Talking Fashion

Suzanne D'Amato and Janet Bennett Kelly discuss fashion do's, don'ts and maybes.

Deputy Editor of the Sunday Source, Suzanne D'Amato, and washingtonpost.com Fashion and Beauty Editor, Janet Bennett, talked about how to get your wardrobe in shape for spring, Tuesday, March 20, at 11 a.m. ET.

A transcript follows.

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Suzanne D'Amato: Good morning, everyone. It actually feels like spring outside today -- what better time to think about readying your wardrobe for the new season? Let's talk shop!

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Washington, D.C.: I am pregnant and my baby is due in about two weeks. I have not purchased any non-maternity clothes in about one year, but I plan to purchase some new items for spring/summer. What are some items that I can purchase to update my wardrobe and maintain some semblance of style while I take care of a new baby and get back into shape?

Janet Bennett Kelly: My fashionable daughter-in-law, who just gave birth, likes Ella Moss long tunic tops to wear over pre-baby jeans that she wears with a Bella Band.

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Big feet, please help! : I wear a size 11.5 which is impossible to find, save a few althetic shoes. Where can I find companies/brands that make 11.5? Does anyone? I hate that designers think that after size 10 our feet grow in whole sizes. I understand supply/demand, but for people like me, I have never owned a shoe that fits. I'd even pay big money for a shoemaker. Do those even exist? Thank you!

Janet Bennett Kelly: I just spoke to someone at Comfort One in Georgetown, who mentioned that he had a couple of styles in 11.5. Have been trying to call Union Station store because he said they may have even more.

Suzanne D'Amato: I sympathize with your plight. My own size-11 clodhoppers have caused me no shortage of pain, both metaphorical and -- when I've tried to squeeze into too-small shoes -- literal. I've had luck at J. Crew, Banana Republic and Nordstrom, as well as my favorite for trendy, wear-'em-twice styles, Payless.
Depending on what style of shoe you're looking for, though, you might be able to pull off a 12. If the shoe has ankle straps, elastic at the heel, and so on, you can sometimes fudge it.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Comfort One in Union Station say they have a variety of styles -- dress, sandals, athletic -- in 11.5. Worth a try.

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Brookland, Washington, D.C.: What are some trends for men to look forward to and/or avoid for spring?

Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: Over the last several seasons men's suits have been trimming down -- now they're small of shoulder and skinny of leg. It's a welcome trend to those of us who are sick of seeing guys wander around with baggy jackets, saggy slacks, and so on. Thom Browne is the designer who sort of pioneered this look, but his extremely expensive designs aren't for everyone (for obvious reasons), so keep an eye out for less pricey versions at APC, Club Monaco and so on.

As for what to avoid? I, for one, am sooooo sick of tees that say things like "Greetings From Chatanooga," "Join My Hot Tub Club," and so on. Urban Outfitters, please make it stop!

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Washington, D.C.: I am visiting a friend in Boston in a couple of weeks and was wondering if you guys know of any boutiques, nice places to shop around there that I shouldn't miss?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I love to walk around Newberry Street, which is chock-a-block with fashionable boutiques. One of the high temples of fashion in the city is Louis-Boston. You'll be amazed at the clothes -- and the prices. Don't miss it.

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Capitol Heights, Md.: Good morning, and HELP! My daughter will be 16 in June,and she will work for the first time this year. She is still into just wearing pants, is there a Web site that can show her a tranformation into a young lady? Pantsuits are preferable. Thanks

Janet Bennett Kelly: It's a big transition for a teen to go from school casual into a work environment. I don't know of a Website that can help, but perhaps a shopping trip to a store like Club Monaco or Zara will help her get the idea. And then when she starts to work, she'll definitely get a sense of what the culture is like and what people are wearing to the office.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I bought an emerald green dress to wear to my sister's wedding, and I'm wondering how to accessorize. I have dark red hair and I have emerald jewelry (from my grandmother), set in gold. I'm not sure if that's too matchy-matchy though. What kind of shoes does one wear with emerald green?! Also, my dress for the rehearsal dinner is a dark ivory cocktail dress -- I'm not sure what to do with shoes there either. And any suggestions on where to get good, fun spring jewelry to go with cocktail dresses?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think your dark red hair offsets the emerald dress and jewelry well enough so you won't look matchy-matchy. And, by the way, Grandma's emerald jewelry sounds fantastic.
Shoes are another matter. I'd go for bronze or pewter shoes -- possibly sandals (depending on the weather)-- with either the emerald dress or the dark ivory. Another option for the ivory is black-patent leather peep toes. (Make sure to get a pedicure.) Pirjo in Bethesda has great spring jewelry, with a bunch of bangles from Alexis Bittar. Check it ou.

