Recently in What to Wear Category

Q. I am attending a black-tie event in November.  I don’t feel comfortable in floor-length dresses.  Is tea-length acceptable?  If so, what do you suggest?  Help…and hurry! 
-Black-tie challenged

A. If celebrities can walk the red carpet for the Oscars and Emmys in sophisticated tuxedos (a la Greta Garbo and Diane Keaton) and sweet tea length confections (think Sarah Jessica Parker), then it’s certainly fine for you to attend a black tie event in a dress that doesn’t skim the floor. Here are a few favorite finds:

velvet dress
Laundry by Shelli Segal
$265 at edressme.com

BCBG Max Azria
´D Esprit´ Trimmed Point Strapless Dress
$400 at nordstrom.com

Q. I am taking my husband to the VA Symphony for his birthday. What would be appropriate to wear for both of us?
-Wear to Where

A. When it comes to events like the Symphony, Opera, Ballet and Theater, I recommend that people dress well for the occasion.  It’s not often that you spend much more than the cost of a movie ticket for a night out with your husband, so it’s a chance to dress up rather than wear your favorite jeans.  And what girl doesn’t like to receive compliments for looking pretty? For your husband, a sport jacket, button down shirt, tie, nice pants and well-shined shoes will be appropriate. For you, wear a dress or a skirt with details like beading and a cashmere sweater or even a velvet suit.  There are always options for a ladylike, chic look and sometimes it can just mean adding a printed scarf or long earrings to a simple solid colored dress.  And wear great heels! 

Q. I have homecoming in a couple weeks and I bought a chocolate brown dress with gold sparkles and I was wondering what color heels I should wear?
-Color Curious

A. Simple answer - gold. Metallic will always dazzle ‘em.  Trying to find the right hued brown heels can lead to a frustrating and endless search. Look fab in gold and wear gold dangling earrings or carry a small gold clutch.  You can find plenty of inexpensive styles these days:

RSVP Gold Metallic
$69.95 at zappos.com



Nine West Accolia
$72.95 at zappos.com

Q. My daughter and I are traveling to New York in mid-November.  I just wanted to know if it is already cold enough to bring a coat, hat, gloves, etc. and is wearing mostly black still ok?
—Clueless in California

A. Definitely pack your coat, hat and gloves.  It always seems to turn into jacket/coat weather by Oct. 30th.  You may be able to leave the hat in the hotel, but it’s always good to be prepared.  And if you hadn’t heard, black is back this season and in New York black is NEVER out of style.   Black is chic, simple, hides a myriad of flaws and easily disguises your tourist status.

Q. I have a navy pinstripe pants suit and a navy skirt suit.  Navy shoes are hard to find right now!  Is it okay to wear black with navy?  I thought I read somewhere a while ago that this is okay.
-Navy or Not

A. Wearing black with navy is usually the best option since trying to match the right hue of navy clothes with navy shoes can be exasperating.  Also consider colors like olive green or burgundy to give the outfit more stylish sophistication.

CARLOS by Carlos Santana Sizzle
$117.95 at zappos.com

BOSS Hugo Boss 91255
$147.95 at zappos.com