Q. I have a silk giraffe print tunic, but what do I wear on the bottom?

A. Living is easy this summer when you get to pull on a tunic, they're comfortable and easy to wear as a dress (depending on the length), a cover up or with shorts or leggings. Pair your tunic with leggings and flat sandals, with shorts that show a few inches just below the tunic and wedges or add white trousers and a low slung belt around the tunic top and heels. Here are three ways to wear a tunic:


1. with white slim pants and sandals (Tory Burch tunic, saks.com)
2. with black leggings and flat sandals (Tart tunic, shopbop.com)
3. with short shorts (Diane von Furstenberg tunic, shopbop.com)

Q. Would you please clarify whether it is appropriate to wear white to a wedding? I have a dress that is cocktail length in white and has a black 6-inch lace band around the middle. I was planning to wear a black sheer jewel wrap and black shoes. The bride is wearing white and the wedding ceremony is not at a church, but at the reception hall.
- Guest in White

A. It's always best to leave the focus in white on the bride. While your dress has a black band, it would still be better to wear any other color. And unfortunately the accessories are not distraction enough since you may remove the wrap for the festivities.

Q. I just bought a shift dress from Target in a gorgeous jeweled plum color. How do I accessorize it? It came with a waist tie, but I want to dress it up as much as possible with a belt. I was thinking metallic or perhaps turquoise? And the high neckline leaves me wondering how (or if) to wear a necklace.
-Accessorize Me

A. I always suggest that women skip the belt that comes with a dress and choose a new one to distinguish it from the rest. Choosing a color or a metallic belt is a great option to mix it up and create a look for day and night simply by changing the belt and shoes. As for jewelry, you can certainly wear a necklace, just be sure it hangs longer than 18" so it doesn't fall inside the dress. A multi strand chain link style or a larger "bauble" or beaded style necklace would be perfect. However, if you go with a bold belt, then try bigger earrings and a cuff bracelet instead of a necklace.

Q. I am getting married in September, and I plan to change out of my official, very heavy, wedding dress into a more fun, easy to dance in dress. Can you recommend a great second dress? I should mention this is a VERY formal affair. - Formal Seconds

A. If you're thinking about dancing, then you have to choose long or short and I'm a fan of changing from a gown to a dress of less weighty material and shorter length. I adore Monique Lhuillier for her ethereal ready to wear dress collections that easily can star in the second act of your wedding. Other designers to consider for the second dress would be Vera Wang and 3.1 Philip Lim - he has a white Grecian style dress that is gorgeous from his spring collection.


1. moniquelhuillier.com
2. moniquelhuillier.com
3. Chiffon Halter Dress at neimanmarcus.com

Q. I'm 5'2, usually a size 2, and I'm trying to figure out what length of shorts or capris will be most flattering. I don't want to look stumpy or shorter than I am. I think I have pretty nice legs for a 30 year old, but also want to dress appropriately for work, vacations, or for chasing around my infant son. - Short Sized

A. For petite gals like you, the longer the capri pants, the better. Look for styles that are straight leg styles, not wide, and that hit just above your ankle. This will still give the impression of length. I just picked up two bright pairs from Club Monaco, one teal and one red that can easily transition in look just by swapping flats for wedge sandals at night. They are an ideal length and style.

As for shorts, skip the long styles and choose shorter lengths, specifically ones that have 3-5" inseams or ones that stop at mid thigh. If you have good legs, then don't cover them up with Bermuda or walking shorts since those will just stunt your height. If you intend to wear shorts to work, then opt for a mid thigh pair and be sure to pair the shorts with a conservative top like a button down shirt tucked in and a fitted cotton or linen blazer.


1. Petite city-fit stretch chino café capri, $79.50 at jcrew.com 2. Theory Women's Whythe Radar Ankle Pants, $215 at bloomingdales.com 3. Chino 5" short, $39.50 at jcrew.com

Q. I had to buy these "Minx" shoes by Luichiny ($88.95 at amazon.com). It was an impulse - buy now, figure it out later. Now I'm having trouble figuring out what to wear with them other than a plain black short dress. I do know that I should go with basic and simple.