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Fairfax, Va.: Is the trend in men's pants going back to higher in the waist? The low-rise thing is just too much for baby boomers. Every pair of jeans and a lot of dress pants have the waist lower than normal and this appeals, I think, more to the younger guys? What is happening now?

Janet Bennett Kelly: It seems to me that pants for both sexes are getting slightly higher in the waist department. The low-riding pants are still popular with teens, but I'm seeing a lot more jeans and trousers with waists where they should be.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi, and thanks for taking my question!

Various medical problems mean that my shoes only come in three varieties right now: nurse, waitress and grandma (white, black, and tan tennis shoes, respectively). Black tennis shoes blend in pretty well with black pant suits, tan ones with tan pant suits, etc., so it's not so noticeable. But I'm only 30 and I have nice legs that I'd like to show off occasionally. Is there any way to wear skirts with chunky orthopedic shoes (even casually on the weekends if not skirt suits my conservative office)? I can't wear flat ballet slippers -- not enough support -- but I have some slightly more fashionable colorful sneakers. Any advice for the cripple (pardon me -- "differently-abled person") who aspires to be fashionable?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I feel your pain; I had foot surgery not too long ago and had similar shoe problems.

I do think you can wear cute, colorful sneakers with your knee-length skirts and definitely with cropped pants and those long shorts that are all over the stores. I know that some ballet flats don't have enough support, but I have seen some with rubber soles. Would that work for you? You could also take them to a shoe shop and have rubber soles added. I've seen some good-looking flats with support at Cole-Haan.

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Burlington, Vt.: What's the scoop on leopart prints? Will they return for spring? I have been seeing them in shoes.

MEOW!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Leopard prints go in and out of style. Personally I don't like a lot of it in one outfit; I'd wear a cropped jacket with black pants or accessorize an outfit with a cute pair of leopard ballerinas -- I've seen some at J. Crew. Another possibility: a leopard headband.

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Bethesda, Md.: I have tons of black shoes but not many neutrals. Can you recommend a shoe (flat or less than 2'' heel) that would be nice to wear with brown, khaki and navy? It doesn't need to be super-dressy.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Do you have any black patent-leather? That goes great with khaki, especially, and it's definitely in vogue this spring. In fact, patent leather in color is also very popular. But if you're looking for a shoe that can go with brown, khaki and navy, I'd try something in metallic. Bronze would work well with all those shades.

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Washington, D.C.: My wardrobe is pretty basic -- lots of J. Crew and Banana Republic- type stuff. What five items should I buy for spring/summer (within a J. Crew/B.R. budget)? My office is pretty casual so I don't need suits, and I don't love skirts or dresses. I can wear most colors but tend not to like anything too bright or out there.

Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: Here's my top five for Spring -- and if you do some digging, I bet you can find them at even less expensive places than J. Crew and Banana Republic:

1. A swingy, knee-length dress: Wear it for day with a cardigan, chunky jewelry and flat sandals. Wear it for evening with a pretty wrap and strappy heels.
2. A cropped jacket that can be paired with slacks or a full skirt at work, or jeans on the weekends.
3. Skinny pants. The skinny jean's more sophisticated sibling.
4. Metallic sandals. The metallic trend is big this season, but gargantuan gilt handbags are a little Jessica Simpson for my tastes. Better to shine on in smaller doses, I think.
5. Just about anything from the Proenza Schouler for Target collection. These tidy blazers, crisp shorts and topstiched shirts are preppy polish personified. (Try saying that three times fast.)

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K Street: For the lady with big feet -- just like me -- there is a store in Baltimore called Barefoot Tess that caters to those of us with giant feet. They have a Web site and, in my opinion, a good selection.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Thank you, K Street, for that great suggestion. Here's the link: Barefoot Tess.

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Unfashionable in D.C.: HELP! So with this warm weather, I've realized that I have officially hit the fashion blahs and have nothing remotely professional and springy. I have a lot of pants, but lacking cute tops that are young (I'm in my 20s) but not she's wearing that (gasp) to work. Suggestions please!

Suzanne D'Amato: I went to French Connection recently and was pleasantly surprised -- I usually think of that store as more of a place for Euro-ish streetwear than anything you'd sport at the office, but they had a number of well-made, stylish blouses in interesting textures and prints. A definite step above the H&Ms/Zaras of the world, I felt.

