Dear AoF: I wear basic jewelry in silver tone (earrings, wedding ring & band, and watch). I don't usually accessorize. That said, is it a fashion "no-no" to wear shoes with gold tones on them? I'm specifically looking at the Tory Burch Reva flats and prefer the gold logo, but I don't know if it would clash with my silver tone jewelry.

Yours,

The Clash

Dear Clash,

I'm usually one for breaking rules, but in this case, I'm inclined to say that you should wear gold jewelry with the shoes. Here is my reasoning. I think of silver as being a somewhat more "earthy" look. Gold is flashier and the big bold gold logo on the shoes is very noticeable. It is possible to wear the two together, in necklaces, for instance, but it takes a lot of trial and error to pull that off. So...in this case, I would possibly change my jewelry for the day and wear gold earrings and necklace and keep the wedding band...Then I think it works.

Thanks for asking AdviceonFashion.com!

Dear AoF:
I'm petite (5'1"/140 lbs) and am struggling with how to look my best. I'm also 47 with 19 and 11 year old boys. I want to look put together but not old. My body is equally proportioned -- torso and bottom half about the same. My thighs are the biggest part of my body. What styles work best, i.e., length of jackets/tops, pants, skirts, dresses, etc.?

Fashion-challenged Mom 

Dear Fashion-challenged Mom,

I work with petite women all day and I am also petite so I can tell you a few things about what can look good. I was joking with someone the other day. Maybe it's just my boutique that attracts petite women but I have more petite women coming into my shop than taller women. So I think that we should eliminate the word "petite" and just call everyone else "non-petite"!  Ha. Anyway, petite just means that you're shorter and your limbs aren't as long as a taller person. Sometimes, torsos can be shorter, but not always. When shopping, you can shop in both the petites sections of a store or in other areas of the store -  just have the clothing tailored to fit you better. Usually that just means shorten the sleeves, skirts or pants to fit you properly.

For  most petites,  2" to 4" should be taken from the sleeves, at least 2-4" for pant legs, and at least 2" in skirts. Whenever I do alterations on skirts or dresses, I always take into account the shape of the leg, general tone of the legs, whether the customer feels comfortable showing their knees, etc. When advising someone on what to wear, I always keep in mind the best assets a customer has. This can mean beautiful shoulders, neck, butt, legs, waist, etc. 

I start with that and build around it. It sounds like your body is pretty normal. At 5'1", equally proportioned and with no serious weight issues, you can wear a lot of things and look great. If you want to look taller, the answers are obvious. Wear heels and keep your skirts just below the knee or wear a full length dress or skirt with heels. I'm 5'3" and I do wear long skirts but always with high heels unless I'm just feeling very, very casual and not trying to impress anyone.

As far as what exactly to wear...I'm not one to say that age dictates what you have to wear but I will explain a few things to keep in mind. And in fact, American women in their 40's and 50's are finally enjoying something new - that they are still considered sexy and beautiful. Yay!

1. Keep it current. Hair, eyebrows and makeup should look like "now" and not something you were wearing in the 90's, '80's or '70's. Go to a salon and tell them you want to look current. Take a look around you and notice women in their 40's and 50's. Why do they look great or why do they look outdated? Avoid the outdated look.

2. Keep it current. Take a look at fashion magazines and be aware of what's in and what's out. You don't have to be trendy and classic, of course, will work but remember to do something fun, too. Just because you're not in college doesn't mean you can't wear something fun. Vogue Magazine is always doing issues on women of various ages and what they wear. I get a little tired of reading about that, since I don't think men worry nearly as much as we do about this stuff...but maybe they should but that's another issue.

3. Keep it current. Find a few key pieces for your wardrobe and work around them. So...you'll need a few stylish shoes such as a pair of knee-high boots, ankle boots, a few pairs of pumps and a few strappy sandals. Get a nice jacket or two, a few styles of skirts. I always think pencil skirts are great for a sophisticated look. If you're on a budget, buy a nice black one that will go with everything. Smooth, simple dresses that can go under the jackets. A few cardigans are looking great these days. 

