $40 - Linea Pelle

Siberian rose scarf $49 - Madewell

Vanessa Bruno Cotton cardigan $130 - Net-A-Porter

Hy & Dot Silk Tank $68 - Nordstrom

Messenger $79 - Anne Klein

Maria $650 - Rebecca Minkoff

Michael Kors orange padlock covered stud belt $33 - Bluefly

Another trend to try is spring’s bright lip. Celebs have been spotted everywhere sporting bright pink, orange and coral lips. It’s a bit daring, but also a guaranteed mood-lifter. Here are some tips on how to brighten up with a colorful lip.

Q. I’m attending my first-ever writers conference at the end of January, and am feeling a little lost about what to wear. From what I’ve heard, most of the people do business casual or dressier casual attire, and a suit would be a definite no-no. I usually feel more comfortable in a dress, but since the conference happens to be during winter in NYC, that might not be the best of ideas. There will be a lot of standing/walking around, so heels won’t really be practical either. I’ll be pitching my new book idea to some literary agents and I want to look professional, yet creative. There will be a lot of potential authors there, so I’d like to stand out (in a good way). I’m also very petite so I don’t want to look like I’m playing dress up in my Mom’s business clothes!

A. I love when you can infuse a bit of creativity into a work look. Since you feel most comfortable in a dress, wear one! We New Yorkers wear them all winter long - just add some opaque tights and a pair of boots and you’ll be fine. To add a creative touch to your dress, try pairing it with a sleek leather jacket. Another option is to pair skinny black pants with a belted jacket and booties. Add a stylish accessory like some great jewelry or an animal print belt or scarf, and a chic tote.

Though I understand the need to wear comfortable (and perhaps flat) shoes if you’ll be on your feet for hours, your best bet is to look for a stylish pump or shoe with a mid-size heel - this will help you to stand out a bit more since you’re so petite (sometimes we have to suffer a bit for fashion!) Find a shoe that you’ll be comfortable enough in that still offers a little bit of height and will add style to your look.

Below are some looks for inspiration:

Marc New York tar leather ‘Fortress’ tote bag $227 - Bluefly

Ditto by Van Eli Jenda Bootie $99 - DSW

Snake flat prong belt $98 - Banana Republic

INC International Concepts Petite Pants, Skinny Velveteen with Rhinestone Trim $69 - Macy’s

Petite lightweight wool belted jacket $198 - Banana Republic

Hype aubergine leather ‘Jenny’ classic glazed satchel $227 - Bluefly

Steve Madden “Ulltra” Pumps $69 - Bloomingdale’s

Hammered Hinge Cuff $24 - Arden B

Tulle Clothing Sidewalk Stroll Jacket $74 - ModCloth

Petite Brigitte double-knit ruffle dress $150 - Banana Republic