Recently in What to Wear Category

Q. I’m a stay-at-home mom of 2 little boys. I recently bought myself a nice pair of brown pinstripe pants on a splurge. They are the only nice pants I own that fit me. The last three “dressy” occasions I attended, my sister-in-law was in the mix of people. Is it terrible if I wear the same pants each time? Should I just tell her the situation? I typically spend my days in jeans. Over the last four years I have fluctuated between maternity clothes, post baby sizes (starting at 10) all the way to my current size 2. We’re planning on having another baby soon, so I don’t want to invest in too many “nice” clothes that I will rarely get to wear. Any ideas to mix it up?
- Same Pair

A. Don’t fret over wearing the same nice pants to several parties; men do it all the time with suits to the office. The best way to mix it up is to always wear a different top when seeing the same guests and choose eye-catching jewelry to additionally distract friends, particularly your sister-in-law. You don’t have to worry about size with jewelry so you can be a two or a ten and still wear a cool necklace.

1. Diane von Furstenberg Austral Halter Top, $185 at saks.com
2. TOMMY HILFIGER Paisley Pleated Top, $59.50 at macys.com
3. Beach necklace, $64 at bananarepublic.com
4. Bubble necklace, $150 at jcrew.com
5. Subversive® for Target® Cameo Multi-Row Necklace, $59.99 at target.com

Q. I am so glad to have found your website. It is truly amazing, and you give great advice. I am going to be attending a 4-day conference soon, and towards the end of the conference, there will be a banquet for all of the attendees. The dress code is semi-formal and I have NO idea what to wear. I don’t really wear dresses, so any other options would be great.
- Not Knowing

A. You can vamp it up and look stylish without wearing a dress by pairing tuxedo-style pants with a fancy top.

1. Diane von Furstenberg ‘Gavin’ Tuxedo Pants, $194.90 (sale) at nordstrom.com
2. Lafayette 148 Analisa Silk Blouse, $177.90 at saks.com
3. Robert Rodriguez Ruffle Top, $264 at eluxury.com
4. 3.1 Phillip Lim Leaf-Embroidered Blouse, $345 at eluxury.com
5. 3.1 Phillip Lim Draped-Sleeve Tee, $175 at eluxury.com

Q. I just bought a very cute BCBG dress, but it has fall colors: oranges (light and deep), bone, and dark grey. I am wondering if I could wear such an obviously fall dress in the spring and if so what color shoes and accessories to put with it.
- Wear in Spring

A. While the dress may be darker fall colors, the whether-to-wear-now depends on the fabric. If it is not a heavy wool dress and is made of lighter fabrics then slip it on. The best way to lighten up the look for spring would be to pair it with shoes and accessories that play with the colors of the dress. Opt for light grey patent peep toes or a bright orange strappy sandal. Alternatively, look for a taupe strappy heel that you can wear with many other pieces in your wardrobe. Add bright enamel bracelets to add more color.

Q. I have a short chartreuse colored cocktail dress I am wearing to an event on Friday evening… what color shoes? Black or Gold? The color is a bright lime-y chartreuse 100% Silk.
- Very Sex In The City!

A. Go for gold or neutral strappy heels. Here are some suggestions:

1. Luichiny Primal, $73 at zappos.com
2. Charles David Cascade, $170 (sale) at zappos.com
3. Nine West Dayglow, $83 at zappos.com
4. Nine West Argent, $83 at zappos.com

Q. I have this cute Shoshanna dress that I plan to wear to an outdoor spring wedding. It’s an evening ceremony, so I’d like a sweater/jacket that I could throw on top in case it’s a bit chilly. Any ideas? Also, I’m wondering what kind of shoes to wear - I have a cute pair of black peep toe heels, but I think I want something a bit more fun. Any suggestions? Thanks! Love reading your advice!
- Cute Seeker

A. Go for a pop of color in your heels and you’ll surely strike a pose of stylish sass. Orange or hot pink heels would be ideal to give the dress punch and wear black the next time you pull on the dress and want to keep it simple. As for a jacket or cardigan, choose black or white to keep the look sophisticated. I’ve chosen several shapes that should work with the dress.

Get the dress: Shoshanna Geometric Print Silk Dress, $350 at nordstrom

1. Theory ‘Niba - Deep’ Jacket (black or white), $365 at nordstrom
2. Trina Turk ‘Minx’ Ponte Jacket (black or white), $298 at nordstrom
3. Two Wishes Double Breasted Linen Blend Jacket, $138 at nordstrom
4. Kenneth Cole Reaction Button Front Cardigan (black or white), $79 at nordstrom
5. Lilly Pulitzer® ‘Flora’ Cardigan, $148 at nordstrom

6. BCBGirls Oriana, $89 at piperlime.com
7. Pura Lopez ‘K122’ Sandal, $228 at nordstrom
8. Guess Footwear Jelissa, $100 at piperlime.com
9. Stuart Weitzman ‘Sharp’ Pump, $280 at nordstrom
10. BCBGirls Nice, $90 at piperlime.com