Recently in Style Rules Category

Q. I keep hearing about the new trend of wearing denim on denim. How can I pull this off without looking like a reject from 1988?

A. Truth? This is not an easy trend to wear. For me, it comes dangerously close to those horrid head-to-toe acid washed denim outfits from the early years of Beverly Hills 90210. Or bad high school pictures that make you cringe every time you look at them. However, if you’re determined to wear this spring trend, here are a few tips to pull it off in style:

D&G spring runway

1. Wear different colors

The easiest way to wear double denim is to wear two different colors of denim like the chambray shirt and white jeans combination shown above. Blue with black denim is also a great look.

2. Wear different washes

When wearing the same color denim, it’s best to pair two different washes. A light shirt with darker jeans or a dark denim jacket with lighter blue jeans works well.

3. Break up your denim pieces

Break up your denim pieces with a belt or a shirt to avoid looking like you’re wearing the same color denim from head to toe.

Faded denim blazer $88 - Gap

Current/Elliott The Skinny Studded Jeans $220 - Bergdorf Goodman

Q. I bought a few pairs of gladiator sandals last summer, can I still wear them?

A. You’re in luck! Grecian-inspired sandals continue to be a huge trend this season. We especially love them worn with dresses and skirts. Here are some of this season’s stand-outs:

Blowfish - Laco Black Gladiator Sandal $49 - Jildor

Luichiny Freak In Gladiator Sandal $70 - DSW

Braided Gladiator Sandal $15 - Forever 21

HAIDEE High Leg Gladiators $50 - Topshop

Ash Marrakech Studded Gladiator Sandal $272 - My-Wardrobe.com

Sm Dani Gladiator $90 - DSW

Se Boutique Grenda Gladiator Sandal $99 - DSW

HARBOUR Gladiator Jellies $24 - Topshop

Kimchi Blue Gladiator $38 - Urban Outfitters

Guess what? Gladiator sandals aren’t the only spring trend you already own.

Q. Are pleated skirts out of style?

A. Pleated skirts are most definitely still in style. The most ubiquitous silhouettes this season are pleated full skirts and short “skater” style skirts. Whether you wear one of these or a more traditional pleated skirt, try tucking in a tank or button down shirt, or pair it with a jacket, cardigan or blazer. Here are some looks for inspiration:

Akris Punto Abstract-Print Skirt $695 - Neiman Marcus

Apiece Apart - Coral High Waisted Skirt $360 - Satine

Vero Moda Pleat Front Mini Bubble Skirt $39 - Asos

Metallic moss jacquard skirt $178 - J.Crew

Q. Are oversized clutches still in for Spring/Summer 2010? I recently bought a gray clutch with zipper details, what can I wear it with for both everyday wear and going out?

A. Though the oversized clutch isn’t on everyone’s top 10 list this season, you can absolutely still wear yours without fear of being a fashion victim. An oversized gray clutch can be worn with virtually any look this spring, day or night. Some favorite options: with a feminine floral dress; with a pretty printed blouse and skinny jeans; a boyfriend blazer and a printed full skirt… you get the idea, pretty much any look works!

More Michael Kors…

Q. I’d like to go green for St. Patrick’s Day and was wondering if there were any rules on wearing green and mixing greens. I heard green is a trend for spring, so how can I wear green fashionably?

A. I’ve never been one to wear green on St. Patty’s Day, but lucky for you, it is a big trend for spring! We’re seeing everything from pale pastel and jewel tones to blue-green marine hues and military olives. I do love to see different shades of green mixed together, but it is not an easy look to wear head-to-toe. Try mixing in gold, copper, yellow, blue, nude and more to blend with your greens. Here are some gorgeous green pieces to incorporate into your wardrobe, for March 17th and beyond:

Women’s Beaded Waterfall Necklaces $12 - Old Navy

Cockadoodle Dress $168 - Anthropologie

Melie Bianco S9-232 Shoulder Bag, $108 at endless.com

DIANE von FURSTENBERG “Dessie” Printed Silk Chiffon Dress and “Graciana” Metallic Double Layer Tank $465 - Bloomingdale’s

Aurora medallion earring $45 - Banana Republic

Creative Outlet Tank $58 - Anthropologie

Michael Antonio Galian $50 - Piperlime