Recently in Style Rules Category

Q. I have a pair of white unlined pants—should I cut all pockets out and have them sewn together?
-See Through 

A. After having models try on countless pairs from various designers in all price ranges for our recent Today show segment, we were surprised by how many designers make pants that are nearly see-through.  For pants with pockets that seem glaringly apparent, we do suggest taking them to a tailor to have the pockets cut out and the hole sewn closed.  This can create a sleeker, smoother look. 

Since transparent whites seem to be rampant among so many designers, make sure you also wear the right undergarments to avoid attracting any undue lingering attention - NEVER wear white, color or prints.  My favorite is the Barely There Flawless Fit in nude.  The bikini doesn’t ride up and is made of incredibly soft, thin fabric. The boy short version is also an excellent option for no VPL (visible panty lines).

$6.99 at onehanesplace.com

Q. I have a semi-formal evening wedding to which I am wearing a knee length black and white skirt and black formal halter top.  It’s in the South at a country club. Do I have to wear hose with my sandal? What kind of sandals would you suggest?
-Clueless Dresser 

A. Skip the hose. Stylish southerners know that when the heat is on, hose just makes y’all sticky and constricted.  Choose a mid to high heel to give the appearance of having longer legs.  And certainly with hotter temperatures and it being a festive occasion, go for a strappy black or silver sandal with perhaps extra details like satin fabric, a small bow or even a few small rhinestones.  And get yourself a pretty pedicure in a soft nail color—no blaring reds.

Q. I am a 38 D, and I need a bra to lift up. I have noticed lately they are starting to droop.
-Need a Lift 

A. Weight fluctuation, pregnancy and age can create a myriad of changes in our bra size.  Before you go ahead and buy a new bra, get fitted by a bra specialist.  Many department stores have trained sales women in the intimates department.  Once you know your correct size, start looking for support or minimizing bras that will give you gravity defying effects.  The Bali Live It Up bra is one of our favorites for it’s lifting capabilities.

Bali Live It Up Underwire
$29  (currently on sale for $23.20) at herroom.com
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Q. I am 5’ 2 and love the new wedge shoe look. But I read that short people should not wear shoes with ankle straps that come around the ankles. What do you suggest?
-Harried Over Height

A. Ankle straps on a gal of any height usually don’t look good unless you have a slender leg and it can, on some bodies, look as if you’ve been cut off at the ankles. But don’t stress—there are options to get the leg-lengthening high heel of a wedge without the ankle strap:

Kate Spade ‘Ariel’ Sandal
$350 at nordstrom.com

Daniblack ‘Amalie’
$133.95 at zappos.com

Aerosoles ‘Thready Bear’
$69 at aerosoles.com

Check out more wedges in our ultimate shoe guide

Q. I have a friend in Florida with a pressing style question.  She is 60ish, but wants to do what is currently in style.  She has a pair of slingbacks with a closed toe.  She is wondering whether to go without hose or wear nude or black hose (which would match her outfit).  She will wear them with longish skirts.
-Hosiery know how 

A. Your stylish older gal pal can work her longish skirts two ways.  While it still gets a bit chilly at night in Florida, she can stay comfortable in black sheer hose and once the temps start heating up, then she can bare an ankle without the hose. And my 60-something mom agrees.