4. Keep it current. Layering and accessories are important things you can add to update your wardrobe. I'll give you an example of what I'm wearing today that extended my wardrobe. I'm wearing a charcoal grey shirt under a black short sleeve t-shirt over a black pencil skirt. I'm also wearing black and grey houndstooth leggings and knee high boots. Simple! But the layering is the key. If I wanted to do something more, I could put a scarf with it or an interesting cap or hat.

Yours,

Mona Lucero
Thanks for contacting AdviceonFashion.com!

Dear AoF: Should you ever roll your jeans? 

Signed Not Sure How I Roll...

Dear This is How We Roll...

It appears that rolled jeans are having a moment...I'm not sure how major of a moment just yet. Rolled jeans can be cute but they are definitely a very casual look and can make you look disheveled when paired with a baggy top, jacket or sweater. 

One rule of thumb is that if you're short, don't wear them at the ankle as they will make you look shorter. If you're petite, don't wear your clothing too loose with it or you'll look like a little like a bag lady.

Currently, I would wear them with heels or boots to counteract the "dumpy" factor.

Thanks for contacting AdviceonFashion.com

Hi, 

I am just recently married. My husband has told me that he would prefer if I dress more modestly. How do I go about doing this? And how do I do it an still be stylish? Thanks 

Signed Am I a Modest Mouse?

Hi, Are You a Modest Mouse?

That is interesting that he wants you to dress more modestly...I wonder what you normally dress like but assuming that you do actually dress very sexy and that it's not just his perception...

Women can still dress sexy and still look modest. And it's even sexier, in my opinion, than a woman who reveals too much.

If you are currently showing too much cleavage, then start wearing your tops so that no part of your breast is exposed. This means if you're busty, don't show the line that naturally occurs between your breasts. If you're not busty, don't go any lower than the chest bone that hits just above them. Don't wear see-through tops unless you have a camisole underneath. This seems fairly obvious.

Skirts - don't wear them more than about 2" higher than your knees. Don't wear your skirts or pants too tight. Don't wear your pants too low.

One great rule for looking sexy and not too trashy is to choose one erogenous zone. Most people consider legs, breasts, and butts to be the sexiest part of the body but there are other parts that can also be very sexy. So choose what you like best about your body and accentuate that. If a woman shows off both legs and bust, it can look too flashy.

Here's an interesting example: A woman I know was wearing a low-cut top and miniskirt. She's really beautiful and she has a lovely body. A male friend saw her and later commented to me that he felt uncomfortable because he didn't know where to rest his eyes when talking to her. He just looked away as best as he could. He thought she was sexy but he didn't appreciate "being put on the spot".

Please keep in mind that in your case, we're not talking fashion necessarily, but modesty. There are "fashion moments" that are anything but modest. We all make our own judgments about whether or not to follow those moments.

Thanks for contacting AdviceonFashion.com!

Dear AoF:
 
I'm asking for a present for my niece. I'm looking for earrings for her, but she's tall. What style would look good for her. She's twelve, she look older, though. 

Thank you.

Signed Loving Auntie

Dear Auntie,

Buying presents for teenagers is always a very difficult proposition. The things that we liked, they probably won't like. And sometimes, just the fact that one is older is enough to just make them not like it. But not always.

These are the types of earrings that I've found young girls liking for the last year in my store...Guitar pick earrings - you can find them at www.Funklectic.com. Recycled inner tube earrings. Look at Beatrice Holiday's designs -  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32897629. These are pretty sophisticated, I think and can appeal to a lot of ages. These days, it's amazing how sophisticated, "kids" can be. And I always think a great pair of hoops looks good, classic and hip at any age and a beautiful pair in sterling silver or 14 kt gold or even a gold fill can be something she will treasure.

Thanks for asking AdviceonFashion.com!

HI, AoF, 

I am going to a bank party ...I need a little advice on what to where. I bought a LBD that is V-neck in the back and frount and is sleeveless do I need to were any thing over it? ie a swing jacket or cardigan?

