Recently in Fashion Category

Q. I’m a student and on a really tight budget. I want to buy a few items for spring to update my wardrobe. Can you recommend a few trendy but affordable items?

A. Absolutely! Sometimes all it takes are a few high impact pieces to freshen up your look for a new season. (Start by checking out our Spring 2013 Trend Report for an overview of what’s hot now.) We put together a 5-item shopping list to give you an instant update:

Style&co. Jeans, Slim-Fit Capri, Vintage Floral Print $49.00 - Macy’s

Talia Low Heel Sandals $89.50 - LOFT

Short Multicolored Stone and Cord Necklace $39.50 - LOFT

Tinley Road Vegan Leather Mini Skirt $79.00 - Piperlime

Striped ponte academy blazer $88.00 $59.99 - Gap

Start with a piece of statement jewelry. A colorful stone necklace like the one shown above or statement earrings will do the trick. Stripes are huge for spring and this Gap academy blazer looks great with just about anything and doubles as a light jacket.

Jeans are a mainstay for any college student; make yours printed and cropped this season for a cool update. We particularly like this soft floral pair for under $50. If you haven’t heard, leather is making a surprise appearance for spring. This vegan leather flared mini is an affordable take on the trend and perfect for date night or when you want to dress up a bit.

Sixties-inspired chunky low heels are making news this season and this pair features a gleaming silver metallic heel. Add to that a touch of chic snakeskin and you have one must-have pair of shoes.

Q. I bought some printed jeans, but I’m not sure how to style them. What sort of top should I wear with them and what shoes (I need something flat that will hold my foot in place)? Thank you for your help.

A. Printed jeans are far more wearable than you think. I particularly love the Gap pair that you’ve chosen (below) — it comes in several pretty prints, and the chic ankle length makes it perfect for pairing with everything from wedges and pumps to flats. The easiest top to wear with printed jeans is a monochromatic top such as a button down shirt, t-shirt, blazer or denim jacket. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try mixing prints like the striped top shown below (read our tips for mixing prints here).

As for flats, a pointed flat would look great, and is perfectly on trend for spring. A ballet flat or even a smoking slipper or loafer would work well, too. Here are some suggestions to start your search:

CL by ChInese Laundry Women’s Glinda Ballet Flat $49.99 - Amazon.com

Oasis Studded Pointed Flat Shoes $64.43 - Asos

Ponte Jet Pocket Blazer $70.00 - Topshop

Crop Sweat $36.00 - Topshop

Bretton Tee $30.00 - Topshop

Frank And Eileen Long sleeve shirt $158.00 - farfetch.com

1969 Printed Legging Skimmer Jeans $69.95 - Gap

1969 Printed Legging Skimmer Jeans $69.95 - Gap

Q. Where can I find an A-line, above-the-knee, navy blue skirt? It seems that navy is a staple color, yet I can never find a skirt in it.

A. Not only is a navy A-line skirt hard to find, but so is the classic above-the-knee A-line silhouette in any color. Most short skirts this season tend to be of the skater variety (short, pleated, flared) or a classic mini. We found some options for you that might fit the bill, though. Good luck!

Alice olivia Chambray Box Pleat Skirt $242.00 - shopbop.com

rsvp - Lennie Skirt (Navy) - Apparel $75.00 - Zappos

BCBGMAXAZRIA Silk Ruffle Flounce Draped Skirt $138.00 - 6pm.com

SESSUN Knee length skirt $88.00 - yoox.com

MARIO MATTEO Knee length skirt $121.00 - yoox.com

PINKO Mini skirt $155.00 - yoox.com

COMPTOIR DES COTONNIERS Mini skirt $95.00 - yoox.com

ANTIK BATIK Mini skirt $158.00 - yoox.com

Q. I noticed that you guys answered a question about dresses that would cover up acne scars before, and the dresses were really cute BUT, most are out of stock now… Could you help me find some cute dresses that would cover up my chest acne?

A. Absolutely! Look no further than two of our favorite dress silhouettes: the shift and the sheath. Both of these styles will offer you a covered up top and are available with or without sleeves and in lengths that range from mini to knee-length. Since you didn’t mention budget or occasion, we scoped out a variety of day and evening dresses in several price ranges for you.

Q. I’m interviewing at a fashionable PR firm and am having trouble choosing the perfect interview outfit. Can you help?

A. The great thing about interviewing for a fashionable workplace is that you have some flexibility about your wardrobe choices. Feel free to express your personal style and add fashion-forward touches like a hint of animal print or a statement necklace. The goal is to look professional yet creative, stylish but not too trendy. Be sure to stick with the usual rules applying to interview clothing which includes the always-important: don’t show too much skin, cleavage or leg.

For your interview, I would suggest starting with a classic sheath dress that has interesting details like colorblocking or prints. Add a sleek leather jacket or blazer, black tights, chic pumps and one piece of statement jewelry for an impressive outfit that will give you the confidence you need to help land the job you want.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Handbag, Jet Set Medium Gather Shoulder Tote $268.00 - Macy’s

Alexandra Beth Designs Suzy Cuff $168.00 - Designs by Stephene

Belle noel Enameled Thread Cuff $195.00 - shopbop.com

Jones New York Women’s Ponte Color Block Wave Sheath Dress $129.00 - Amazon.com

Caslon Knit Trim Leather Jacket $298.00 - Nordstrom

Calvin Klein Dress, Sleeveless Colorblocked Sheath $89.98 - Macy’s