Recently in Fashion Category

Q. I am 30 y/o and will be going on vacation to Europe in 2 weeks. I have to dress to impress the people who will meet me while I want to be comfortable and stylish on the plane. I am thinking about wearing leggings with a tunic, flats and trench coat. But I would like to add a cardigan since it might be cold on the plane. Do you have any suggestions?
- Cold Case

A. A tunic, leggings and flats are the ideal travel wardrobe for a trip to Europe. You’ll be comfortable and will avoid any constricting clothing. Bring along a light wrap like one from our favorite, Love Quotes, to wear when the trench is not needed. I’ve found several cardigan styles from long to wrap, cashmere to cotton.

1. Love Quotes Italian Linen Scarf, $85 at tobi.com
2. Citronella coat, $119.99 (sale) at jcrew.com
3. Summerweight cashmere cardigan (available in 14 colors), $158 at jcrew.com
4. Soft Drapey Tie Front Top, $74 at boden.com
5. Joie Dark Grey Heather Roxy, $295 at fashionchateau.com

Q. I just got the cutest pair of black skinny jeans and I finally feel confident enough to pull them off - what should I pair with them? I need help making them acceptable for casual Fridays at work and for Saturday nights out!
- Cute and Skinny

A. You have multiple options for both occasions. For work, think stylish, but slightly conservative. Add a fitted blazer style jacket with colorful top underneath and for evenings it’s anything goes from fitted tops with a wide belt at the waist or hip skimming blouson tops to create a “leggings” look with your jeans. I found several options for both days.

1. Python-print Lucia jacket, $168 at jcrew.com
2. Metallic jacquard jacket, $268 at jcrew.com

3. Whisper lamé Zoey tank, $88 at jcrew.com
4. Amanda Uprichard Tuxedo Ruffle Top in Purple, $172 at pinkmascara.com
Swap out the tie belt and add a wide belt:
5. French Connection Tunic with Belt , $98 at jbandme.com
6. Truly Madly Deeply Printed Babydoll, $28 at urbanoutfitters.com

Q. I just bought a very cute BCBG dress, but it has fall colors: oranges (light and deep), bone, and dark grey. I am wondering if I could wear such an obviously fall dress in the spring and if so what color shoes and accessories to put with it.
- Wear in Spring

A. While the dress may be darker fall colors, the whether-to-wear-now depends on the fabric. If it is not a heavy wool dress and is made of lighter fabrics then slip it on. The best way to lighten up the look for spring would be to pair it with shoes and accessories that play with the colors of the dress. Opt for light grey patent peep toes or a bright orange strappy sandal. Alternatively, look for a taupe strappy heel that you can wear with many other pieces in your wardrobe. Add bright enamel bracelets to add more color.

Q. I love your website, you have excellent fashion advice. I have a question about skinny jeans, well a few questions really! I love the look of them, but do you have to be a size 2 to pull it off? I’m a size 6/8 with a booty. What tops are best to wear with them? And what about shoes? Are flats ok? They seem to make your feet look bigger but heels aren’t practical everyday.
- Skinny on Jeans

A. A girl doesn’t have to be a size 2 to wear skinny jeans, but she does need to have minimal curves in order not to emphasize a triangle effect - meaning looking much bigger around hips and butt while looking skinny around the ankles. Generally a variety of top styles work, but to help slim the look, avoid billowy tops. Shoes will depend on the head to toe look. And true, flats can be tough to pull with skinny jeans. Just remember that all trends do not work for all people and you should dress in what suits your figure best.

Q. I want to buy a basic black dress that I can dress up at night with pearls and cute bag/shoes. I would also like to be able to wear it to work with a jacket or cardigan. I am in my early 50’s, size 14/16 and although I feel like I carry most of my weight in my hips/thighs I also have a fairly large bust area. Can you advise any items that I could purchase?
- Basic Black

A. I found several options that will work for your curvy figure and move fluidly from work to evening. They won’t hug your hips and thighs and are flattering for a busty gal.

1. Goddess-inspired pleated dress, $59.50 at lanebryant.com
2. Sutton Studio Exclusive Wrap Dress - Women’s, $249 at bloomingdales.com
3. Bubble-Hemmed Dress, $79 at ullapopken.com
4. Lily Cap Sleeve Faux Shrug Dress, $124 at nordstrom.com
5. Ruched Surplice Dress, $116 at kiyonna.com