Recently in Fashion Category

Q. I am a 34D and love to wear sexy summer tops but I cannot go without a bra. Very few stores offer tops with built-in underwire bras. Do you have any suggestions?

A. Unfortunately, a large bust does limit your options when it comes to bare summer tops. This doesn’t mean you don’t have options, however. Here are some tips:

1. Layer a tank or camisole underneath tops that would otherwise show too much cleavage. Try the Hanro Perfectly Nude Microfiber Underwire Camisole.

2. Try some of the bra alternatives available for D-cups that give you the freedom to wear tops that would otherwise show your bra while still offering some support: Pure Style Girlfriends: Gather-the-Girls Adhesive Strapless Bra, Sassybax Very Bare Bra and Fashion Forms Adhesive Body Bra.

You are correct that built-in underwires are very difficult to find, however, several companies like Victoria’s Secret and Soft Surroundings do offer tops with built in bras, some of them underwire. You may have to forego the full support of an underwire, though, for the medium support of a shelf bra or soft cup built into tops. Here are some suggestions:

1. Akana Strapless Tunic, $39.99 at whitehouseblackmarket.com
2. Twist-front halter Bra Top, $28 at victoriassecret.com (several colors available)
3. Pleated Bra Top, $88 at victoriassecret.com (several colors available)
4. Sparkle Underwire Halter, $39.99 at softsurroundings.com
5. Underwire Necklace Halter, $78 at softsurroundings.com (several colors available)

Q. I have recently moved to a chillier climate which means I still need a light jacket or sweater to go out on summer nights. The blazers and cardigans I wear to work seem too “buttoned up” for a night out with friends. Can you suggest some more casual, versatile pieces to layer over the summer tops I already own to keep me warm and looking fashionable when it gets breezy?

A. Our favorite items to pack along for chilly evenings are shrunken cardigans and lightweight scarves. Both roll up into small packages to tuck into a handbag or tote and work with everything from tanks, tees and feminine tops to dresses. Unless your work cardigans are boxy, they should pair perfectly with your more casual clothes - just open up the buttons and push up the sleeves a bit. As for jackets, everything from shrunken boyfriend styles to slouchy unstructured blazers work well.

Q. I just bought a Calvin Klein black pinstripe suit for a job interview, and I am trying to choose a white shell to wear under it. Since the suit is linen, I’m thinking a cotton/poly blend with a tiny bit of lace around the neckline or a viscose/nylon white shell knit. The knit looks good with the suit, but I’m wondering if a knit with linen “works”. I think it looks good, but I know mixing the right types of fabrics together can make a difference in the overall look. What do you suggest?

A. Basically, just avoid heavy fabrics, particularly wool or thicker fabrics. A thin knit or light blend will work with your suit, but be willing to consider a variety of tops to pair with your suit in the future once you nab the job, from patterned white on white to chic tops with collars in bold colors. Don’t just settle for the safety of black and white. Here are some white tops you might like:

1. Shawl-collar textured blouse, $64 at bananarepublic.com

2. Alfani Short-Sleeve Polka-Dot Mesh Top, $59 at macys.com

3. Nanette Lepore Women’s Jamming Eyelet Top, $215 at bloomingdales.com

Q. I’m 28 years old. I’d like to buy a bathing suit (2 pieces) for this summer but unfortunately I have a small chest. As I don’t want to look ridiculous, can you show me the best styles for people like me?
-Best Look Up Top

A. I doubt you’ll look ridiculous and stay positive, you have more choices and less chance to fall out of your top. Look for tops with a touch of padding, or an under wire demi-bra style that makes the most of adding to your small bust line. You have the body to wear cute, ruffled tops that are hot right now. Triangle tops and bandeau tops are easy to wear as well. Here are some of my tops picks of the latest arrivals:


1. Love Surf Love Sunny Floral Bottom, $29.99 at urbanoutfitters.com
2. Insight Dream Quest Floral, $88 at urbanoutfitters.com
3. Kushcush Giselle Bikini in Aqua , $168 at couturecandy.com
4. Nina Brigitte Bikini, $141 at couturecandy.com
5. Billabong Safari, $68.50 at alloy.com

Q. Thank you for all the great advice you put in your column. I’m wondering if you can help guide me in the right direction with a white jacket I recently purchased from H&M. It’s made of sateen style cotton so it has a subtle sheen to it, it’s ivory and it’s full length in the sleeves. I love the look and fit of it, but I can’t seem to figure out what to pair it with, especially now, in the heat of summer. I sometimes feel like it makes me look like I stepped off the set of Miami Vice or am about to work as a waiter at a cocktail party. What should I do to avoid that look?
-White Jacket Worry

A. To avoid an homage to Crockett and Tubbs, the first step is to avoid wearing your white sateen jacket with pink or pastel t-shirts. Add patterned or rich bright hued solid cotton, voile, or sheer tops underneath and find belts that can be worn over the jacket and cinched at the waist. Collared shirts will also help draw the eye upward and attention away from the sheen of the jacket.