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Fashion and Style Questions
I'm 5 ft. 4 inches tall, 47 yrs old, 132 lbs. My question is buying capri's for the warm weather ahead. Some of them seem to be too long. Do I need to try the petite section or not worry about were they land on my leg. Are we seeing no flare on the capri or wider bottoms? Thank you.
  
Longer Fitted Casual
Capri pants should fall midway between the knee and ankle or a little longer for shorter women. Styles can be fitted, tapered or have straight legs. Some have a slit on the outside of the leg bottoms. If you can't find capri's in a length that flatters you by all means try petite styles (or take a pair to your tailor). If your legs are short try another style pant. Don't buy anything that doesn't flatter you. It's a waste of money.
I am currently suit shopping. I'm not a big suit wearer - so it's a stretch for me. Can I wear a tweed jacket in May and June? The material seems pretty heavy but the colors are very spring-ish. I'm thinking along the lines of the Talbots "Romance Tweed Jacket." Thank you!
 "Romance Tweed Jacket"
The tweed jacket you mentioned is made from a cotton/linen fabric that is great during the warm weather months. It should be fine to wear from May – August (maybe longer depending on the weather). It will be great during summer months for cool evenings & air conditioned restaurants, etc.
A jacket will finish off any outfit and will give you a stylish & professional image. This style jacket can be worn with skirts, dresses & pants.
I'm trying to find a good all around shoe that can go with many things. I usually wear open toed, 2-3 inch heels max, never really worn pumps, but am trying to find a shoe with a sophisticated, yet stylish look that will go with jeans, slacks, etc... I've been told a tan/beige colored pump type shoe should go with almost anything. Is this true? I'm also looking for some comfort, I tried a very cute pair of Jessica Simpson sling back type shoes but they were just too high for me, so I returned them. Any ideas in picking the best all around shoe? Thanks!
   
A pump style is a good basic style shoe that you can wear with pants (jeans & slacks)or skirts. I would pick a basic color (black, brown, navy). If your wardrobe basic color is black choose a quality style black pump. A nice black pump will work with navy, gray and even brown.
You need several pairs of shoes to keep your feet healthy. A tan shoe is very versatile and will go with many outfits. Tan shoes can be an alternate for your wardrobe. They tend to look better with lighter colors like beige, gray, etc. If your wardrobe basic color is brown they might work, but in general they don’t look as good with dark colors like black.
As far as brand of shoe, feet are very different and you have to find a brand that fits you well. The fit of shoes is very important so you don’t ruin your feet. Buy the best you can afford.
The Taryn Rose shoe brand was founded by an orthopedic surgeon. This brand has a reputation for fitting well but are very expensive. If you have a narrow foot there are Munro, Stuart Weitzsman and Ferragamo brand shoes. You have to find a brand that fits you well and is within your budget.
Can I wear black velvet in February or is it just for the holidays?
   
Yes, you can wear velvet in February. At one time clothing made with velvet was for winter and formal occasions. In today's modern world there are not too many hard and fast rules about fashion. Velvet is a favorite for dressy occasions but you can mix velvet with fabrics like leather and denim for a more casual look. Try a leather bomber jacket over a velvet skirt or pants or a velvet jacket with denim pants or skirt.. If the weather is cool in July (summer in San Francisco) you can wear a velvet jacket to keep warm. Never wear head to toe velvet.
What is a henley?
A henley shirt is a collar less pullover with a round neckline and placket front. Slleeves can be short, three-quarter length or long.
"They were so named because this particular style of shirt was the traditional uniform of rowers in the English town of Henley-on-Thames." Wickipedia
I just bought a denim jacket, can I pair it up with a leopard print skirt?
   
Yes, you can pair up a denim jacket with a leopard skirt. Sounds like a great combination. Animal prints and denim are both hot fashion trends right now. Be sure whatever you wear flatters your figure type and you. Always check out what you are planning to wear ahead of time in the mirror.
I am going to a formal wedding on New Year's Eve. I want to wear a long velvet skirt and a chiffon blouse. The top is a matte black (a lined bodice and sheer sleeves) and the skirt, being velvet, is a deep black. My question is can I wear different shades of black together?
 
Yes you can mix different shades of black. Velvet and chiffon are a great combination. Be sure the outfit flatters your figure type and age.
How do I coordinate my slacks, socks, & shoes?
In general when in doubt wear dark shoes and socks with dark pants and light color socks and shoes with light colored slacks. If you match the color of your slacks, socks and shoes you can't go wrong. This will give you a put together look.
If you want to wear striped or patterened socks be sure the socks have a color of your slacks in them.
 These socks/knee highs would look good with black, matching red or denim pants. Black shoes would look the best. Always check in the mirror to see if your choices look good on you.
I am planning on a Caribbean cruise during Christmas. Is it OK to wear white?
You can wear white all year long. It's a perfect color for cruising in the Caribbean. Just choose styles that flatter your figure type, and are appropriate for your age and the activity you will be doing.
My 3 yr anniversary is coming up next week. We're going out to eat at a fancy place. I'm planning on wearing a black sleeveless dress
but it’s really cold out. What should I wear under or over the dress?
  
