Recently in What to Wear Category

Q. I was wondering what kind of jacket or cape I could wear over a sleeveless satin dress for a holiday party? I was also thinking of wearing one of those large shawls that hang low to drape around it. I would like something to cover my arms and keep me warm for the evening. I thought the short jackets I own might make the dress look funny.

A. Skip the shawl this season and opt for one of these options instead:

1. Add a skinny belt over your dress to enhance your waist and layer a cashmere cardigan over it. Alternatively, you can wear the belt over the cardigan. This look also works with a long cardigan that ends just above the hem of the skirt, worn open with a cinched belt to complete the look. Dress up the outfit with a statement necklace, tights and party pumps.

2. A fitted tuxedo jacket is a modern option to layer over your dress this season.

3. A cropped faux fur jacket is chic and party perfect.

Q. For Christmas, I will be spending a week with my boyfriend and his family in Philadelphia, which is wonderful except for the fact that I’m from Texas and the coldest it ever gets around here is about 60°! What can I wear that will be super cute but still allow me to stay warm?! Oh, and of course because of the bag restrictions I can’t really pack a ton of stuff because of the weight. Every day will be pretty casual except for the night of the Christmas party… Ahhh… I have no idea… PLEASE HELP!

A. The great news is, you can create a week’s worth of outfits with just a few key additions to items you likely already own. Let’s start with your casual attire: the idea is to impress without looking like you are trying too hard. Pack a couple pairs of your favorite jeans and invest in a few chic and cozy sweaters, including a few cardigans that you can layer over some tanks or tees from your closet. Add a pair of ankle boots (which you can easily wear in Texas with jeans or dresses) in a color that works with all of your outfits and some simple but striking jewelry and you’re good to go. Here are 2 casual looks incorporating jeans to give you ideas (both from jcrew.com):

Without knowing how dressy your Christmas party is, your best bet is to pack a cute dress (perhaps something you already own), a pair of tights, some glamorous heels and great jewelry. If your dress is short sleeved or sleeveless (this is perfectly ok by the way, even if the weather is cool), then pack a cashmere cardigan or wrap to ward off the chill.

The only other item you’ll need to pack is a chic but warm coat that easily transitions from day to evening.

dress: Flutter-sleeve dress, $150 at bananarepublic.com; coat: GUESS by Marciano Barrel Shape Coat, $148 at nordstrom.com

Q. What color/type of shoes do I wear with brown dress pants?

A. Great colors to wear with brown pants: gold, cream, tan, cognac, deep red, bronze, copper. As for what style shoes to wear, virtually any heel will look great with your pants. Without knowing how dressy your pants are or where you are wearing them, here are some suggestions:

Q. My husband and I will be attending an evening gala that is cocktail chic. What type of clothing is cocktail chic? Any suggestions for both of us?

A. “Cocktail Chic” is similar to “Cocktail Attire” but with a little extra room for interpretation. Typical cocktail attire consists of short party dresses for women and dark suits for men. Cocktail Chic includes these items but can also include more creative combinations like a dressy top and pants for women or sport coats and blazers for men. Listen to the “chic” part of the dress code and wear something stylish and modern, rather than safe and classic.

A few suggestions for you:

Q. I am attending a weeknight charity dinner with my husband in New York in late October. The invitation suggests “festive attire”. Do you have any recommendations? Would a wrap dress or skirt suit in a luxurious fabric be appropriate? I’d love some stylish tips, especially something I could wear again to another event.

A. Typically, festive attire is less dressy than black tie or cocktail attire but more dressy than casual or work attire. Festive attire is meant to evoke a fun, flirty, party atmosphere. Think metallics, sequins, beading, ruffles, bows, etc. If your invitation is for a holiday party, then festive attire can also include velvet and other fabrics, colors and prints evocative of the holidays.

Your wrap dress or skirt suit in a luxe fabric might work, just be sure to add something fun like metallic shoes or dazzling earrings. Here are a few other options for your weeknight charity dinner:

1. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Ruffle Dress, nordstrom.com
2. Abaete Women’s Arthur Top and Ricky Skirt, bloomingdales.com
3. Jill Stuart Gantz Top (pair it with nice black pants), shopbop.com
4. Cynthia Steffe Marla Top (pair it with nice black pants), shopbop.com

Want more mileage out of these looks? Either of the sparkly tops above can be worn out to dinner or on a date with jeans, while the ruffled top makes an ideal layering piece under a v-neck sweater, cardigan or jacket.