Recently in Style Rules Category

Q. Is it still not fashionable to wear white after Labor Day?
-Wear White

A. Take notes, ladies. Once and for all, you can wear white all year long. Wear your cotton whites until the official end of summer in late September, and in very warm locales you can stretch it even further past that date.  When the weather turns chilly, pair your white jeans with dark hued tops and turtlenecks. White jeans, a black cashmere sweater and boots worn with a trench looks super chic. Designer Michael Kors has been telling women for years to keep their white jeans accessible all year long. And once it’s cold enough that you need a jacket everyday, then turn to your “Winter” whites of wool, wool blends, cords or cashmere jackets, pants and sweaters.

Here are some winter-appropriate whites:

1. Scooter Brown Babydoll Jacket, $110 at nordstrom.com
2. Pleated Back Funnel Neck Coat, $248 at bloomingdales.com
3. Cashmere turtleneck sweater, $148 at jcrew.com

4. Design History Bobble Stitch Cardigan, $158 at nordstrom.com
5. Beth Bowley Long Wool Cardigan, $242 at nordstrom.com
6. Favorite-fit stretch vintage trouser cords, $79.50 at jcrew.com

Q. I am sure the answer is probably somewhere in your column but I can’t find it.  I bought some really cute ballet flats.  My dilemma is, what to do when it gets colder? I live in Colorado.  Can I wear light socks with them? I wear jeans most of the time.  And should I match the shoes or wear a contrasting color?  I don’t want to look like a fashion disaster.
-Happy Feet

A. You can wear your ballet flats all year long when you add a little coverage to keep your feet warm.  Avoid bulky knit socks and opt for opaque tights or knee high trouser socks that are thinner and in the same color hue as your flats.  If you wear your ballet flats with a skirt or dress, you can go for the monochromatic look and match tights to flats for a long, lean look or go for a spunky, young look and choose a color to offset the skirt and flats.

Q. I’m 5’1 and curvy at around 125 lbs.  I know that for petite women, wide leg denim is a no-no, but I wanted to know if there are any exceptions to this rule.  I love the way it looks. Is it possible for me to wear wide leg/low rise wide waistband jeans if I get them on the longer side (tailored) and I also wear heels with them? By the way- I do have saddlebags.
-Curvy Frame

A. Depending on how wide the jeans are, you may be able to pull off the look. Super wide may be too much for your height to carry, but a little width (like in the pair shown here from bananarepublic.com) can help balance out hips and saddlebags. The key is to choose pants that have the right placement of pockets and the wide waistband will help minimize the butt and tummy area. And definitely keep them on the longish side and wear with heels or heeled boots to help elongate your legs. Be sure to take a good look in the mirror - you’ll know if the style works for you.

Q. I am sending this question for my boss.  She is wearing a mid minidress and she wants to know the correct heels to wear with it.  Also, what is the lowest heel height to the maximum height that is appropriate?
-Heel Height

A. With a mini, there are plenty of options: she can wear ballet flats for a Mia Farrow in “Rosemary’s Baby” young look; or pair knee high slim boots with opaque tights; or wear peep-toes or high heels for an evening out look. If she is petite (5’3” or shorter), I would advise that she avoid heel heights over 3 inches since it will look like she’s grasping for height with a stiletto.  But generally, her heel choices will depend on what her activity is or where she’ll be going in her dress.  The more casual the plan, the lower the heel height.

Q. I recently began a new job that requires me to wear suits to work every day. Since colder weather will be approaching soon, I’m wondering what kind of a jacket is a good fit to wear on top of my suits. All of my present jackets are too small to fit over the rather bulky layers that the suit creates.
-Suit Cover

A. You’re looking for a true Fall/Winter coat that is meant to protect your clothing.  If you intend to wear pantsuits and some skirt suits five days a week, you’ll need a coat that falls past your hips to cover the suit jacket. A trench is a great option if you choose one with a zip or button-in lining.  Although a trench, even with a lining, will not keep you very warm in the middle of winter if you intend to be outside often. 

Also look for coats with a slight A-line cut to give you more room and choose one that is a size larger than your clothing since you are covering more bulk than just your body. Best chances of finding the right coat to fit over your suit is to do some shopping with your suit jacket in hand.  Fall jackets are usually lightweight wool or leather and meant for wearing over tops and thin sweaters.

Some suggestions:

1. Double-faced wool Bella coat, $350 at jcrew.com
2. Camelhair Walker, $400 at bloomingdales.com
3. Kenneth Cole REACTION Extended-Tab Coat, $219 at macys.com

4. Larry Levine Double-Breasted Walker Coat, $217.50 at macys.com
5. London Fog Trapeze Balmacaan, $198 at nordstrom.com
6. London Fog Long Trench Coat with Liner, $158 at nordstrom.com