Recently in What to Wear Category

Q. I bought this “Susanna” skirt pictured below from Delia’s for spring, and I’m not quite sure what to wear with it. It’s a bit high-waisted, which I’m not used to. I’m very petite (5’3, 100 lbs) so i was trying to find something that would add some curves. The website shows girls wearing it with hoodies but I think that looks a little ridiculous (plus I’m 28 - looking for more of a pulled together, fashiony look). Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

A. Great find! Short, full skirts are a big trend this season and there are many ways to wear them that don’t look too young. Here are 3 ideas for you:

1. Wear a simple fitted shirt over the waist band and then add a belt at the waist if you want to dress it up further, skip the belt if you prefer a relaxed casual look.
2. Tuck in a pretty blouse. You can also add a belt at the waistband here if you like.
3. Pair a belted jacket (great for adding curves) or little cardigan over a tank top or tee shirt.

Q. I recently purchased this vintage-inspired dress for a black tie wedding. I’m looking to accessorize it with shoes and a bag. I want a vintage-inspired look without looking like I’m attending a theme party. Can you help me out? P.S. I’ll be wearing the dress without the straps.

Q. I recently bought a white twill blazer from Old Navy and would like some casual ideas on what to pair it with. I live in Florida and don’t have to wait til it warms up to start wearing it. Seems like it should be a no brainer and would work with just about everything but you always offer great ideas that I would never think of!

A. A white blazer is a great wardrobe addition this season, and yours from Old Navy is not only versatile, but affordable too! I applaud your decision to start wearing your blazer now - that old rule about not wearing white before Memorial Day is so outdated. To wear your white blazer casually, think of it almost as a replacement for a jean jacket, wearing it with day dresses, cargo pants, jeans, skirts, etc. Here are a few outfit ideas for you:

1. pair your blazer over a casual dress and wear with wedge sandals

Q. So I FINALLY bought the Frye Harness boots I’ve been lusting over for years. (squeal!) They look fantastic with my straight cut faded black jeans that ruche up around the ankles, but they seem a bit - excuse the western pun - horsey with a looser bootcut or flare. How do I avoid the I’m-going-out-to-the-biker-bar-in-mom-jeans look and lean a bit more towards the artsy hipster side of things?

A. Loove, these boots, they are a great investment that you’ll wear for years with a rugged look that only improves with age. The great thing about these boots is that they do have a masculine feel, making them perfect for toughening up feminine pieces like a floral dress or skirt.

You’re on the right track wearing your skinny jeans tucked into the boots, however your bootcut or flare jeans worn over the boot is an option also. If you’re concerned about looking too tough or “biker-ish”, then wear something ultra feminine on top to balance the rugged boot. A belted fitted jacket or cardigan or a pretty ruffled blouse are great options. Even something simple like a tank top and draped scarf is an option.

Q. I just bought a pair of lovely leather gray boots. I know it is a neutral color, but I am surprisingly having a difficult time matching it with other colors. Does it work with black leggings? Would it look to harsh with dark indigo jeans? A bright colored top or neutral color? Ahhh, help me!

A. You’re right, it’s a neutral, so you can wear it with just about anything. Your black leggings and dark indigo jeans would look fabulous, as would a lighter jean, cranberry tights, purple dress, red top, pale pink sweater, etc. In other words, wear them with dark colors, bright colors, pale colors - anything!