Recently in How to wear Category

Q. I’ve been seeing a lot of maxi skirts in stores. Other than a t-shirt or tank top, what can I wear with a long skirt? And can I wear one to work?

A. The maxi skirt is indeed a big trend this season and it can be far more versatile than you might think. Of course, the boho look with a tank top or t-shirt and sandals is a great summer casual look, but there are many other ways to wear a long skirt.

For a dressier look that can be worn to work or for an evening out, try pairing your maxi with a fitted blazer, cropped jacket, or a pretty blouse. The blouse can be tucked in to the skirt, or you can try a peplum blouse that nips in at the waist and flairs slightly at the hips like the second look from the left below. Chunky high heel sandals or platform wedges are ideal shoe choices.

For a more casual look, try wearing a denim jacket or vest, chambray button down, or a blousy tank top or t-shirt. Shoes can be anything from espadrilles and wedge sandals to flat sandals.

Check out the looks below for work appropriate (the first three looks) and casual (the two on the right) styling ideas:

AWear Colour Block Maxi Skirt $63.63 - Asos

Warehouse Maxi Skirt $63.63 - Asos

Convertible Maxi Skirt $88.00 - Saks Fifth Avenue

Waldo Maxi Skirt $178.00 - Ella Moss

LAUREN JEANS CO. Raina Maxi Skirt $89.50 - Lord & Taylor

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Q. I just purchased a pair of J Crew Cafe capris in a gorgeous bright green and need help in what to pair them with. I am more of a conservative/classic dresser so the pants are a bit bolder than I would usually wear but I love the color. Can you make some suggestions that aren’t too trendy and more on the classic side to balance out this look?

A. Great purchase! You hit on one of my favorite trends for the season: colorful cropped pants, either monochromatic or printed. The gorgeous bright green you selected has a preppy feel to me and can easily be incorporated into a classic wardrobe. On top, try pairing everything from a blue nautical top or blazer to a white button down, blouse or chambray shirt. Your shoes can be everything from a ballet flat or loafer to a classic pump or wedge (choose a contrasting color for a little fun!). Here are some ideas for inspiration:

PABLO Pointed Court Shoes $140.00 - Topshop

TOMS ‘Natalia’ Ballet Flat $73.95 - Nordstrom

Sleeveless Lace Insert Blouse $64.00 - Topshop

Women’s Chambray Shirts $29.94 - Old Navy

Women’s Linen-Blend Blazers $39.94 - Old Navy

Saint James / Minquiers 10 T-Shirt $70.00 - La Garçonne

Café capri $89.50 - J.Crew

Q. This little beauty has a lovely back, and is a great color for me, BUT I don’t want to wear it alone. Going braless is not an option (hello, G cup) and I refuse to own skin-colored bras (because they make me feel ugly). All that said, is it possible to layer a sheer back blouse in a pretty way?

A. That is a beautiful blouse! But I can certainly see how the sheer lace details along the back would pose a bra issue. I won’t try to convince you that there are plenty of sexy and pretty skin-toned bras out there (there are!), so let’s work with options to wear with your black or colored bras.

Your first option is to wear a low-back bra, which may be difficult to find in a size G. However, several companies make low-back bra converters which work with your regular bras to create a nice backless appearance.

Your second option is to find a nude tank that closely matches your skin tone and is opaque enough to wear over a colored bra. I have a few of these and they are the perfect option to wear underneath a sheer or revealing top.

Not Your Daughter’s Jeans Tummy Tuck Women’s V-Neck Contour Shaping Tank $19.30 - Amazon.com

Nearly Nude Extra Low V Neck Tank $69.00 - Isabella Oliver

Maidenform low-back bra converter $8.00 - Kohl’s