Recently in What to Wear Category

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.

Q. I love your column and thought you might have some ideas for me.  I recently moved to Brooklyn and we are pretty much here to stay. We love the city and my husband and I are both in creative fields that have a lot of opportunities here.  Problem is, I am in the process of changing careers into a creative field from a business one. Also, very soon I will be in school so funds will be limited.  I am stunned by the kinds of clothes women wear in the city and how they can afford to have these amazing budgets, look totally unique and put together. I am almost reluctant to leave my house sometimes I feel so dingy. Any pointers on how to get out of this? A bit about myself - I am a confirmed minimalist, I have a lot of black and white in my closet, I have recently purchased some yellow and green tops but I am also trying to lose some weight so I can’t really go out and buy a huge wardrobe, maybe a few pieces that will last me through my last 10 lbs.
-Fitting In

A. Stop being a scaredy cat and get out and join the locals. Embrace your minimalist style and beef it up with accessories. Wear your black and white plus those new yellow and green pieces and pair them with a new pair of boots, colorful enamel bracelets, a printed scarf and a belt that has a cool buckle. You needn’t pay big bucks for all your new wardrobe pieces.  True New York chic gals mix up a wardrobe with good quality classics, a vintage piece or two and certainly super trendy, cheap tops from H&M and Forever 21.  Plus, make a few trips a year to Century 21, Loehmanns and TJ Maxx.  We’re willing to take chances!

Take your black turtleneck sweater (which I’m sure you own) and pair it with wide leg denim trousers, a fitted jacket and high heeled boots. Pair your white button down with the same denim trousers and add a menswear vest and pumps. Take your turtleneck and wear with a black pencil skirt or A-line skirt and add a wide belt cinched at the waist. And when you’re ready to discover some new designers, stop by Bird in Brooklyn for cool labels like Lover and Karen Walker. The key is to stay comfortable and not overdone while trekking between school and your new creative infused job.

Q. I absolutely love your column on StyleBakery. Here’s my situation: I work in an office with absolutely no dress code. People wear anything from flip flops and sweat pants to traditional business casual wear. I’m a 23 year old graphic designer, and one of the youngest ones here. As I try to advance in the company, I’d like my wardrobe to reflect that I’m professional and ambitious, and still be able fit in with the VP who wears golf skirts, or the Director who wears trousers and a button-down. Any ideas?
-Office Uncertainty

A. Sweat pants at work - really?  Clearly that person would rather be home on the couch.  Don’t follow that person’s lead for wardrobe cues. You’re in a creative field where many have obviously taken liberties with no dress requirements. Avoid the influence of others’ unfashionable wardrobes and make your workplace wardrobe consistently stylish with dark denim trousers, fitted jackets, cool sweaters, a sweater dress belted at the waist, wrap dresses or comfy jersey styles and add a tweed pair of pants as well.  Looking good and getting the job done well will advance your career further than just getting the job done in sweats and flip flops.

Q. My husband’s Christmas party is a Hawaiian theme.  What can I wear that doesn’t make me look like a tourist?  The idea of a boxy Hawaiian shirt is making me cringe.  I’d like something that has a nice fit and style, as well as an outfit I could wear after the fact.  I’m 5’ 5" and a size 8, so I’m too heavy for spaghetti strap anything.  It’s the fall, I’m in the Midwest, and I’m having a hard time finding anything floral.
-Lucky Luau

A. It’s a tough time of year when you want flora and fauna to give the illusion of “I’m happy in Hawaii” and don’t want spaghetti straps on a dress. I say "dress" because it will be simplest to find a dress that has an ode to summer feel than a skirt or top with a summery design.  And believe me, I tried. I found some dress solutions that will fit your size 8 frame and all you have to do is wear them with a halter style bra which is easy to find or buy one of those convertible multi-bras. Then add heels and have your husband buy you some flowers so you can put a blooming flower behind your ear or in your hair if you pin it up.

1.  Adrianna Papell Floral Silk Halter Dress, $178 at nordstrom.com
2.  Donna Ricco Sleeveless Double V-Neck Dress, $138 at nordstrom.com
3. Tiered Floral Halter Dresses, $85 at edressme.com
4.  Lux Silk Embroidered Dress, $58 at urbanoutfitters.com

Q. I bought a new pair of gray pants to wear this winter, but I’m not sure what color tops I can wear with them. I tend to look better in warmer colors, but is it okay to pair yellow undertones with the cool of gray? What will look best with the pants without washing me out?
-Gray Lady

A. Get your gray on with a multitude of colors. I find that gray and brown bottoms lead to a richer mix of styles and colors than your basic black. Gray and brown can be a canvas while black can sometimes just be a backdrop; a color you settle for when you don’t want to take a chance. Gray can look lovely and feminine with pink, lavender, yellow and baby blue and rich with burgundy, olive and hunter green. Paired with teal it can add a bit of color to your face, while a navy pairing looks sophisticated. Since the gray is on your bottom half, you really needn’t concern yourself with looking washed out. Choose top colors that enhance your skin tone and have a flattering fit.

Here are some pretty tops to pair with your gray bottoms:

1. Emma Ruffle Top , $34.50 at delias.com
2.  Lux Daydream Blouse, $29.95 at urbanoutfitters.com
3.  Deity Satin Blouse, $48 at urbanoutfitters.com

4. Laundry by Shelli Segal Washed Silk Wrap Blouse, $195 at nordstrom.com
5. Walter Leopard Chiffon Blouse, $143 at nordstrom.com
6. Semantiks Printed Silk Blouse, $78 at nordstrom.com