Recently in What to Wear Category

Q. I’m in my early twenties and I was wondering what accessories and what kind of shoes would go well with a black cap sleeve turtleneck sweater dress for casual wear as well as dressing up for Winter?
- Accessory Uncertain

A. The shoe part is simple: knee high boots, ankle boots, heeled oxfords and even embellished flats with opaque tights. As for jewelry, go with longer length necklaces with big charms or bolder pieces in color. I loathe the thin necklace dangling out of the top of a turtleneck so please don’t even consider it. Wear smaller earrings while adding a chunkier bracelet on your wrist or a contemporary twist to the cocktail ring for evening.

To dress it up:

1. Pave cabochon cocktail ring, $55 at jcrew.com
2. Pave-stripe enamel bangle, $49.99 at jcrew.com
3. Silk pendant necklace, $38 at bananarepublic.com
4. Pave cabochon teardrop necklace, $85 at jcrew.com

Casual chic:

5. Inlaid square bracelet. $34 at bananarepublic.com
6. Argento Vivo Multi Circle Silver Necklace, $98 at nordstrom.com
7. Betsey Johnson Charm Pendant Bracelet, $50 at nordstrom.com
8.  Juicy Couture Ladybug Pendant Lip Gloss Necklace, $72 at nordstrom.com

Q. I LOVE your column and read it all the time.  I am 26 years old and finishing my Master’s in Iowa City, IA.  I am going on an internship to Mesa, AZ from January until May. I am extremely excited but I have no idea what to wear once I get there!  I am working in a counseling setting so I want to be professional but I am thinking that my favorite chunky sweaters won’t do anymore.  Suggestions?
-Temperature Rising

A. Your favorite chunky sweaters will come in handy in the winter months during the early morning hours as the desert does get cold. But for daytime, you’ll want to look to your Fall wardrobe as your dressing guide. Lighter jackets, dark denim, light sweaters, button down shirts, long sleeve t-shirts and cute tops that can be worn under a thin cardigan. You’ll be enjoying sun and temperatures in the 60’s and low 70’s. Skip your summery spaghetti strapped dresses and definitely no linen this time of year, keep those for May in Mesa when the temperatures reach above 80 degrees. Good luck!

Q. My husband and I were invited to a work-related "Christmas and New Year’s Celebration" in mid-December at a nice restaurant.  The hosts are the worldwide presidents and only senior employees will be there.  Cocktails at 7:00 PM and dinner at 8:00 PM.  Jackets are required for men.  What do you suggest that we wear?  We are in our mid 30’s.
-Dinner at 8

A. You’re eating with the bigwigs so you want to look stylish, appropriate for a big holiday party and still fit your age. Whether you go with a safe choice like the little black dress or something bold in color, just be sure you don’t expose too much cleavage and bring along a little jacket or wrap if it’s chilly indoors. While most readers know by now that I always turn to a dress for instant glamour, I have fallen for many of the taffeta skirts that designers like Diane Von Furstenberg, Nanette Lepore and J.Crew are showing this Holiday season so I may plunk down my credit card for one of those this month.

1. Sophia short silk dress, $139.99 at jcrew.com
2. Kay Unger Cap Sleeve Stretch Satin Dress, $330 at saks.com
3. Silk taffeta Amelia short dress, $195 at jcrew.com
4. Steve Madden Silk Pleated Dress With Tie, $190 at macys.com
5. Eliza J Sleeveless Ruffle Wrap Dress with Bow, $134.25 at macys.com
6. Nanette Lepore Festive Silk Paillette Dress, $295 at saks.com
7. L.A.M.B. Tiered Ruffle Top and Bubble Plaid Taffeta Skirt, $165 each at bloomingdales.com
8. Nanette Lepore Coweled Sweater & Radiant Satin Skirt, $305 and $135 at bloomingdales.com

Q. I have a pair of vintage Evan Picone trousers (mid-1980’s), which are navy blue with a very light grayish-white pinstripe and I am wondering what to wear with them. I also have just purchased a pair of black jodphurs and wondering what to wear with them as well?
-80’s Revamp

A. There are many options for both bottoms.  For both, don’t hesitate to add punches of color. They are both neutral colors that can be worn sleek and chic by wearing similar shades like a black cashmere turtleneck sweater with your jodhpurs and knee high boots or classic with a white button down that fits your shape well and add a patterned sweater.

For pants or jodhpurs:

1. Robinson coat, $298 at jcrew.com - mix stronger stripes with the subtle ones on your pants or wear with a t-shirt and knee high boots with your jodhpurs
2. Façonnable Draped Turtleneck Sweater, $175 at nordstrom.com
3. Cashmere cable turtleneck sweater, $175 at jcrew.com
4. Slim stretch shirt, $59.50 at jcrew.com - always a classic pairing with just about anything

Q. I’m having a dilemma with my mother. I want to know if wearing a gold dress with black leggings would look nice for a beach wedding in Mexico.
-Shine On

A. NO black leggings at a beach wedding in Mexico. And what kind of gold dress?  What kind of material?  Go for a fun, flowy colorful dress. It’s going to be hot and you’ll want to wear something light and adorable.