Recently in What to Wear Category

Q. I’ve got a soon approaching wedding reception to go to and after going crazy have finally found the dress I am going to wear. A little number hidden in the back of my closet, an off-white mini-sundress with ruffles —PERFECT for a lake side wedding. Only issue with the dress is that because it is made of linen, and not lined, it is see-though in direct sunlight. To not give my boyfriend’s family a show, I’ve been trying to find solutions to my dilemma and have run into a brick wall. Every half-slip or full slip is either too long or the cut isn’t right at the neck. Please be the gurus I know you are and help me figure out what I can do.

A. We can definitely help you find the correct underpinning for your unlined sheer dress. Since the top is closer to the body and you will likely be wearing a bra, you will only need a skirt-style slip for the bottom half; one that is short enough to wear under a mini dress.

That being said, you may want to think twice about wearing a white dress to a wedding. Though your linen mini dress can hardly be considered bridal, there are many who feel that a guest should never wear white to a wedding. If you are looking to impress your boyfriend’s family, consider whether they are traditional-minded when it comes to fashion before you wear white. Also, bear in mind that an all-linen dress will easily wrinkle, so you may not look as polished as you’d like after stepping out of the car.

FARR WEST 17 Half Slip - 15217 $30 - Lord & Taylor

Half slip $24 - Gap

Calvin Klein Underwear Women’s Solutions Half slip 18” $36 - Bloomingdale’s

Bali Shapewear, Power Shaping Half Slip 8557 $40 - Macy’s

Spanx slimplicity nude half slip $52 - Bliss

Commando Mini Half Slip Accessory $48 - Bare Necessities

Q. So, it’s like 100 degrees here in NY this week! It’s brutally hot during my commute to work and then frigid in the office. I have no idea what to wear - help!

A. I hear ya, this weather is putting a cramp on my style too. But when it’s this hot out, sometimes comfort wins out over fashion, or better yet, they meet somewhere in the middle. Just be happy you’re a girl and don’t have to wear a suit or tie to work!

Choose the right fabric

The best way to dress for this brutal heat is to choose loose-fitting clothing in fabrics that breathe. That means you officially get a respite from structured, fussy looks. The best fabrics for summer are cotton, cotton sateen and cotton/rayon or cotton jersey blends; unlike linen, which also breathes, these won’t look like a wrinkled mess by the end of the day. Silk is also a popular summer fabric because it’s lightweight, but be careful, it doesn’t breathe and quickly shows wet stains if you’re sweating.

Top choice: a dress

It’s no secret that I love a good dress, and can’t think of a better clothing option to wear during the oppressive heat. Look for easy styles that don’t have a fitted waist band or require a belt, like a shift dress or easy A-line. The less you have touching your skin, the better. For work, I’d skip anything strapless or spaghetti strapped unless you plan to wear a cardigan or jacket over it once you hit the office air conditioning.

Summer heat to office air conditioning strategy

For your commute, dress as comfortably as possible. Wear the bare minimum, a nice pair of flip flops, and pull your hair off your face (loosely if you plan to take it down later). Leave a few minutes early so you’re not rushing (and sweating). Put your work shoes and a summer jacket or cardigan in a lightweight tote to easily slip on when you get to the office.

Here are a few subway-to-office looks for inspiration. Stay cool!

Joan & David 2 Marise Leather Pump - Baby Pink Patent $59 - DSW

Havaianas Sandals Top Metallic Flip Flop $20 - Diani Boutique

Tuck this in your tote or leave it at your desk to wear in the chilly office.

Commute in these…

…but wear these at work.

Featherweight cotton cardigan $62 $39.99 - J.Crew

Eliza J Placed Print Stretch Cotton Shift Dress $118 - Nordstrom

Eliza J Beaded Ikat Shift Dress $118 - Nordstrom

Q. This summer I have purchased a couple of bold print dresses, one by Velvet and one by ERGE. They both have deep V necks, and are more casual than dressy (both a lightweight jersey knit). I really don’t know what kind of a necklace (or other jewelry) I should were with these. A bold necklace seems to compete with the print and just looks like too much, and a delicate necklace looks out of place. Any ideas?

A. As the owner of several printed v-neck day dresses, I have a lot of experience accessorizing them. This summer, my jewelry of choice is a long pendant necklace or long chain necklace and a gold bangle. Here are some jewelry options to pair with your summer dresses:

House of Harlow 1960 Gold or Palladium Plated Horseshoe Bangle $59 - Singer22

Alexis Bittar Skinny Tapered Bangle $55 - Nordstrom

Ridged Bangle $20 - Topshop

Aqua Twisted Hinge Bangle $30 - Bloomingdale’s

Everyday Serpent Bangle $95 - stefaniBags.com

Know the ropes necklace $295 - Kate Spade

Sequin Tribal Long Chain $98 - Charm & Chain

CC Skye Feather Pendant Necklace $97 - Boutique to You

Kenneth Jay Lane - Molten Medallion $75 - Zappos

Trina Turk Gold And White Medallion Necklace $158 - Endless.com

ABS Turquoise Blue Medallion Necklace $95 - Max & Chloe

Trina Turk Krista Printed Dress $268 - Bloomingdale’s

Q. I’m going to a 40th birthday party at night (6:00-10:00). The invitation says ‘black tie, flip flop’ affair — at a house in Florida on the bayou. What to wear?

A. This party dress code is a new one for me, but such a fun one to tackle! Black tie and flip flops sounds like the summer answer to “creative black tie” or “denim and diamonds”. My suggestion? Throw on a pretty, summery cocktail dress with, yes, flip flops! Don’t be afraid to go for the glitz with sequins. Guys can have a lot of fun with this dress code too: a tuxedo jacket, t-shirt, and bow tie with jeans and flip flops.

Here are a few dress/flip flop combinations for you:

Miss Me Women’s Finch-13 Flip Flop $23 - Endless.com

Vix Swimwear Ipanema Solid Gold Flip Flops $37 - Boutique to You

Havaianas “Slim” Flip Flop - Black $24 - Madison LA

Parker Sequin Racerback Dress $297 - Piperlime

Rachel Pally Exclusively for Piperlime Catherine Dress $125 - Piperlime

JS Boutique One Shoulder Ombré Chiffon Dress $148 - Nordstrom

Q. My husband and I are hosting a beach party for his work district at our home. Could you give me some ideas on outfits that would be appropriate and stylish for this event? I want to look pulled together, but casual, and comfortable. Maybe a casual dress and lower wedges?

A. You are most definitely on the right track! I would suggest a printed tunic, caftan or maxi dress and espadrilles or flat sandals. To me, a fun, tropical print conveys a festive, beachy theme, ideal for the host to wear. Some fun, summery jewelry and a pretty hat will complete the look. Here are some ideas for inspiration:

MARC by Marc Jacobs Starfish Ring $88 - CUSP

Kendra Scott Statement Pendant Necklace $88 - Nordstrom

Sola Espadrille $195 - All Saints

Miss KG Kaluha Jewelled Flat Sandal $94 - Asos

Cara Beaded Bangles, Set of 22 $48 - Bloomingdale’s

Floppy Bergere Hat $44 - American Apparel

Donna Morgan Strapless Jersey Maxi Dress $138 - Nordstrom

Lilly Pulitzer “Shauna” Floral-Print Cotton Sateen Tunic Dress $198 - Bloomingdale’s