Recently in What to Wear Category

Q. HELP!! My Fiance’s mother is throwing us an engagement party luncheon at a country club at the end of March in Boston and I have no idea what to wear. I went looking for dresses last weekend and found a few that I liked but I think they are all a bit to fancy for a luncheon. From people I’ve talked to, they all say something along the lines of “Sunday Best” but I can’t seem to find something that looks good and doesn’t look either matronly or like a child. I have a few weeks but I’m starting to panic that I won’t have anything and will have to wear my standby LBD and I don’t want to wear black, it’s my engagement and I think I should be in color or white or something that makes me stand out a bit…but clearly I’ve never done this before so I don’t know. I know the LBD is always classic and I can add color with shoes, purse and jewelry, but I’m a very classic girl, at least where jewelry is concerned, so I was hoping to be able to wear my grandmother’s pearls or her diamond necklace. Any tips would be really helpful!

A. Deep breath. Your engagement party is going to be wonderful, no matter what you wear, but of course you want to look great since you’ll be the center of attention. Though it is a luncheon, feel free to dress a bit nicer than the guests, it’s your party! A dress or pretty top and skirt is your best option. Though we are huge fans of a classic little black dress, you are correct that this occasion calls for something a bit more colorful or bridal. You’re in luck - pretty spring dresses are everywhere now, you just need to find your perfect one.

Since we love the idea of you wearing your grandmother’s pearls or diamond necklace, we have selected some pretty dresses with necklines to accommodate them. Here are some pretty, yet classic, ideas for you that will look great in photos 20 years from now:

MAXSTUDIO ‘Xenix’ Cage Sandal $138 - Nordstrom

BCBGeneration ‘Tinas’ Platform Pump (Nordstrom Exclusive) $98 - Nordstrom

Seidell $75 - Aldo

Wind Catcher Dress $168 - Anthropologie

Silk ruffle wrap dress $130 - Banana Republic

Scroll Print Sheath Dress $128 - White House

Q. I am a woman who has wide calves and big ankles. This is something that I have struggled with my whole life. I do not like to wear skirts or dresses because of this complex - too self conscious. I have a wedding coming up and need to wear a short dress as it will be in a house. Can you please advise what are some great shoes and dresses I can wear in order to help minimize the size of my legs.

A. There are several strategic ways to minimize the size of your calves and ankles:

1. Avoid shoes with ankle straps. A classic pump or d’Orsay pump with a high heel will help to elongate and visually slim your ankles and calves.

2. Opt for a monochromatic leg. If you are going bare legged, then opt for a nude shoe; otherwise, try black hosiery with a black heel.

3. Draw the eye upward. Choose a dress with embellishments or interesting details towards your face, or opt for a statement necklace or dramatic earrings to divert attention from your legs.

4. Wear a long dress. You mention that you need to wear a short dress since the party will be at someone’s home. There are plenty of long or maxi dresses you can wear that aren’t considered too dressy.

5. Choose a dress or skirt that flares out at the bottom. A fuller skirt will make legs look slimmer by comparison.

6. Make sure your dress hits at or above the knee. The shorter you are comfortable going, the slimmer your calves will look. Anything below the knee will draw attention to the widest part of your calves, creating a matronly look.

You can also opt for dress pants with a party top to avoid the leg issue altogether.

Wear black pumps with black hosiery for a lean, monochromatic leg

Nude heels with no ankle straps elongate and slim your legs

Draw the eye upwards with interesting details or a statement necklace

A full skirt makes legs look slimmer

Avoid hems that hit below the knee at the widest part of the calf. Anything at or above the knee is best.

A maxi dress is always an option

Q. I am attending an auction gala at the end of February. The theme is Denim & Diamonds, so I’ve got the jeans and boots ready, but what type of top could I wear that would amp up the outfit?

A. What a fun party invite! Here are some outfit suggestions:

• Pair jeans and cowboy boots with a glam sequin blazer layered over a t-shirt. Or choose a velvet blazer or tuxedo jacket as an alternative. Crystal (or diamond) drop earrings and an evening clutch finish the look.
• Instead of jeans, pair a cocktail dress or evening gown with a denim jacket or vest.

Bcbgeneration “royal” clutch $58 - Dillard’s

Rhinestone Embellished Hinged Cuff $24 - Arden B

Classic Denim Jacket $27 - Forever 21

Aqua Sequined Brocade Combo Dress $98 - Bloomingdale’s

ABS Hematite Chandelier Earrings $95 - Max & Chloe

Sequin jacket $159 - Victoria’s Secret

Steve Madden Dingo Women’s Dillan Cowboy Boot $149 - Endless.com

Vintage Flare Jeans $80 - Topshop

Q. I am going to a wedding in a few weeks and I bought the cutest dress. I have great shoes to go with it, but cannot figure out what accessories to wear. I normally do not wear earrings, as my hair covers them, but would like ideas on a necklace or pin or something. HELP!

A. Cute dress! Simple, chic and timeless. The black and white palette is the perfect blank canvas for some gorgeous statement jewelry. We would opt for a short but dramatic necklace paired with a sparkly cuff bracelet or cocktail ring. Below are some chic choices under $100 - we chose a neutral color scheme, but you can also incorporate colorful baubles and gems if you like.

Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal-embellished cocktail ring $100 - Net-A-Porter

Flower Plaque Necklace $18 - G by Guess

ASOS Premium Rhinestone and Pearl Encrusted Bangle $50 - Asos

Nordstrom Faux Pearl & Chain Toggle Bracelet $68 - Nordstrom

R.J. Graziano Pearl Cluster Torsade Necklace, 17”L $85 - Bloomingdale’s

Carolee Faux Pearl Bib Necklace, 18”L $95 - Bloomingdale’s

Antonio melani “kloss” dress $169 $50.70 - Dillard’s

Q. I am wearing a beautiful green one shoulder Badgley Mischka dress to a holiday party this weekend, but am afraid I’ll get cold and will need a sweater or jacket. I have no idea what would look good with this dress, because it comes in tight at the waist, flares out at the hips and the fabric is a flowing chffon. I will be wearing open toe Miu Miu gold shoes and thought either a cardigan or a short jacket perhaps? What color, and what style? Help!

A. Since you seem like a stylish gal, no ordinary cardigan or jacket will do. This season, we’re loving little sequin jackets and boleros or faux fur capes and chubbies over dressy dresses. Since you are wearing gold shoes, something in the gold or cream family would look rich and elegant. You can also opt for a neutral like black, brown or tan. Any of the styles below would look gorgeous with your green dress.