- What Now?

A. Basic and simple does not mean that the look has to be boring or a solid color to wear with your new embellished heels. I envision a black and white patterned, fitted sheath dress or a pencil skirt worn with a flowy ruffled top. Tops from designers like Geren Ford, Diane Von Furstenberg or Tucker would work or a dress from Alice + Olivia. Here are some ideas:


1. Alice + Olivia Polka Dot Tulip Dress, $330 at shopbop.com
2. Alice + Olivia Pleated Puff Dress, $495 at shopbop.com
3. Maggy London Print Silk Twill Shift Dress, $148 at nordstrom.com
4. Milly Cotton Jacquard Dress, $385 at nordstrom.com
5. Black and White Cotton Dresses by Tibi, $360 at edressme.com
6. Alexander Wang Seersucker Silk & Wool Dress, $650 at nordstrom.com (expensive, but so chic!)

Q. I am going to a summer wedding and need some advice on my outfit. I purchased a pewter color dress from J Crew to wear to it, but my dilemma is the accessories. I want something to make the outfit pop. I was thinking some marigold yellow color shoes and a Pashmina might be nice...do you have any suggestions?
-Pop in Pewter

A. You'll surely help your look pop by adding bright colored strappy sandals. I found multiple choices in yellow and blue online at shops like zappos.com, nordstrom.com and jcrew.com.

Q. My favorite tank top from last summer was Susana Monaco. When I went to buy another one for this summer, I realized she changed the styles and no longer makes the one that fit me perfectly. Any secrets to finding leftovers from last year?
-Tanked Last Year

A. That can be nearly impossible when the item is a year old. While many chain retail stores like J.Crew and Banana Republic make the same tees and tanks each year, designers like Susana Monaco have to keep their designs fresh. Best bet is to try some of her newer styles or find a tank top from another designer and if you love it, buy two. Or as a last resort try ebay.com, but for a tank it may not be worth the auction.
Here are two possible replacements from the same designer:




left: Susana Monaco Jennifer Tank Tunic, $113 at shopbop.com



right: Susana Monaco Urban Gather Tank, $102 at shopbop.com

Q. You've been a big help before, now I'm wondering what to wear for an internship in downtown Washington DC this summer. They have told me that business casual is the norm for the office but I'm wondering what that exactly entails. Are open toed sandals normally okay? I'm a big fan of printed skirts, can one of those be worn?
-Business Curious

A. Generally, a company that says business causal is not expecting you to wear a conservative business suit. This will give you more stylish options. Printed skirts paired with flattering tops are an ideal fashion choice for your internship. And open toed sandals should be fine, but perhaps wear a pump or peep toe the first day and take a look at the staff to get a sense of what the rest of the team is wearing. If you have any questions always look to a stylishly dressed superior for company policy guidance.

Here are a few business casual looks from jcrew.com:

Q. Summer is here and I can't wait to be out of school and done with "teacher clothes" for a few months. I'm looking for a pair of white pants to wear to daytime social events (backyard parties), but would prefer them to be chic and sexy enough that I can wear them out at night. Also, I'm on a tight budget, so I would appreciate some suggestions under $50.
-Tight Budget in White

A. You need a pair of white pants that work day and night. And best bets for finding a pair within your budget of under $50 is to stick with the large retail chains like oldnavy.com, gap.com, delias.com and target.com. I was able to find several pairs that should fulfill your needs to go from casual get-togethers to chic parties:

1. Wide-Leg Cuffed Trousers, $32.50 at oldnavy.com
2. Sunkissed khakis, $34.99 at gap.com
3. Quinn Low-Rise Sailor Flare, $39.50 at delias.com
4. Rubbish® 'Sadie' Pants, $38 at nordstrom.com
5. Ultimate Linen Trousers, $32.50 at alloy.com