Recently in Style Rules Category

Q. I am in love with the socks and heels trend, but I just don’t know if I can pull it off! I don’t want to look like someone wearing socks and sandals (a definite fashion faux pas), but most of the women I’ve seen sporting the trend have looked fabulous! What do you think? Is it worth trying and how do you suggest going about it?

A. We’re loving this trend this season also (check out this recent post in StyleBakeryTeen), but it can be a bit tricky to pull off. Keep in mind that wearing socks will visually cut off your legs, so if you’re not willing to lose a few inches of leg height, this trend may not be for you. Here are a few tips for successfully wearing socks with heels:

• Choose thin socks made with a nylon blend. Cotton socks tend to be too thick and can stretch out or sag.
• Make sure the top of the socks hit at a slim part of your ankle or calf for the most flattering look.
• The easiest way to wear the look is to match your sock color to your shoe color.
• Your skirt or dress hem should be short - mid thigh or higher.

A good pair of socks is a fairly inexpensive investment, so this is an easy way to experiment with your fall look. Have fun with it!

Here is some styling inspiration from a recent J Crew catalog:

Q. I really love long double-breasted coats, but I’m worried it’ll make me shorter than I actually am. I’m Asian, short and small at 5’1. Which is the best type of everyday coat for someone of my size? If someone as short as I am were to wear such a coat, what should she wear on the lower half of her body to make her not seem so short? I’m also on a college student budget.

A. Long double breasted coats can be very difficult for petite women to wear without looking overwhelmed. A better option would be a cropped double breasted jacket or a coat that hits 1 inch above the knee or higher. Tapered, belted and empire waist styles will help define your shape and make you appear taller. The styles below are the best double breasted silhouettes for your figure, however, if you are determined to wear a long style, make sure it is cut slim to your figure (not oversized) and wear heels to elongate your legs for the best look.

Cropped knit trench $79 - Gap

Calvin Klein Double Breasted Peacoat $198 - Nordstrom

MICHAEL Michael Kors Double-Breasted Trench $160 - Michael Kors

Q. I have a lot of turquoise jewelry that has accumulated over the years. Is it still in style?

A. Turquoise jewelry is one of those trends that seems to come in and out of fashion every few years. This happens to be one of those “in” seasons where chic turquoise pieces are everywhere. That being said, turquoise also happens to be a classic, so if you invest wisely in gorgeous items, you’ll want to wear them for years - even when it’s not the “must-have” of the season.

Here are some of our favorite turquoise picks to wear this summer and beyond:

Amrita Singh Selena Bangle Set $75 - CoutureCandy

Roberta Chiarella Turquoise Brava Earrings $48 - Max & Chloe

Kate Spade new york 12K Gold-Plated Epoxy Stone Drop Earrings $65 - Lord & Taylor

Cara Accessories Long Strand Bead Necklace $48 - Nordstrom

Juicy Couture Turquoise Double Cluster Adjustable Ring $144 - Asos

Yves Saint Laurent Aco Stone Ring $195 - Saks Fifth Avenue

Kenneth Jay lane 22K Gold-Plated Turquoise Beaded Cabochon Bracelet $100 - Lord & Taylor

JACK AND STELLA Turquoise Stone Necklace $194 - Ron Herman

Turquoise Cluster Cuff $28 - Urban Outfitters

Q. I’m so tired of my bra straps showing when I wear summer dresses and sleeveless tops. I’m not a fan of strapless bras, so what else can I do to keep my straps under wraps?

A. This is a problem I often face as well. You have a few options to help keep bra straps in place, depending on the kind of top you are wearing:

• Opt for a racerback or convertible bra that will help keep bra straps closer to your neck without sliding down onto your shoulders.
• If you’re not ready to invest in a new bra, try an inexpensive bra strap converter that helps turn a standard bra into a racerback.
  
• Use double stick fashion tape to temporarily adhere straps to your top to keep them from peeking out.
  
• Have little lingerie snaps sewn into your tops and dresses to keep bra straps in place.

Strap perfect™ bra strap concealer set $12 - Kohl’s

Hollywood Fashion Tape - Touch Ups - 2 Packs of 30 Sheets $4 - Beauty Habit

Fashion forms see-through bra strap converter $5 - Dillard’s

SPANX Bra-llelujah! Racerback Front-Close Bra $62 - Bare Necessities

Natori Body Options Convertible Underwire Bra $58 - Bare Necessities

Q. I am short (5’2) and pear-shaped but with a chest. Every top is too long for me but I feel like I can’t tuck it in because I have a short torso AND a tummy. All I see are long tops or cute ones tucked in. What are we to do?

A. It’s very difficult for women with a short torso and an ample chest to tuck shirts in, we end up looking “all boob”. Add a tummy to the equation and it becomes even more difficult. Your best bet is to look for tops that can be worn untucked, that skim your figure without being tight, or are loose fitting without being boxy. An untucked top will also help to balance out your pear shape. Be sure to look for petite sizes which are specifically designed for your 5’2” frame that won’t be too long. Here are some flattering summer options for you:

Petite Animal Print Asymmetrical Ruffle Button Down Shirt $49 - LOFT

Petite garment-dyed linen top $59 - Banana Republic

Petite silk printed empire tank $69 - Banana Republic

MICHAEL Michael Kors Ruffle Front Silk Blouse $79 - Nordstrom

Olivia Moon Ruffle Trim Print Tee (Petite) $38 - Nordstrom

Vanilla Sugar ‘Celline’ Print Tee (Petite) $39 - Nordstrom

MICHAEL Michael Kors Drape Neck Top (Petite) $49 - Nordstrom

Vanilla Sugar ‘Rubia’ Slubbed VNeck Tee (Petite) $39 - Nordstrom