Recently in Fashion Category

Q. I love wearing shrugs with camisoles, but I’m wondering if one can safely (and fashionably) wear a shrug over a white blouse?
-Shrugging My Shoulders

A. Do you think you need a license to wear a shrug safely? It won’t bite. You’ll only know if the shrug looks good if you try it on with the white blouse and YOU think it looks good.  My only advice is that the blouse should be fitted and not boxy, oversized or appear to add extra bulk to your figure when you wear the shrug.  There are also shortened cardigans and 3/4 length sleeve cardigans that can look good with a button down shirt and still give you a shot of color and another layer with your outfit during the cooler months.

Q. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE wearing gauchos with sleek, fitted high heel knee high boots, but I wonder are there any other shoes I can pair them with? Specifically, can I wear them with heels, and if so, what stockings/tights should I wear, if any?
-Gaucho Giddy

A. Depending on the width of your gaucho legs, you can sometimes think of them like a skirt. You can wear pumps, peep toes, wedges and, depending on the fabric of your gauchos, even sandals, cute flats and espadrilles in the Spring and Summer.  It depends on the length of your guachos to know what looks best with them. Wear them and head to the shoe department of your favorite store and have some fun trying on a variety of looks.

Since it’s still cold out there, wearing gauchos with tights can extend the season and the amount of times you get to wear them.  Skip stockings and go for textured tights or opaque tights with winter wedges, patterned pumps and maybe even a peep toe (with a tiny opening) style.

lux plaid sailor gaucho (above), $39.99 (sale) at urbanoutfitters.com

Q. I live in a cold climate that guarantees snow from October through April.  I need a good pair of boots (usually two) to get me through the winter season.  Usually I purchase flat black ankle boots and sexier high-heeled black knee high boots for skirts or my longer pants when I need some lift.  However, seeing the new fall boot styles (like in your fall shoe guide), I’m thinking of branching out.  Most of the fabulous fall knee high boots are so pretty, it seems a shame to cover them up with pants. How do I wear these lovely boots?  Is it acceptable to tuck my jeans in them to show them off? Or am I still supposed to wear them completely under the pant leg?  I’m especially interested in those cozy casual boots!
- Boot Camp

A. That’s what is so fun about boot-wearing this season, you can wear your boots both ways.  Pants tucked into your boots look hip and cool, while long pants worn over the boots so just the front of the boots show is sleek and chic.  Be sure to choose a skinnier-style pant when tucking in (no loose fit or flared styles). To keep pants inside your boots wear socks that are tall enough and thin enough to fold and tuck your pants or jeans into.  You can also find many textured and colorful socks to fold up over the top of your boots to add even more style.

shown right: Faux Fur Collar Stilleto Boots, $66.50 at asos.com

Q. Is it acceptable to wear socks with low-heeled mules?  The shoes are Rockports, black, and they look like loafers (without the back half, of course).
-Cozy Cover

A. It’s kind of like how we all own a few pairs of “granny panties” - comfortable underwear that we hope no one will ever see.  The key to wearing socks with mules is that your shoes need to be casual and your pants should be long enough to cover the back of your pants so only the front part of your loafers are seen.  What others can’t see (your socks) doesn’t matter and you’ll have warm feet this winter. 

Q. I was just wondering if nail polish color and purse color should be in contrast to one another? Also can multi-colored purses be carried everyday? And should light colors or dark colors be worn during fall/winter?
- Purse-onal Questions

A. To answer your multiple questions:

1. Don’t bother with questions about nail color matching your bag unless it’s a specific event that you’re dressing up for. We’ve headed into Fall so give your toe color a break and keep to light colors since few people will see your tootsies. To avoid garish looks with your fingernails, choose colors that aren’t too dark and no funky colors like blue or green.

2. Your everyday bag can be multi-colored, but if the colors are pastel you should hold off and carry in the Spring.

3. When it comes to colors for Fall and Winter, it’s most important to find colors that look best with your skin tone.