Recently in What to Wear Category

Q:  My fiancee and I have been invited to a Bat Mitzvah reception, and she is planning on wearing a red/burgundy MaxMara dress, kind of a low cut wrap around design.  The discussion with her has been around what type of jewelry or accessories does she need to complete this outfit.  A single strand of pearls was the initial thought, though she has recently been given advice to shun any type of necklace and just go with stunning earrings.  What are your thoughts on this, as it is important that she look absolutely incredible in front of my family and ex-wife.
- Proud Beau


 A. I own many wrap dresses with low v-neck styling - I’m a big Diane Von Furstenberg fan.  Generally, dresses that have a wrap/v-neck style look best with a necklace that drops down, meaning a necklace that follows the shape of the V.  A necklace that wraps around the neck like a single strand of pearls or other kind of single strand ends up cutting off the lengthening effect of the dress. Don’t get me wrong, I love pearl necklaces — multi-strand for drama and single strand for the feminine sophistication. But you’ve got to be savvy with the message of your pearls, you’re aim for your fiancee to be a sophisticated lady in her appearance to your family can flop and end up looking dowdy or too conservative.  As a girl (all fab women are girls to me) in her 30’s, I like that I can wear a single strand of pearls with a straight-across-the-chest strapless black cocktail dress and I’d give Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” a run for her money, but if I put those same pearls with one of my DVF wrap dresses, I’d fall flat.  My readers would wonder where my pinache went! 

My suggestion for your fiancee’s wrap dress is a dangly pair of gold and beaded earrings or a more modern version of traditional gold hoops and skip a necklace altogether.  If there’s any arm exposed, then maybe add a wide gold cuff on the wrist.  If it’s a necklace you’re set on, then look for something gold that drops down towards the cleavage with some shape and beading.  Here are my suggestions:


Leaf Branch Charm Necklace
$65 at mrejewelry.com

Triple Hoops
$112 at tiffinidooris.com

Ruby Pebble Earrings
$234 at tiffinidooris.com

Q. I am going to St. Thomas this February for vacation and would like some advice on what to bring as far as eveningwear. I have a lot of cute long skirts from last summer which I usually pair with a tank. I do not, however, want to always wear a tank out at night. Do you have any suggestions of what kind of tops I can wear besides a cute tank with longer skirts?
-Tankless

A. There are plenty of options beyond a tank to wear with skirts in the Caribbean.  Try a short sleeve fitted button down shirt, a sleeveless or short sleeve wrap top, a camisole, or a pretty ruffled cotton top. And don’t assume that your tanks are not an option. Add a long beaded necklace or a multi strand necklace and the tank can suddenly look incredibly chic.  And when it comes to the Caribbean, casual usually is the clothing theme.  Even at a five star resort, many still wear flip-flops to dinner, albeit they’re silver or gold, but flip flops nonetheless.  Here are some options to consider with your long skirts:

That 70s Shirt
$28 at alloy.com

Sweet Pea by Stacy Frati
Split Neck Victorian Top
$78 at nordstrom.com

Nanette Lepore
Beach Safari Top
$110 at saks.com

Q. I recently bought this black chiffon skirt with sequins from J.Crew.   I am planning on wearing it to a semi formal attire party where everyone will be wearing dresses.  Any suggestions of what to wear on top?  Keep in mind that I’m only a teenager and don’t have the bank account I would like to have. Thanks!
-Skirt SOS

A. We like coming to the rescue of stylish budget-minded girls like ourselves.  I went “window” shopping on several sites for you and found several party-worthy tops that would do your skirt justice and not make your bank account look suddenly bleak. I decided to stick with black tops to give the illusion of a dress since you believe many girls will be wearing dresses. And each top has something to be desired whether it be sparkle, shine or a great shape. Don’t forget a great pair of earrings to finish the look.

deep v-neck tank
$49 at espritshop.com


Sparkle & Fade
Sequin Inset Cami
$19.99 at urbanoutfitters.com



Sparkle & Fade
Glitter Tank
$24 at urbanoutfitters.com

Q.  I bought a silk chiffon red dress from A/X for my company’s holiday party and I have no idea what to wear it with.  What color shoes go with it?  What type of jewelry? I work at a trading firm on Wall Street and the party is going to be at a trendy Meat Packing District loft-type space.
-Party Wear

A. For a party dress like this, look for metallic gold, a rush of rich red or sassy black with rhinestones to slip your feet into and definitely wear earrings that dangle.  I’d skip a necklace and if you still want to wear more jewelry, then choose a few thin gold bangles or a big faux stone cocktail ring.

Shown left: silk chiffon dress, $109.99  (sale) at armaniexchange.com

JLO by Jennifer Lopez ‘Jenni’ Sandal
$114.95 at nordstrom.com

Argento Vivo Ruby
& Pearl Earrings
$198 at nordstrom.com

Meg’s 12 Carat Gold
& Amber 14k CZ
Cocktail Ring
$99 at emitations.com

Q. What color shoe should I wear with Winter White pants?
-Shoe Color Confusion

A. Play off the color of your top or jacket.  White is a neutral so anything will work, but keep it toned down.  If you’re wearing winter white from head to toe, then look for caramel, latte, soft metallic pinks, pale autumnal colors, even opt for patterns like animal print or plaid. Of course, black and winter white is always a chic combination. Some suggestions:

Claudia Ciuti Rum
slingbacks
$285.95 at zappos.com

Vigotti R1969
Pump
$37.95 at zappos.com

Giuseppe Zanotti
E5703 Pump
$185.95 at zappos.com