Recently in Fashion Category

Q. I have been asked to be a bridesmaid in my brother’s wedding this coming August. Instead of selecting a specific bridesmaid’s dress, the bride said that we can wear any dress, as long as it’s navy. I am having a terrible time deciding on a style and finding the perfect dress. The bride’s dress is quite fancy, but the guys are just wearing khakis and blue blazers. And it’s an August outdoor wedding, so it will most likely be HOT.
-Navy Ne’er Do Well  

A. Hey, high five to you. Three cheers, make that an ovation to the bride to be. I wish you could see my jubilant face right now and you’d probably feel a little more confident. You have been given the great “gift” of not having to conform to a long list of bride’s wishes and demands and you’ll save yourself some money or at least the anguish of stashing the dress in the back of your closet after the wedding is over. Navy is super chic and I’ve fallen in love with it lately as a substitute to black. The dress doesn’t have to be long-YEAH! Since the guys are wearing the classic prep look of blue blazers and khakis you just need to find a cocktail length dress that can possibly take you from the wedding to a Saturday night dinner party some other time. These fabulous dresses should keep you looking cool.

1. Donna Ricco Stretch Satin Halter Dress, $158 at nordstrom.com
2. Jones New York Dress Bateau Neck Silk Dress, $180 at nordstrom.com
3. MARC BY MARC JACOBS ‘Kitty’ Strapless Dress, $448 at nordstrom.com
4. David Meister One Shoulder Sheath Dress, $306 at nordstrom.com 

5. JS Boutique Embellished Matte Jersey Halter Dress, $158 at nordstrom.com
6. Tiered Layered Strapless Cocktail Dresses by BCBG MAXAZRIA, $320 at edressme.com
7. Sophia short silk dress, $195 at jcrew.com
8. Silk tricotine Jenelle short dress, $195 at jcrew.com 

Q. I’m dying for a cool, worn in bomber jacket for spring. But I can’t find one that’s just what I’m looking for. I want one that’s kind of slouchy, rock and roll cool, but not too over the top. Something I can dress up or down.
-Rock Chick  

A. I found plenty of options in all price ranges that you might fancy for rock and roll cool.

1. Theory Lanri Leather Jacket- Bloomingdale’s Exclusive, $615 at bloomingdales.com
2. Xhilaration® Shirred Metallic Faux Leather Bomber, $29.99 at target.com
3. S.W.O.R.D. Lucca Jacket, $745 at tobi.com
4. Corpus Lambskin Quilted Leather Bomber Jacket in Black, $462 at revolveclothing.com 

5. Lux Faux Leather Bomber Jacket, $128 at urbanoutfitters.com
6. Converse by John Varvatos Zip Hoodie Leather Jacket in Olive, $611 at revolveclothing.com
7. S.W.O.R.D Piacenza Leather Jacket in Black, $770 at revolveclothing.com
8. Mossimo® Black: Faux Leather Button Bomber, $34.99 at target.com 

Q. I purchased a cute little motorcycle jacket from “Steve and Barry’s” Amanda Bynes Collection “Dear.” I love the way it looks sort of old and vintage, but now I’m not exactly sure what to wear with it. Is it because I’m 35 and shouldn’t be wearing it anyway?
-Age Appropriate  

A. Unless you plan to wear it with a tube top and a micro mini, grab back some attitude and don that cute moto jacket. Wear it with a vintage style t-shirt and dark jeans or dress it up with tweed pants or a denim pencil skirt and top with ruffles or shine. Being 35 is still young!

1. Truly Madly Deeply Doves V Neck Tee, $28 at urbanoutfitters.com
2. Truly Madly Deeply Night Owl Tee, $28 at urbanoutfitters.com 

Q. I recently purchased a Velvet (brand, not fabric) deep-V, sleeveless, empire waist, black dress. I live in Minnesota, and would like to wear it out for the evening. Would it be okay to wear a Michael Stars burgundy sparkle turtleneck under it? Is there anything else you could suggest? I don’t have any fitted jackets or cropped sweaters.
-Wear it in Winter

A. Layering is key when it comes to extending our wardrobe from winter to spring and summer. Consider layering with a turtleneck sweater, v-neck top or even a collared button down shirt - think chic preppy. Add a long necklace that dangles as long as the deep v of the dress for extra lengthening effect. In many cases, it all comes down to trial and error. So try on the sparkled turtleneck and if you like it then wear it. Confidence can win most style battles.