Black Jacket Pashmina Pashmina Colors
Since it is cool you can wear a black coat or jacket with a colored pashmina shawl. When you take your coat off wrap the pashmina around your shoulders and arms. You might be able to find a black velvet blazer that will keep you warm enough with a pashmina and go without a coat..
Is it appropriate for "adult" women to wear argyle sweaters? By adult -- I mean over 40!
 In general women of any age can wear argyle sweaters. However the pattern in argyle sweaters will draw attention to your chest area. If you are small busted an argyle sweater should look good. Large busted women should stay away from them.
A good rule to follow when choosing what to wear is to ask yourself if the clothing flatters your figure type, is age appropriate, and correct for the occasion you are wearing it for.
Is it acceptable to wear white pants or skirts after Labor Day?
 Yes, it is acceptable to wear white clothing after Labor Day. Off white looks more stylish in the winter.
What are "treggings" and how can you wear them?
 
"Treggings" are a combination of leggings and jeans. You can pair "treggings" with a tunic or vest as shown above.
How can I determine a clothing budget?
    
The most important thing to decide is how much you can spend on clothing for the year (the total amount). Next what type of climate do you live in? If you have a long winter (like the Midwest) allow 2/3 of your budget for Fall/Winter items and 1/3 of your budget for Spring/Summer clothing. If you live in the South (Florida) allow 2/3 of your budget to Spring/Summer items and 1/3 for Fall/Winter (cooler clothing items). You may want to set aside a small amount of dollars for an unexpected event or a special sale. When spending your money on clothes, remember to take into consideration your lifestyle.
Can I combine a silk top with white linen pants?
 Yes, a silk top with white linen pants or skirt makes a great outfit!
Are hemlines up or down? How can I determine what hemline is best for me?
    
As far as hemline lengths go, they are up and down. The length of your hemline should be determined by what figure type you have and the occasion for which you are wearing it (the outfit) rather than your age or trends. However most women over 25 don't look so great in micro minis. (Knees are ugly and you do not want them to be exposed.) First take your figure type into consideration. If you have a good figure choose a hem that goes to the middle of your knee cap. You can wear a shorter hem (2"-3") above the knee if you wear tights or opaque stockings.
The taller you are the longer your hem can be and still look flattering; try a mid calf length. If you are short and heavier your hem will look best if it covers your knee to 1/2' below. The best way to decide on a hem length is to try different lengths on and look in a mirror. Anything goes if it looks great on you!
Are denim jackets still okay to wear ? I still have one from last year. Should I get rid of it?
Denim jackets are classic wardrobe pieces to wear for casual events. They are keepers. Denim jackets are great for travel since they don't wrinkle, etc. In a casual workplace you can wear a denim jacket with a skirt or slacks. It is best not to wear denim jackets and denim pants, skirts, etc. together unless you are going camping. It is too much!!
What heel height is best to wear with straight leg classic slacks?
 Straight leg classic slacks may be worn with any heel height. The hem of your slacks should cover up most of the back of your shoe. This will give you a longer slimmer look. You need different length pants for different heel heights or you have to commit to one length for all of your pants.
Are leather pants still in style?
 Leather pants are always in style if they are jean style or classic with straight legs. Trendy styles like flared bottom legs, or pants with fringe and or metal, decoration etc. are not always in style.
I have lots of older pencil style skirts in basic colors that I'd like to wear. (They finally fit again!) I expect to wear tights with them and would probably wear them most often in a classroom teaching setting. What would be the proper length in relation to my knee?
 The pencil skirt is the most flattering style skirt for women. Since you plan to wear them with tights in the classroom I would not go shorter than 2"- 3" above the knee. If you want to wear them with nude hosiery and/or tights go for mid knee length.
Can I wear a horizontal stripe top with vertical stripe pants?
 To be on the safe side, wear a solid color top with vertical stripe pants/slacks and a horizontal or vertical stripe top/blouse with solid color pants/slacks. Some women can pull off wearing horizontal and vertical stripes at the same time but it is very tricky. It would depend on how the stripes go together.
What color underwear should you wear under white clothing like slacks, skirts and shorts; black, white or nude?
 Nude underwear is the best choice. However white usually works if the fabric of the clothing is opaque. Black underwear under white only draws attention to your butt. Black is a no, no.
Are denim jeans appropriate to wear to the Symphony, Ballet or Opera?
Absolutely not. Denim jeans are appropriate for gardening, hiking or work around the house. If you like the style of jeans, look for them in other fabrics like wool, velvet or silk to wear for other occasions.
What is "Semi Couture" considered designer clothing?
"Semi Couture" is designer clothing mostly machine made (as opposed to hand made) and less costly than Couture. It is a step up from ready to wear and it can be a limited to a small number of pieces in each style. Some designers make their "Semi Couture" using fabrics woven exclusively for these styles.
How can one develop a signature style of their own?
 Wear clothing that flatters your figure type and that suits your lifestyle and age. Once you determine what looks best on you, build your wardrobe with those styles and you will start developing a style of your own. Take some time and experiment by trying clothes on and checking in the mirror. It is worth it!
Another way to set yourself apart is to use an accessory to personalize your look. Anna Wintour, editor of Vogue wears sunglasses, Madeline Albright wears big pins, bright hosiery (if you want to draw attention to your legs) or a particular style of handbag will work also.
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