Dear AoF,

Sounds like your dress has a sleek look to it. If the cardigan is also sleek, I would go with that.

Thanks for contacting AdviceonFashion.com!

Hello, AoF,
 
I have a deep red, v-neck, long sleeve, slightly shimmery sweater dress that hits me at mid thigh and I'd like to know what shoes you suggest with it. It will be in the 30s the night I'm thinking of wearing it. I was considering black knee high suede or leather boots with at least a 2 1/2-3" skinny heel. Also, should I wear leggings or not? If so, what color?

Not sure if this will help, but the dress is not a heavy or thick sweater material. Its pretty light and the threading is sort of see through. If I wasn't going to wear something underneath, you could see the outline of my underwear. Also, I am 5'11", so I have really long legs. I do still love heels though. They're all I wear. I want to look classy, but still sexy.

Thank You so much. 

Sincerely, Simply Red

Wow, Simply Red 

That sounds like a pretty sexy look. Here are my suggestions. Wear it with leggings tucked into the boots. That will add warmth and your panty line won't show. You can wear a collared shirt layered under the v-neck. For maximum sexiness but warmth, then just stick with a camisole and add a skinny scarf to wear around your neck. Wear a short shrug or jacket so that most of your outfit still shows outdoors and take it off when you arrive at your destination.

Thanks for asking AdviceonFashion.com!

Dear AoF: i have brown riding boots - what is best skirt silhouette to wear to a semi-corporate office? best top? thank you in advance for your response. i'm in denver also, and i know it can be a bit more casual here...

Signed Denver Boot

Dear Denver Boot,

Yes, Denver can be very casual but if you're working in a professional atmosphere, you should look pulled together. Even in Denver, people will notice in a positive way if you look good.

So...what to wear with your brown riding boots...I think riding boots have a kind of tough quality about them. They were originally made for practicality. They call for a heavier type of fabric - twills, denims, heavy cottons and wools. As far as shape, I would say a-lines skirts, pleated skirts, and pencil skirts. Anything with too much fabric doesn't make sense. Also, you can do skinny jeans or pants with leaner cuts.

Tops also look best with a leaner cut, unless you do a slouchy sweater or tunic and wear with a slim-fitting bottom.

I would stay away from skinny jeans or pants for work, though. Consider adding tweed or wool jackets in plaid a la Chanel. Gold jewelry looks great with brown, also. Colors that go with brown are tans, ivory, burnt orange, burgundies, yellows, woodsy greens, and sometimes even black. If you do black, then repeat both the black and the brown somewhere else in the ensemble - such as adding a brown & black print.

Thanks for asking AdviceonFashion.com!

Hi there, Advice on Fashion, 

My close cousin is getting married November 22 and I have bought an
evening dress, but don't know if it suits and what hairstyle, shoes or
accessories to pair it with. 

It's a Lisa Ho 2008 Winter Collection silk, spliced dress with V-straps.
Pale blue/grey. 

Here is the dress exactly in the same style, however, the one that I
purchased is knee length:

http://www.vogue.com.au/people+parties/galleries/lisa+ho+winter+2008+show,45?pos=28

I'm 27, 172cm, size 10 with an hourglass figure, long black hair extending 
halfway down my back, and light pale skin. An Asian complexion. 

I'm beginning to think I should have opted for one of Lisa Ho's strapless 
numbers as I am not sure anymore about the V-style straps. On the other
hand, I am not very toned above my waist, so perhaps having straps will
hide it. What should I do? 

Do you think it will suit me?
How should I team it up with the right hairstyle, shoes and accessories?

Your advice would be much appreciated!

Thank you, 

To Strap or Not to Strap, That is the Question



Dear To Strap,

That is such a pretty dress and i think the straps really add to the look. Judging from the description of yourself, I'm sure you look great in it, so I wouldn't worry. I also wouldn't worry about your arms, either. I'm always amazed at how many women worry about how their arms look...Frankly, I never look at anyone's arms, unless they're really buff. Otherwise, I assume their arms are just used for practical reasons...Ha ha, but that's just me.

