Recently in What to Wear Category

Q. I’m going on a camping trip this summer for 5 days. It won’t be too intense- just some light hiking that could be done in tennis shoes. How I can I look cute and chic, but manage to stay cool in the heat?
-Hot & Sticky

A. When it comes to camping you want to be cool and comfortable. Dresses and skirts won’t do, you’ll worry about getting them dirty, especially when you’re active.  You need cute shorts and tops, 1-2 pairs of cotton pants to cover your legs at night when the bugs come out and a hoodie for the same reason, socks that cover your ankles when hiking, tees and tanks you can change quickly if you get sweaty and a swimsuit if you’ll be near a body of water.

left to right: Belted Sateen Shorts , $26.50 at oldnavy.com; Ben Sherman ‘Mimi’ Polo Shirt, $54 at nordstrom.com; Waffle-Knit Hoodies, oldnavy.com; French Connection ‘Madame Butterfly’ Sleeveless Top, $88 at nordstrom.com; Free People ‘Benjis’ Big Pocket Shorts, $68 at nordstrom.com; Roll-Up Cargo Capri oldnavy.com

Q. What do I wear for an evening wedding in Battery Park in March?
-NYC by Water 

A. I assume the wedding will be indoors, so the invite—black tie or not — will determine your clothing.  I always wear a dress to a wedding.  I’m a fan of dressy cocktail length dresses, they work for all occasions. And please choose a color.  I am just as much a victim of owning multiple little black dresses, but I know that when I wear color to events, I always snag more compliments and suddenly walk a little taller. I know the Battery Park area in NYC quite well- it will likely be a bit windy and chilly by the water so bring a wrap and spritz on hairspray to avoid the windblown effect.

Q. I stumbled across your site recently, and I think it’s great! I purchased this dress to wear to a summer wedding and I was wondering what shoes and bag you recommend wearing with it. Do you think accessories will be too much? 
-Color Please Me  

A. Keep the accessories simple. I recommend gold jewelry as a good warm color for dresses with many colors.  As for sandals, you have options: for sophistication, choose a nude or natural color; for sass, choose a red strappy; for simple but nice, a pale chocolate; and for drama, go for pale gold. Your clutch or handbag should be gold, natural, white or pale chocolate.

Q. I am invited to a black tie event. The invitation reads: Black Tie - Denim - and Sparkle. There will be prizes given out for the best attire that combines all the aspects.  It is formal so I was wondering, do you have any ideas of how to wear a long gown with denim & sparkle and still look formal? I wear a size 4 and I am up for anything!
-Sparkle & Sass   

A. Have a Bedazzler?  This is the time you get to truly mix sophistication and whimsy.  One of my favorite photos from an old issue of Vogue is of a model wearing a long black ball gown skirt with a white tank top and a dark denim fitted jacket.  You could take this look and add the sparkle.  Look for a top that already has its own jewels, gems or sparkle or buy a black or white top or even a tank and add your own fabric paint that has sparkle, or pick up a Bedazzler and add your own “jewels.”  You can also wear a fitted denim button front shirt over a ball gown and tie the bottom of the shirt at your waist since you can’t tuck it in. It would be preferable to find a strapless or thin strap dress for this look which can also be worn with a denim jacket.  If there is no sparkle to be had, then add diamonds (real or faux) or other bright jewels for the sparkle effect.

Try wearing this dark denim fitted jacket ($98 at jcrew.com):

Paired with a simple white tank or shimmering top and ball gown skirt:

left to right: white tank, $14.50 at jcrew.com; BCBG Max Azria Drape Neck Sequin Top, $298 at nordstrom.com; JS Collections A-Line Taffeta Skirt, $98 at nordstrom.com

Or choose a black tie dress instead to pair with your denim jacket:

left to right, all at edressme.com: Strapless Polka Dot Prom Dresses by Jovani, $440; Short Bubble Prom Dresses by Betsey Johnson, $390; Strapless Little Black Dresses with White Embrodiery, $110

Q. I have a black tie bat mitzvah to attend and I’m stumped.  I have a knee length black velvet dress.  It is covered in tiny sparkles.  I have dressy black sling backs with a closed toe to wear.  My question is, what hose would go?  What’s in style?  Do I wear sheer or opaque?  Textured or plain?  Black or nude?  It will be cold too. 
-Cover Me   

I have three suggestions that would work: 

1. Choose a black lace patterned hosiery that is still thin, not a thicker tight texture, like Jonathan Aston’s Fleur tights. This works if you feel the outfit needs a little more oomph.

2. Choose a nude hose—the best, best version I have found is the Hanes Silk Reflections Transparent hosiery - truly invisible.

3. Black sheer hosiery, perhaps a pair with a back seam, like Falke’s High Heel back seam pantyhose

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