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Q. What type of shirt would you suggest I wear with a rattlesnake skin pencil skirt? Also what type of shoes should I wear? Please give me several options.

A. A snakeskin skirt can be a really chic fashion forward look - or it can look really cheap and tacky. It’s all in how you wear your skirt that keeps you looking classy. Refrain from showing a lot of skin, plunging necklines or from wearing a really tight top. Try pairing your skirt with simple, classic and ladylike pieces like a tailored white button down, a fitted (but not tight) simple top or sweater, or a classic cardigan or blazer. On your feet, stick with classic pumps or heels. Here are a few ladylike looks incorporating a python skirt:

Jessica Simpson Jessica $69 - Piperlime

Velvet Angels Women’s Frenzy Peep Toe Pump $249 - Endless.com

Sofft Fortuna Leather Booties $145 - Lord & Taylor

BR Monogram twisted bead necklace $198 - Banana Republic

Mixed Stud Skinny Belt $24 - Arden B

Grosgrain Collar Tux Jacket $125 - Topshop

Knitted Short Cardigan $50 - Topshop

Long Sleeved Star Detail Shirt $30 - Topshop

INC International Concepts Python Print Pencil Skirt $69 - Macy’s

Q. I want to wear this black sequin skirt during the December holidays, but I’m not necessarily going to be going out to formal occasions. I love this skirt, but I’d like it to be more versatile. Are there any tops and/or accessories you could recommend that are more casual but still go well with the it?

A. There’s nothing we love more than pairing traditionally fancy clothing like a sequin skirt with more casual pieces to wear day or night. Here are a few ideas followed by some inspiration pictures for dressing down your skirt:

• Pair your skirt with a super casual t-shirt or tank. Add tall boots, ankle boots or heels to finish the look.
• Add a blazer or leather motorcycle jacket for an edgy-meets-glamorous look.
• Get a punk rock vibe with a graphic tee and studded ankle booties.
• Go ladylike with a classic cardigan or v-neck sweater.
• Go classic with a tailored white shirt.
• Go laid-back casual with a long belted cardigan or sweater.

Q. All the inspiration photos I can find show model thin girls in leggings. How can curvy girls make the most of the legging trend?

A. Believe it or not, this season’s legging style is more flattering than you think - and yes, even for curvy girls. The key is to treat them the same way you would an opaque tight or skinny jean, which is to layer them with longer length tops. At the very minimum, your top should cover your rear end and hit just below the widest part of your thigh.

Look for heavier weight leggings with a fair amount of stretch, rather than hosiery weight or lightweight leggings. Skip this season’s patterned, shredded or shiny leggings and stick with a more forgiving basic dark color. Add a pair of leg lengthening heels or boots (preferably in a similar color to the leggings for a monochromatic look) and you’re all set. Need some inspiration? Check out these looks below:

Q. I am over 60 but wear a size 4 petite. I have purchased a pair of black leggings and have not worn them yet because there is nothing worse (in my opinion) than not dressing for your age. I have two long tunic blouses - one that I purchased a few years ago in Paris and love and another one that I purchased recently. I have always worn the first with pants but would love to change the look. My question is- am I too old to wear leggings? I paired the outfit with some flats and it looked cute, but I am thinking maybe for an evening out at a restaurant rather than a day outfit. I live in a college town and do not want to look ridiculous! Am I wrong?

A. There’s no doubt that leggings are a huge trend this season. On the runways we saw everything from basic black to shredded and studded styles paired with pumps and ankle booties. However, leggings do have a place in a more sophisticated and classic wardrobe.

Start with a basic pair of leggings in a substantial knit fabric (no thin hosiery leggings) and dark color - forego this season’s embellished or patterned styles. Wear them with a pretty tunic blouse or sweater paired with a gorgeous flat or knee high boot. Here are two sophisticated and age appropriate looks to wear day or night:

Bandolino Women’s Castalina Riding Boot $149 - Endless.com

Kate Spade Suede Jewel Flat $295 - Footcandy

Laurie B Infi Knit Possibilities “The Columnist” $162 - Piperlime

Tory Burch Studded wool tunic $395 - Net-A-Porter

Heavy Weight Ponté Leggings $98 - Max Studio

Q. I’ve been seeing a lot of tie-dye skinny jeans on my favorite clothing websites. At first, I thought it was kinda ridiculous, but I must admit that it’s growing on me. Should I splurge and buy into this trend, or is it something that only celebrities can really pull off successfully?

A. The news is that bleached and tie-dyed denim will be around for at least another season, having popped up on a few of the spring 2010 runways. So if you’re digging the look, go for it, and pair them with everything from boyfriend blazers to chunky knit sweaters. And, there’s no need to splurge with these options under $100: