Recently in Style Rules Category

Q. I’m a 29-year-old attorney who loves cardigans!  I just went on a cardigan buying spree at J. Crew and now I own three more cardigans but they all have a three-quarter length sleeve.  Since it’s winter and I live in New York, I don’t want to wear a cami or a short sleeve blouse with them…  Can I wear a long sleeve button down shirt instead or are long sleeves a no-no?
-Long or Short



A. Long Sleeves are definitely a yes with a 3/4 sleeve cardigan. It can be especially chic with a pop of color like a shiny silk blouse or a patterned top. Generally, you should opt for a thin fabric so you don’t add unnecessary bulk underneath the cardigan.  Some suggestions:

1. Aqua Ruffle Front Bow Blouse, $31.20 (sale) at bloomingdales.com
2. Carte Blanche by Anja Flynt Long Sleeve Button Front Tunic in Ivory, $235 at couturecandy.com
3. Rag & Bone Wrap Neck Blouse, $168 (sale) at tobi.com
4. Munthe Plus Simonsen Rosalina Tunic, $175 (sale) at tobi.com

Q. I really like the look of tucking my jeans into my boots.  However, whenever I try to do this I think it just looks wrong.  I feel like I always end up with a bulge from the jeans (even with my skinny jeans). Is there a correct way to get the look?  Also what boot do you recommend to achieve this look?
-Baggy Knees

A. We all have that same issue. Usually it’s easier with skinny jeans, but the moment we sit down and get comfortable the jeans start rising in our boots and suddenly it’s baggy jean syndrome when we stand. An old school trick that comes from the horsey set is to attach stretch clips under you foot to either side of your jeans to hold them down when you sit down or move around. It’s a way to get the look that comes from breeches without looking like a throwback from the ’80s. Check out doversaddlery.com for pant clips.

Q. Can I carry a black patent leather handbag in the winter?  My mother said only in the Spring.
-Uncertain

A. Where have you and your mother been hangin’? Have you not had access to magazines, TV or walked in a department store lately?  I’m not trying to be harsh, but patent leather has saturated the runways, magazines and is available in some form or fashion in just about every store. So let your mom know what the old rules no longer apply and you can sport your black patent leather bag all year long.

Q. Can you give me a few ideas of current fashion trends that work for those who are short-waisted? I’ve heard that wrap sweaters and dresses are good choices. How about wearing longer tops, or using one of the many options for wearing belts?
-Lost on Length

A. To start with, avoid this season’s high-waisted pants. Instead, choose pants and skirts that are low-waisted, hip huggers, hipster pants and low-slung.  Also, pants and skirts without a waistband will usually sit lower. Don’t hesitate to choose pants that have details like cuffs or decorative taping along the sides that will bring the eye downward and create the illusion of length.

Pair shorter skirts with longer jackets to balance your proportions. Wear tops like sweaters, tunics and jackets that hit below your waist, but hit above your behind or you risk shortening the look of your legs.

As for accessories, choose skinny belts that are the same color as your top and wear them below your natural waist to further lengthen the line of your upper body. Dresses are a great choice since they can create the illusion of a longer torso, especially wrap dresses in a pattern that keeps the eye moving. Generally, the wrap part around the waist will sit lower on your body.

Q. A business associate had a colleague comment on the fact that she was wearing a navy suit which is only appropriate in summer.  The suit was modern, tailored with belt and year round weight.  She was wearing a soft blue shell under. Your thoughts on navy in fall and winter?

A. When did navy become appropriate only for summer months? If it were navy linen, then heck yes, put it away until next year, but clearly the business colleague doesn’t have much fashion knowledge.  Navy is an all year round color. It if weren’t, what would men do since they seem to live in navy suits all year long?  For women, we’re lucky we can wear navy in winter as wool dresses, slim cashmere sweaters, navy plaid pants, navy pinstriped pencil skirts…  You can pair navy with plum, burgundy, olive, ruby, purple and more to give the color richness in winter.