Anyway, don't do too much with accessories with this one. The dress is very special looking, so I would keep it very, very simple. Maybe wear some beautiful dangly earrings - probably not a chandelier, something like a simple, single dangle. You could perhaps add a single delicate bangle but that still might be too much.

Since you have long hair, you can wear it the way the model wears her hair in the photo or just pulled back into a simple chignon or pony tail. I think it would look great slicked back from the forehead.

Wear some cool matching strappy heels with it and no pantyhose. Or, if it's cold, wear sheer hose with dressy heels - i think a Mary Jane shoe could look cute. Since the dress is a softer color and it's very dressy - the shoes should coordinate with the fabric of the dress, unless the belt is similar to the photo, in which case, you could coordinate with the belt.

As for a wrap, wear a simple wrap that coordinates and take it off for the reception, since hopefully, you'll want to show off the beautiful dress and how great you look! Wear a coat, bring the wrap with you, for colder moments. I'm in Denver, so I'm always aware of warmth but you may be in a warmer climate.

Thanks for asking AdviceonFashion.com!

Dear AoF: My height is 5'3 I want to know; I love knee high boots, but I'm afraid I'll look shorter, Can I wear these kind of boots or is best for me to choose shorter ones?

Signed, Shorty

 

Dear Shorty,

Yes! I'm 5'3 - okay, 5' 2 3/4"...and I wear my knee high boots all the time. I also love my little patent-leather ankle boots.

Although, over-the-knee boots are probably not great, for shorties like us. Thanks for asking AdviceonFashion.com!

Dear AoF:

 

I just signed up for 'girls day of Beauty' at Macy's next month. It's breakfast, a fashion show and then a makeover. What to wear? It starts at 8:00 on a Sat. I was thinking formal and casual at the same time, like a print dress with solid blazer or maybe a colored skirt suit with patterned tights? I want to look good and stand out in a good way! 

 

Signed Standing out from the Crowd 

 

Dear Standing out from the Crowd,

Yes, you're right formal & casual are a good idea. I like the idea of a skirt suit with patterned tights. If you do, make sure the skirt isn't too long - probably just above the knee or just below the knee would be best Make sure you wear heels to look cute or even better, ankle boots & possibly get a nice manicure. Wear an interesting scarf in an interesting way. The advisors may want to play with your scarf and show you various ways to wear it.

Thanks for asking AdviceonFashion.com!

Hello - going to my 20th class reunion. "dressy casual" - whatever that means - is the dress code...any ideas?

Yours, Dressy Bessie

Dear Dressy Bessie,

"Dressy Casual" is kind of an oxymoron, don't you think? 

Here's my attitude toward all that - I think it's a way of saying, "Please at least try to look good but we don't want you to worry too much about it." Something like that. 

I've felt for a long time that we don't try enough when it comes to clothing. Casual is just too common and I have even given up to some extent. There was a time when I would put real time into what I wore but I found that I was always one of the most dressed-up people where ever I went. Brag. Brag. But those days are gone and I find myself trying hard again to achieve just "dressy casual."

So what is dressy casual. If you google it, you'll see that people talk about jeans or no jeans, etc.

These are my rules for dressy casual.

1. You can be more creative than you would at a black tie or white tie or business event.

2. You can wear unique accessories.

3. You can wear more creative hair.

4. You can wear interesting makeup.

5.  No jeans. Unless you are a model-type and have THE latest designer jeans and are planning to wear them with high heels and a nice top, Guys should only wear the best jeans (that don't look like they've been washed a lot) with polished shoes and a crisp shirt and preferably a nice jacket. Guys not wearing jackets can still pass, but inevitably, there'll be a guy wearing a jacket. It's always best not to look underdressed in comparison.
 
6.  No sneakers. Whether you plan to wear it with something nicer on top or not.

7. No flip-flops or other casual shoes.

8. For women, I would wear a dress or skirt and top or even a simple suit. You can go a little funkier than you might in the office, so you can wear patterned or printed hosiery, sexy shoes, boots, interesting hats, etc.

