Recently in Style Rules Category

Q. Now that spring is here, can I wear sandals to work?

A. The rules vary from office to office, so it’s important to look to your coworkers, and more importantly, your boss, before deciding if sandals are appropriate for the office. In general, sandals are a big no-no in a corporate office, stylish sandals are typically ok for a casual or creative office, and flip flops and gladiator sandals are generally not appropriate. Here’s a breakdown of some of this season’s top shoe styles and whether they can be worn to work or not.

Peep Toe Pump

A peep toe pump is typically appropriate for all but the most corporate of offices. If you’re unsure if a peep toe is acceptable, then opt for a closed toe pump in a pretty spring-worthy color instead.

Slingback Pump

Slingbacks are making a comeback and offer the perfect compromise between a pump and a sandal, with no toe exposure. This style is appropriate for virtually every office.

Heeled Sandal

A tasteful heeled sandal that isn’t too sexy or strappy is appropriate for many offices, especially a casual or creative work place. We suggest looking to your superiors before opting for this type of shoe.

Wedge Sandal

A wedge sandal typically follows the same office rules as the heeled sandal, unless your wedge is an espadrille, raffia or cork wedge, then see below.

Espadrille or Cork Wedge

Espadrilles and cork wedges tend to have a breezy, summery look to them and are best left for casual offices only.

Flat Sandal

There are many types of flat sandals with varying degrees of acceptance at work. A simple elegant pair like the one shown here can be worn to a casual or creative office, while a very bare sandal or casual gladiator-type sandal is often too casual for work. Use your best judgment here, and if still unsure, save them for the weekend.

Flip Flops

Flip flops, or any other shoe you would wear to the beach, is never appropriate for work (unless you’re a lifeguard!)

And remember, if you do choose to wear sandals to work, be sure your toes are properly pedicured!

For more spring shoe ideas, check out 20 perfect work shoes.

Q. I just bought some white pants that I love. Can I wear them now, or do I have to wait until Memorial Day?

A. This is one of those old-fashioned style rules that refuses to die. No matter how many times people hear that it’s acceptable to wear white after Labor Day and before Memorial Day, they’re still uneasy about going against the rules. Trust us, though, you won’t be arrested by the fashion police for wearing white now, in fact, we encourage it!

Take a cue from the celebrities shown below; Amanda Seyfried’s skinny white jeans are fine with flip flops in sunny California but would look just as chic with a little bootie or ballet flat in New York where it’s still a little chilly. Elle Macpherson has the right idea by pairing her white blazer with dark denim and a scarf, perfect for warding off the pre-Memorial Day chill. And Fearne Cotton incorporates white into her look with a leather tote - in fact, take away her tights and add a sandal and she’s ready for spring.

Q. I have my own engagement party coming up this weekend. I was hoping to find more of the spring colors out in the stores, but that doesn’t seem to be the case yet. I found a pretty black satin Betsey Johnson Dress. It’s to the knee and fitted. Is it wrong to wear black to my own engagement party? Are there any other options to order ?

I was thinking of adding fun shoes to it to make it a little more colorful and spring, maybe hot pink or light pink ? My wedding colors are raspberry, blush and silver, so I thought this might be cute.

Would a fun shoe look ridiculous ? Can you recommend some great high heel shoes for this occasion ? Thank you very much!!!

A. Congratulations on your engagement! While black would not be my first choice for you, what’s most important is that you feel good in your dress. A little black dress is a classic and works for pretty much any occasion, so if you love your dress and feel confident, that’s what matters.

I love the look of a bright shoe with a LBD, it’s a great way to add some fun and a touch of spring to your look. Also consider adding a bright earring or statement necklace (not both) to the look. Here are some ideas for inspiration:

Chaney $85 - Nine West

Amrita Singh Teteo Necklace : Amrita Singh Women $150 - CoutureCandy

Roberta Chiarella Dolcetti Necklace in Fuchsia $78 - Max & Chloe

Betsey Johnson - Betsey’s Secret Garden Flower Rosary Beads Necklace $50 - Zappos

Kate Spade New York - Crystal Kaleidoscope Necklace $295 - Zappos

Betsey Johnson Women’s Whitney Open-Toe Pump $150 - Endless.com

Queen Of Hearts Knee Length Sheath $250 - Betsey Johnson

Q. I want to know at what point or age, should a female stop wearing mini skirts? I am a mother of two little girls and I am 5’6” and in my mid-thirties. I am an avid runner, so I have shapely, defined legs. I was wearing a denim mini one night being out with my friends and one of my friends says to me, who is the same age as me, “Aren’t you getting too old to be wearing mini skirts?” Since then, I have questioned whether I should donate all my mini skirts.

A. As long as you feel good in a mini skirt, there is no age cut-off for wearing them - and certainly mid-thirties is not too old. The big question is HOW are you wearing your mini skirt? Whether you’re wearing a mini, a maxi, or anything in between, it often matters more the style of the items you’re choosing, rather than the length, when figuring out if something is age appropriate.

Denim minis can be tricky, since there’s often a fine line between dressing like a teenager and dressing your age. For example, if you’re wearing your denim mini with Uggs and a pink tank top, a la Pam Anderson circa 2002, or with a cropped top and cowboy hat like Lindsay Price above, then it’s probably too young for you. But if you’re wearing it with a tasteful top and flats like the lovely Reese Witherspoon shown here, or something similar to the look at right, then by all means you are dressed age appropriately.

If you’re unsure of whether your denim mini looks too young, there are plenty of other ways to show off your slim legs in a sophisticated way, like a short tunic dress or short skirts that are not denim.

In the meantime, don’t let your friends discourage you from wearing short skirts. If you feel good, then wear one!

Q. Can short girls rock wide leg jeans?

A. Follow the lead of famous petite girls, Kylie Minogue and Rachel Bilson, and yes, short girls can wear wide leg jeans. Here are a few tips for wearing them to achieve the most flattering look:

• If you’re slim, opt for high waisted wide leg styles which will help elongate your legs.

• Always wear heels (chunky styles work best), which will also help to elongate your legs.

• Opt for a slim fitting, tucked in shirt.

• Look for styles that are slim through the hips and thighs.

• If you are petite and long waisted, with shorter legs - avoid this style!

• If you are petite and plus size - avoid this style!

images via denimology