comments: I am 54 and will be attending a wedding at a nice hotel in Seattle next month. I have a periwinkle blue silk dress. I have bone colored heels that I could wear with it. Should I wear those and do I wear hose with them or go barelegged or do I get a strappy sandal and go barelegged? Help!

 

Thanks,

 

Ms. Periwinkle Silk Dress

 

Dear Ms. Periwinkle Silk Dress,

Thank you so much for your question.

You have several options. If your bone-colored heels are sandals or are backless, those should work. Just make sure that if it's a soft, "chiffon-y" dress that you wear shoes that are more "open", as in strappy, nothing that has too much fabric or too chunky of a heel. You can also go with a slightly darker color of blue than the periwinkle to "anchor" your look. If you are petite, the lighter color shoe will probably look nice. If you are a larger woman, I advise a slightly darker color shoe than your dress.

If you want to look light and romantic, go with the lighter shoe. If you want to look more authoritative, go with the slightly darker shoe. Black shoes, strappy or not, will be too harsh. Other colors also will probably not work. Periwinkle is a demanding color to match!

At this time of year, sandals with a heel (not necessarily high - kitten heels would look good and be comfortable for standing on your feet for a long time) probably will look best. For casual occasions, you should probably go barelegged but for formal occasions such as weddings, there is a way to do it with sheer pantyhose. Make sure that the pantyhose are very close to your skintone and very sheer but has the sandal "toeless" look. I've included a link for the Hanes version, as an example. I've tried toeless pantyhose before when I wanted to wear strappy heels at a wedding and they worked great. My legs felt silky smooth, it smoothed out the curves of my derriere and they showed off my pedicure.

http://www.haneshosiery.com /SilkReflections/detail.asp ?collection=Silk%20Reflections &category=Beyond%20Bare&sid =0A085

Also, get a beautiful pedicure - your feet will thank you and even though you might not think people notice such a subtle thing as a pretty toe, they do.

Thank you so much for contacting us at AdviceonFashion and feel free to contact us again if you have further questions!

Mona

Dear Cougie,

I am replying to your question about what to wear to a Diana Ross concert at the Hollywood Bowl. First of all, sounds like fun!

You said you are 55 years old and slender. There are a few  things that you should remember.

For going to  a concert of someone the likes of Diana Ross, you should make a special effort. My suggestions are you can really look sophisticated with a nice dress or do it up in a different way with sexy jeans and high heels.

Heels are important if you can handle them. A bit of a heel at least and probably strappy sandals. If you can handle high heels, so much the better.

If you do a dress, try a nice slinky good-quality jersey dress. Something with simple lines  that flatters your type of body. Since you are slim, make sure that it fits somewhat close. You are 55 and are still in good shape so it's important to draw attention to that.

Choose a solid color that flatters your skin tone - if you're dark skinned, go with deeper colors such as red, purple, or other jewel tones. Of course, black would also look great but if you're in the mood to have fun, choose a color other than black. If you want to look elegant, of course black would be great.

If you're light skinned, then go for other tones that you've found look good on you, but shy away from pastels which aren't in right now. If you're blonde, consider a "clean" red, no wine tones. True reds always look good on blondes.

Keep your jewelry simple - silver or gold hoops would look great, probably not chandeliers as they are starting to go out in fashion. Or choose a really standout pair of earrings and keep away from too many accessories.

If you go with wearing designer jeans, wear it with a nice white blouse with layered necklaces or a drapy top, also simple colors that flatter your skin tone. Keep your accessories to one area - for instance if you wear a few necklaces, don't wear earrings or only wear little posts.  Be careful of too much jewelry or matching your jewelry too closely.

Wear heels with the jeans, also. If you need to wear a jacket, steer clear of Levi's-type jean jackets or motorcycle leather jackets. Everything needs to look up-to-date. Even though sequins can be fun, I might stay clear of it as I would guess that others might be wearing sequins or beading.

One more idea: a great fitting men's tailored type pin-stripe suit with an open white shirt, fedora & high heels, if you dare!

Remember to keep your hair and makeup looking current. Go to a hairstylist who does current looks and also ask for some advice on your brows and makeup. You'll want to wear makeup but don't overdo it. Sleek hair, not-too-big hair & not-too-perfect hair also show your self-confidence. Let your natural beauty shine through.

Dear Miss M, 

What should I wear to a diana ross concert at the hollywood bowl. I am 55 years old, and slender.

Signed, 

Cougar with a Tale to Tell