9. Don't forget to wear jewelry, at least the minimum which means either earrings and necklace or at least earrings or at least the necklace. 

10. Makeup is imperative, even if it just looks natural.

Thanks for asking AdviceonFashion.com.

Dear AoF:

Well, its offical.. i have become my mother. Let me explain.. 
                                    You know when you lived at home and you opened the dryer door 
and a pair of her big, full bottomed, white underwear falls out?That's who I am now.  I've
                                    had 2 kids (who are 1 and 2) and during 
pregancy my cute underwear got too small and/or uncomfortable.  I bought the packages of the ugly hanes underwear to just get 
me though the pregnancy.. but it turns out i still wear them a year afterwards!!
                                    So my predicament is that i would like to find some 
fun and cute underwear.. that covers my WHOLE butt... in like a size XL or XXL.  lol. i have
                                    been looking, but i cant find anything.. 
they are either plain ugly or too small. please help me  out! thanks. 

Signed,
Big Bottom

Dear BB,

Try http://www.babygirlboutique.com/... They have various categories including plus size lingerie. I particularly like the area
                                    for 
pin-up
                                    and retro lingerie...full bottomed but super hot and cute. You said you wanted to step it up a little, now here's your chance!  
http://www.babygirlboutique.com/retro-lingerie.html  

Thanks
                                    for asking AdviceonFashion.com!

Dea AoF: I have a black tie wedding late sept. Have a nice black dress.
Would cerise shoes and bag and wrap be suitable or what other colour do
you suggest?

Signed Cherry

Dear Cherry,

For those of us who don't know...and I confess I had to look it up,
Cerise is the French word for cherry, a rose-red color.

I think either a cerise shoe, or a bag, or a wrap would be nice, but
be careful about wearing more than one of them at a time.  Right now,
in 2009, unless you're going for a retro look, it's a little too much to
make them all the same color.

Personally, I love to see black dresses with a different color of shoes,
so I might opt for the cerise shoes and then possibly do another color
of wrap, such as off-white, shimmery light grey, light yellow...perhaps
a lighter shade of rose. Since Cerise is a bold color, you can also go with
an equally bold color but something completely different such as a Cobalt
or even a Persian Blue. (Look up "Shades of Blue" on Wikipedia)

I would keep the bag simple - stick with black or maybe something
beaded with multi-colors picking up the cerise.

Thanks for asking AdviceonFashion.com.

Dear AoF: What are the rules on wearing/not wearing panty hose?

Signed To Wear or Not to Wear

Dear Not to Wear,

Here are the basics...

1. If you don't have to wear pantyhose, don't wear them. They are
actually kind of icky garments.
2. You can wear stockings with garter belts and if you do, y
ou are a better woman than I and you should be giving me advice.
3. If you have to wear pantyhose, wear them as sheer as possible
in the tone of your skin for a nude look. 
4. Don't wear full-toe pantyhose with sandals. Wear pantyhose that
comes with a kind of "thong" toe instead.
5. Pantyhose can hide scars, cellulite and other imperfections.
6. Never, and I never say never, wear them with shorts.

RULES FOR THE BRAVE AND CONFIDENT:
5. Break rules. I've seen such things as black, opaque pantyhose
with white patent-leather strappy sandals, kneehighs with high-heeled
pumps and high-heeled sandals, etc. in the hallowed pages of Vogue.
6. Use colored pantyhose or printed pantyhose for added excitement.

Also, check out our Accessories page for more information.

Thanks for asking AdviceonFashion.com.

Dear AoF: I am a small person (5' 130 lbs.) What should I stay away
from - large or small designs?
 
Signed Shorty

Dear Shorty,

I always tell petite women that there are many things that they can
wear...It's about putting together an image that looks good on you,
yes, you. How do you achieve that? Create an illusion by playing with
proportion. 

Based on our current ideals of beauty, namely that women who are
over 5'7" or over, how does a petite woman such as yourself achieve
a beautiful line? First off, I will say that there are many women we
admire who are shorter than the typical model height which we have
so idealized. Many famous and gorgeous actresses are "short".

