Recently in Fashion Category

Q. Summer is here and I can’t wait to be out of school and done with “teacher clothes” for a few months. I’m looking for a pair of white pants to wear to daytime social events (backyard parties), but would prefer them to be chic and sexy enough that I can wear them out at night. Also, I’m on a tight budget, so I would appreciate some suggestions under $50.
-Tight Budget in White

A. You need a pair of white pants that work day and night. And best bets for finding a pair within your budget of under $50 is to stick with the large retail chains like oldnavy.com, gap.com, delias.com and target.com. I was able to find several pairs that should fulfill your needs to go from casual get-togethers to chic parties:

1. Wide-Leg Cuffed Trousers, $32.50 at oldnavy.com
2. Sunkissed khakis, $34.99 at gap.com
3. Quinn Low-Rise Sailor Flare, $39.50 at delias.com
4. Rubbish® ‘Sadie’ Pants, $38 at nordstrom.com
5. Ultimate Linen Trousers, $32.50 at alloy.com

Q. I recently bought this pair of shorts from Anthropologie. I’m having trouble finding a shirt of the right length and style to go with them. Most of my t-shirts are too long, and look lumpy when they cover up the sash, but they look weird tucked in. Do you have any suggestions? I’m 5’ 4” and a size 4.
- Shirts for Shorts

A. I shopped multiple sites and found looks that were fitted enough to look smooth and stylish when tucked into your new shorts. I also made a point of shopping for colored tops to show you the variety of colors and patterns that will work with the shorts rather than playing it safe with white tanks and t-shirts. And a quick tip, be willing to swap out the belt once in a while (assuming it is not attached) and wear a different belt like a stripe or pattern to get even more mileage from your shorts.

1. Airy ribbon washed favorite tank, $19.99 at jcrew.com
2. Polka-dot short-sleeve slim shirt, $58 at jcrew.com
3. Short-sleeve slim shirt in botanical Liberty Fabric, $98 at jcrew.com
4. Cap-sleeve ruched top, $39 at bananarepublic.com
5. Free People Sundial Racerback Tank, $24.99 at urbanoutfitters.com

Q. Can I wear a linen jacket with any material skirt or pants?
- Linen Pairings

A. Linen is specifically a warm weather material that should only be paired with lighter or thinner fabrics like other cottons and silk and some rayons, but definitely not wool.

Q. I have a wool and polyester pair of solid color medium grey pants from Sarah Jessica Parker’s Bitten clothing line and I wanted to know if I can wear a khaki blazer with the pants. The blazer is fitted and it’s short but not short like a bolero jacket and the material is cotton twill. And what other colors and materials can I wear with these grey pants? I have a pair of black pants and seem to have no trouble matching those with colors! I also should say that I will be wearing the pants while working in an office whose dress code is business casual.
- Grey Color Blind

A. Think of grey as a neutral that can be paired with almost any color. As long as the blazer is thicker cotton twill you should be fine wearing it with your grey pants to the office. Going forward pair your grey pants with lavender, purple, greens, a variety of blues from teal to turquoise, even red and pastels as well as hot pinks will work. It’s just a matter of deciding which of those colors look most flattering with your skin tone.

Q. I am 46 years old. Can I wear a long sleeve black blouse made of rayon/spandex to a birthday party when the weather turns warm? What would be a good color for pants and shoes?
- Black in Spring

A. Black is never out of fashion or stuck in one season, however many of us just excited to embrace color once the weather gets warmer. So if it is a tres chic top then wear it to the party. And pair it with a black pants and a colorful beaded necklace, or a white and black print skirt for a bold expression. Add metallic heels to complete the party look.