fashion advice

I am looking for a nice jacket, cardigan, blazer to wear over all of my colorful spring T-shirts.  I LOVE the yellow/mustard color that is popular right now. Do you have any suggestions on where I can find this item?  I thought about the Liz Claiborne linen jackets but I think I want something dressier than that.  Thanks for your help!

Merry Jo

You have great taste in color!  Yellow happens to be one of my favorite colors to wear and for some crazy reason, women tend to be most afraid of this sunny shade!

If you’re looking for something to wear over T-shirts I would lean more towards a Spring-weight jacket instead of a sweater…especially if you’re trying to dress up a basic tee.  Blazers and cropped jackets are one of the simplest and most effective way to really up the style factor no matter what you’re wearing, but there’s no reason to spend a fortune on a jacket!

Stores like Express, Old Navy and even H&M make well-tailored jackets that fit like a glove, but I found yours at Speigel for only $39.  I love this jacket for all the great details like the tabbed sleeves and the notch collar and for the fact that it’s got a little bit of stretch so it will feel fitted and not boxy against your body.

There are endless style possibilities for this jacket, but I really like it with the collar popped up and when worn with crisp whites like it is in this picture!  It will also look great over a printed top or with a printed skirt so make sure you multi-task with a piece this great!

And in case  you do want some other options, check out all of these great styles below in this fabulous color…

What are some appropriate dresses for a college graduation? I’m graduating on May 14th and would like your help to find something that’s figure flattering and not so boring… it is Spring after all! Also keep in mind that I’m 5′3 and pear-shaped.

Thanks,
Kay

Dear Kay,
Congrats on your graduation…this is a huge moment in your life and you should commemorate it with a dress that not only suits the occasion, but that also makes you look and feel like the smart, sophisticated woman that you are!

When searching for the perfect dress for a pear-shaped body, you’re going to want to find something that draws attention to your upper body so that the attention moves away from the lower half of your body.  A “V” neckline or a halter are both great choices for your body type, especially when combined with a shape that moves away from your body, like an A-line cut or even a semi-full skirt.

You should also consider looking for a dress that has a belt or some kind of detail (ruching, pleats, etc.) around the waist so that it helps create the illusion of an hour-glass figure and helps define your waistline.

When it comes to choosing a solid color versus a pattern you really can’t go wrong with either one as long as you keep the shapes I outlined above in mind on your shopping trip.  But if you do decide to buy a printed dress, look for a print that’s on a larger scale and that isn’t too busy.

I’m also guessing that your graduation will happen sometime in May/June, so for that time of year you’ll want to find a dress in a light-weight fabric that will feel dressy enough for this special occasion without looking out of place. And this Summer it’s all about color…so look for bright colors like yellow and cobalt blue that will look fabulous in photographs and that will draw all the attention to you!! Here are some great styles that would perfectly for your big day…

It’s a new year and it’s about time I update my look. The only problem is I don’t know how to go about doing it. Im a college student on a budget and when I do have money to go shopping I never know what to buy. I’m petite with a baby face and I need a new wardrobe that will help keep me look polished but not over done. It’s all so overwhelming…any help would be greatly appreciated!

Dear College Co-ed,

I know how frustrating shopping can be when you feel like you need everything, but don’t know even know exactly what everything is!  If you’re feeling like you need a total wardrobe overhaul, the best advice I can give you is to go back to basics…literally.  I mean start with core items that you can add onto, little by little, to build your dream closet.

As a college student, you probably don’t have use for a lot of work clothes so it’s important-for anyone in your situation- to identify what needs your clothes will have fill.  Do you have a bustling social life or do you stay in most nights?  Do you value comfort over style or are you a total fashionista?  Asking yourself simple questions like these will help you make good decisions about what clothes you actually need to buy.  This will not only make your shopping trip more efficient, but it will keep you from over-spending on items that don’t fit into your lifestyle.

Dillards $28 and $38

So now for the good stuff…the clothes!!  I would suggest you start with two pairs of jeans…a skinny or straight leg and then a trouser cut with a wider leg both in medium to dark washes.  Since you’re still in school, you can easily wear jeans on a daily basis and even wear them out at night just by pairing them with a dressier top.  Having these two essential pieces in your wardrobe arsenal will provide you with the perfect foundation to create many looks.

Urban Outfitters $59.99 and $54.99

Next, you mention that you want to appear more polished and in my opinion, there’s not better way to accomplish that than by adding a blazer or fitted jacket to any outfit.  Jackets are a great layering piece and they help you instantly achieve that perfectly styled look that you see in so many fashion magazines.  And while you may think that a nice jacket will cost you a pretty penny, here are some great options- all priced under $60- that will help you feel more put together.  Also keep in mind that jacket’s don’t have to be paired with pants…they look equally, if not better, worn over dresses or with a flirty skirt!

Alloy $42.50

Finally, every woman needs dresses that are versatile enough to wear to class, on a date or to a cocktail party.  The easiest way to transform the look of this dress, or any look for that matter, is by incorporating fun accessories.  Pair your dress with high heels and a collar necklace for a more formal occasion or add a printed scarf and brightly colored flats for a casual but chic day outfit .  Shoes, belts and jewelry will allow you to manipulate the overall effect of any outfit and with resources like Forever 21 and H&M, you can achieve this on student’s budget!

Over time, you will want to incorporate certain pieces based on the season and more importantly, on your personal style, but I hope this gives you a good start to building your new wardrobe and updating your look for the New Year!