Recently in Style Rules Category

Q. I have some dress pants I purchase about 6 months ago that need to be hemmed. I’m 5 ft tall and will be wearing them with heels, the problem is I don’t know where the hem should hit the heel and the front of the pants.

A. When hemming pants, visit the tailor wearing shoes with the heel height you will wear most often. When hemmed, the pants should touch your instep in front and cover 1/2 to 3/4 of your heel in the back.

Q. This question goes against every fashion column I have ever read, but I have to ask it. Why does everyone suggest that curvy women wear boot cut jeans? I have a large chest, small waist and large hips and cannot for the life of me find jeans that look good and don’t have a huge gap in the back and/or expose things that I don’t want exposed whenever I sit down. There has been a recent trend towards “curvy” jeans which fit me slightly better than most, but the problem is that they are almost always boot cut or flair. Every column I read says that curvy women should wear boot cut jeans to even out the curves, but I find that I look like a Coke bottle in this style. In fact, I don’t think that it is particularly flattering on anyone. How out of touch with reality am I?

A. Finding a flattering pair of jeans is a constant challenge for many women, especially those with curves. As a general rule, boot cut jeans are the most universally flattering for women with your figure. However, it’s important that you look for jeans with a slight boot cut, not a wide flair - this can make all the difference and help to avoid the Coke bottle silhouette you fear. Also, experiment with straight cut styles, and even skinny jeans worn with knee high boots. Tapered jeans in general are a big no-no for women with hips and thighs.

Compare the styles below: on the left is a flaired jean (not so flattering), in the center is a slight boot cut (flattering) and on the right is a straight leg style (also flattering). All jeans are from lanebryant.com

As for finding jeans that fit your smaller waist, this may prove to be even more of a challenge. If the curvy cut jeans that are available aren’t fitting well, then your best bet is to take the jeans to a tailor and have the waist made smaller. A small price to pay for a great fitting jean!

Q. I just bought a cute orange patent leather Jessica Simpson bag at a great price but I am not sure if the color will still be “in” for the fall.

A. Whether it’s a bright orange or a fall-like burnt orange, we say YES! Wear your patent purchase proudly.

(check out this orange clutch shown in a Fall runway show that we recently wrote about)

Q. For the past 4 years I have been having a fashion dilemma! I am 22- years-old and slim and fit, yet I have large thighs that do NOT look so hot in shorts or skirts. I don’t know what to wear to be both fashionable and figure flattering. It is so frustrating to see all of these skinny girls with tiny thighs! Can you help me look great this summer and into the fall!?!?

A. Shorts can be difficult for women with large thighs, I agree, but don’t eschew skirts so quickly! A-line and full shaped skirts and dresses are the ultimate way to conceal large thighs. Since the rest of you is slim, flaunt it! Wear your skirts and dresses with belts to show off a slim waist and wear heels to show off toned calves. Done right, no one will have any idea what size your thighs are. For pants, look for slightly wideleg pants and bootcut styles that are fitted through the hip. Always avoid tapered styles and skinny jeans.

Q. I recall seeing recently in a magazine (and now cannot find) a product that clips up pants that are worn with heels to be able to wear them with flats or gym shoes. While this might not look fashionable, it would be helpful as I commute on public transportation to work, and am ruining both my feet (blisters!) and my good shoes.
-Long and Short

A. I believe you are referring to Zakkerz Temporary Pant Rollups which we wrote about last year. These should do the trick to keep your pants fresh on your commute. Or as a last resort, there is always fashion tape, (or double sided tape).