Think about wearing prints from small to medium size prints or do
a larger "spot" print such as only in one part of a skirt or dress. In
other words you might be able to do a larger print in just one area
but perhaps not all over. If you're hippier, be careful of a large print
on the bottom. If you're busty and want to deemphasize, then go
with a smaller print. 

In general, smaller women should wear prints that are small to
medium range. All-over large prints or medium to large prints that
are busy are also probably not a good idea. Within these "rules",
there's a lot of room to play. Bring a friend shopping and try on a
variety of types of prints and analyze why something does or does
not look good on you. Make sure you can step far enough away from
the mirror to get an objective look. Squint your eyes and take a good
look. You may find that you can break the rules a little.

Thanks for asking AdviceonFashion.com.

Hi, AdviceonFashion,

I was wondering if I could submit a picture of myself to this site and
you can tell me what kind of outfits are best for my body type? If so,
what kind of pictures would you need? 

Ms. Body-Conscious
 
Dear Ms. Body-Conscious,

Sure, I would take a few pictures of yourself wearing about 3 of your
favorite outfits. Full length and taken without a flash. Dress up a little
when you take the pictures - nothing fancy but a little bit of makeup
and how you like to wear your hair.

One dressy, one casual and one wearing a camisole and sweatpants
or some kind of simple pull on pants. Let me know what your height is,
also and what your lifestyle is like.

I would be happy to give you some ideas.

AS AN ASIDE TO ALL OF YOU WONDERING ABOUT YOUR BODY TYPE -
I GET A LOT OF QUESTIONS IN MY STORE ABOUT THAT KIND OF THING
SO WE'LL START TALKING A LITTLE MORE ABOUT HOW TO ANALYZE YOUR
BODY. I DON'T NECESSARILY BELIEVE IN LABELING YOUR BODY AS A
"TYPE". FASHION CONSULTANTS USE THAT SYSTEM AS AN EASY WAY
TO TEACH YOU HOW TO UNDERSTAND PROPORTION. BUT I HAVE FOUND T
HAT MEN AND WOMEN COME IN A LOT OF BODY SHAPES, HEIGHTS, ETC.
AND THE TRICK IS TO TEACH YOU HOW TO SEE YOUR OWN BODY IN A C
ONSTRUCTIVELY CRITICAL WAY. EMPHASIS ON "CONSTRUCTIVE"!
THAT IS ALL FOR TODAY, CLASS.

Thanks for asking AdviceonFashion.com! We're here to help!

Dear AoF: How do I know what colors work together? for example, I just bought
the sexiest dress in a soft yellow. what color bag & shoes do I use???

Swella in my Yella

Dear Swella,

This is a question that I've considered  many times. How to explain how colors
coordinate...Hm.

Well, take a cue from trained designers and artists. They learn about the color
wheel and tertiary and complementary colors, shades, tints, etc. Google the
words "color wheel" (find http://www.colorsontheweb.com/colorwheel.asp)
or "latest fashion colors" and you'll see a plethora of sites that analyze this
same question. The answers are not concrete - they change from season to
season and era to era.

But generally, for you, I would say that yellow looks good with black and white.
Since it's a soft yellow, I would consider black suede, light grey or charcoal to
go with it. You can also go with tans and browns. You can even go with other
colors, such as red. A designer I know just designed some great stuff for
Spring that paired yellow with lipstick red and it looked great.

For fall, you could also go with Orchid (pale purple) or a soft green color.
So your question is yellow...Once you've chosen a few options, ask yourself
these additional questions before you buy your accessories.

1. Does it look good on me and my skin tone?
2. Is it fashionable right now?
3. Does it look good a few feet away?
4. Does it look good from across the room or across the street? (It seems
silly, but this is an important question to ask yourself with brighter colors
such as yellow, orange, neon green, etc.)

Oh! And yellow is a great color to pick up your mood. Wear it happily.

Thanks for asking AdviceonFashion.com!