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Dear Shopaholic:
Outdoor weddings, vacation wear, business casual defined...
Dear Shopaholic,
GOT A QUESTION?
My wedding plans have changed from an evening indoor private ceremony to a noon outdoor wedding. For our evening private ceremony, I had purchased a burgundy velvet outfit trimmed in satin with pants, tank top, and jacket, which is elegant and very flattering to my 60-year-old figure. Would this outfit be appropriate for a casual noon wedding with family and friends? If not, what would be? I feel like velvet might be out of place, but this outfit is so comfortable and flattering. Also, should I forgo the pants for a skirt? I would appreciate your suggestions.
Blushing BrideDear Blushing Bride,
First off, let me extend congratulations on your upcoming wedding. I think that as the bride you can wear whatever you would like. The velvet outfit you described sounds very nice and it would be a shame to have to start looking for something else. I think that purchasing a skirt could actually make the outfit dressier so I would stay with pants. If you feel like a million dollars in the outfit then that is the most important thing. Enjoy your day and don’t worry about looking out of place.Dear Shopaholic,
I'm going to a warm country and want to purchase some light, cool dresses for the trip. What length should they be?
First Time Traveler
Dear First Time Traveler,
Dear Shopaholic says: For tropical destinations, stick to loose skirts that fall above or at the knee. Score these looks at Club Monaco or Banana Republic.
The best way to dress for a trip is in clothes that are easy to move around in. Don’t buy a dress or skirt that is below your knee. By keeping the dress at or above your knee you can walk easily, and move freely – two really important qualities when you are traveling to a warm country.Dear Shopaholic,
I would like to know the best colour/type of stockings/nylons to wear with a recently purchased crème twill skirt. I was planning on wearing a crème crocheted tunic with it, and medium brown pumps (kind of going for a retro look). I would really prefer to go without hose, but it is still kind of cold and my legs are unfortunately very white. Do I wear nude hose? Is there an alternative?
Hoe-lessDear Hoe-less,
I believe that nude or skin coloured stockings are the best choice in most situations. The only time I would wear black is if I was paring it with a black skirt and black pumps. The most classic and sophisticated choice is to go with nude so that you look like you are not wearing stockings at all.Dear Shopaholic,
I’ve always held small summer jobs here and there during school, but now that I’ve finally landed an office position, I’m confused about what to wear. What do they mean when they say “business casual”? Some friends tell me that their office is like that, and then they go to work in jeans. Others tell me that cardigans and pleated pants are the norm for them. And while we’re on the subject, when restaurants specify the dress code as “dressy casual” and the like, what are they talking about? Are dressy dark jeans acceptable in that case? Thanks for clearing things up.
Clueless About TerminologyDear Clueless About Terminology,
First off, let me just say that your friends that are wearing pleated pants with cardigans need to cease and desist. Pleated pants are not a good look, especially for up-and-coming business women. Business casual has a multitude of meanings, it really depends what your job is and what other people in your office are wearing. Business casual usually means a pair of slacks and a blouse or sweater set. If you are going to wear jeans I would throw on a jacket, just to look a little more professional; however, as someone new to the company, you need to make a good first impression and should therefore go with black, brown, grey or navy pants. Now onto your next question: when a restaurant specifies dressy casual, I would say that you could wear jeans, as long as you dress them up with a dressy top, and heels. ¤ Erin