Recently in Style Rules Category

Q. I heard that satin will no longer be in this summer, I recently bought and already own a few satin tops that are really cute and I can combine with several other clothing items. Can I still wear them and not look outdated? Please advise…

A. Of course you can wear satin this summer! Don’t worry so much about what is “in” or “out” - if you love something and feel good in it, then wear it. Yes, fashion can be fickle, but other than super trendy items, most items (and fabrics) can be worn for years without going out of style. In the case of your satin tops, it is more about the silhouette of the items than the fabric when considering whether they are stylish or not.

Here are several pretty satin tops to wear now, this summer and for years to come:

Q. I purchased a vintage-looking black two-button leather blazer that looked cute online, but when I tried it on, it made me look a bit too “mature” (I’m 28 and I wear a size 8)…what (if anything) can I wear with it to make it look trendy and more updated?

A. Great purchase! A vintage-inspired leather jacket is a great investment piece that you’ll wear for years. Take your cue from the looks shown here to wear yours in a modern, youthful way:


You’ll notice that all of the above looks include a v-neck or scoop neck underpinning. Generally, this gives the jacket a more flattering and young look than a turtleneck or high crew neck underpinning would.

Try pairing your leather jacket with:

• a pencil skirt and ankle boots
• a flirty, feminine dress
• a fitted tee or tank, skinny jeans and knee boots, ankle boots or even ballet flats. Add a loosely wrapped scarf for an added layer of chic
• a tank top, boot cut jeans and ankle boots

Also, try pushing your sleeves up a little for the latest “boyfriend” jacket look

Q. I’ve just bought a pair of very dark brown Frye “Jane” stitch boots. I’d like to get as much use out of them as possible. Would I be able to wear them into Spring and what would I wear them with?

A. Love these boots! You’ll get years of wear from them, and they’ll only improve with age. As for wearing them in the spring, pair them with a flirty dress or skirt and you’ll look gorgeous.

(click on each item below for purchasing info)

2008 has come to a close, so we’re recapping our most popular, and in some cases, controversial, Q and A’s of the year. Read on and happy holidays!

We are often asked about hosiery and intimate apparel:

What Are The Age Guidelines For Hosiery?

Rules For Wearing Black Tights With Colored Shoes

Should a 55 year old always wear hose to the office?

Is Sheer Hosiery Back In Style?

Hosiery To Wear With Sandals?

Is Hosiery Mandatory For A Black Tie Optional Wedding?

In Search Of A Serious Tummy-Cincher That Won’t Roll Down

Smooth Look Under Satin

Comfortable Bra for Busty Gal

Questions about shoes and boots are also very popular:

In Search Of Flats With Arch Support

How To Wear Ankle Boots

Winter Boots That Are Warm, Weatherproof and Stylish

In Search Of Riding Boots That Aren’t Too Tall

In Search Of Boots For Skinny Calves

Chic Shoes To Wear In The Rain

Some wardrobe and figure-flattery questions:

Chic Options For Stay-At-Home Moms

Do Boot Cut Jeans Really Flatter Curvy Women?

Figure Flattering Options For Large Thighs

Capri and Shorts Lengths For Petite Women

Traveling In Comfort and Style

Closet Clean Up

2008 has come to a close, so we’re recapping our most popular, and in some cases, controversial, Q and A’s of the year. Read on and happy holidays!

Some of our most-read and most-asked questions are “what to wear” questions for weddings and affairs. Here are some useful (and timeless) special-occasion questions:

Wearing White to a Wedding?

Can I Wear Red To A Wedding?

What To Wear To A Daytime Wedding

What To Wear To A Black Tie Optional Affair

What To Wear When The Invite Calls For “Festive Attire”

What To Wear When The Invite Calls For “Cocktail Chic”

Versatile Dresses To Wear To Multiple Weddings

Ideas For Dressing Up A Pencil Skirt For A Party

How Best to Cover Up a Cocktail Dress

Budget-Minded Dress Search For Hourglass Figure

How To Wear A Summer Dress In The Fall For Weddings

Dresses With Sleeves That Don’t Look Too Mature

Here are some of our favorite style rules questions:

How Long Should Pant Hems Be?

Can You Wear White After Labor Day?

Avoiding the Gap in Back of Jeans

Strappy Shoes In The Winter?

Defining Business Casual