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ARL: I bought a cropped (waist-length), belted, white trench recently. It's so cute and I feel like it will match everything, but what's the best way to wear it? Will it sizzle out as a trend or remain a classic fashion to wear for a long time? I am a very classic, preppy, and borderline prudish dresser. I have a petite frame and like to wear clothes tailored to fit me well. This is the greatest idea for a chat! Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: Your trench is a smart purchase for spring: White and cropped shapes are both trendy this season. The trick is to balance out its shrunken shape with length and volume in your shirt. A slightly blousy, longer top that is, say, 5 inches longer than your jacket should work well. I'd make sure it's a bright color or print to give your look some depth and contrast: White on white tends to look more clinical than chic. (And it really puts pressure on you not to spill your coffee.)

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Washington, D.C.: I like the short jackets that are in fashion now, but since I'm pear-shaped, I'm afraid to wear them. What do you think? Can you recommend a similarly fashionable cut?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Short jackets come in all crops -- some shorter than others. There are some boxy-looking ones that hit below the waist that could work for you. Choose one and wear it with tapered pants or slouchy pants (not skinny jeans).

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Arlington, Va.: I always have trouble with spring and summer clothes -- I feel like so many things are too skimpy or unflattering for me. What kind of looks should someone in her late 20's, about a size 8/10 be looking for to look updated and appropriate for spring? Also, what spring clothes work in an untrendy biz casual work environment? (No sleeveless or capris, please!), thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: You have a lot of choices. One of spring's pretty dresses would be great on you, and you can probably get away with bare legs at your office (though I might still stick with closed-toe shoes, so you don't look too casual).
You can probably get away with jeans as well -- just look for dark-rinse denim that doesn't have any distracting embroidery or whiskering. I've been seeing a lot of denim in more dressy shapes, such as pencil skirts and blazers, which seems like another great option for you.

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Washington, D.C.: I really need to get some new going-out-clothes to celebrate spring and my new single-ness. I am new to the area though, so I was wondering where young 20-somethings can go to find some fun clothes.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Are you talking about party clothes -- or weekend clothes??
If you're new to the area, you need to pick a section of the city and spend a few hours. I'd start with Georgetown, where you can choose among Cusp (owned by Neiman-Marcus), Barney's, Wink, Sugar,
Urban Outfitters, Valise, Rugby, Ralph Lauren, Sassanova, and a bunch more that I'm forgetting at the moment. Suzanne?

Suzanne D'Amato: Janet's suggestions are great. I'd also suggest trying the U Street corridor for Nana, Junction, Wild Women Wear Red, Redeem, Pop, Muleh and more. Try Maggie and Lola in Capitol Hill, too.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey Suzanne, what colors are in for menswear this spring? Thanks.

Suzanne D'Amato: As some men's clothing gets more fashion-forward, it seems to be more closely following women's clothing -- at least palette-wise. I was at Club Monaco the other day and saw that there was a lot of white, pale gray and lemon yellow in the men's department, which was basically identical to the women's stuff downstairs.
That said, I don't necessarily see more conservative guys wearing these colors, so I think you need to go with what works for you. Head-to-toe black might be a little severe this time of year, but if you look great in, say, tomato red, you should wear it, no matter what the season may be.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I was in Brooks Brothers the other day and I saw a bunch of pastel blues and argyles, paired with ivory linen sports jackets. Loved the combination. So, agree with Suzanne, if
the colors work for you, wear them.

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New to D.C.: I'm new to the D.C. job market (moved from California), and don't know how people dress for the office out here when the weather gets nice. Are sandals appropriate footwear for the office? When we had nice weather last week, I noticed women forgoing the nylons/tights in favor of bare legs. Is that also acceptable for the office?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Welcome to D.C. To answer your question, it depends on the type of office you work in. Sandals can be appropriate for a publishing or advertising office, but a no-no for a law or government office. You just have to decide based on where you're working.

Suzanne D'Amato: Flip-flops are always an office don't, but peep-toe flats may work for you. I'd continue to monitor what other women in the office are wearing (particularly the managers), then dress accordingly.

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St. Louis, Mo.: What to wear with a dark denim trench coat? Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Depending on the length of the trench, I'd pair it with a light-colored pair of cropped pants and a pastel wraparound scarf.

Suzanne D'Amato: A printed, full-skirted dress that's just a smidge longer than your trench could be nice too. Pair it with big sunglasses and a pair of espadrilles for that Riviera-bound look.

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Miami, Fla: I'm a short man, 5'6,''. I really like those 3/4 length shorts (men's capri pants), but my wife say they make me look even shorter. Should I get them, and if so, what is the proper length for them?

Suzanne D'Amato: This may not make me very popular with our chatters, but I'm just going to come out and say it: Shorts should not be worn off the beach. Yes, the 3/4 length ones are better. But not much.
That said, you're writing from Miami, where people wear thong bathing suits to breakfast. I bet your 3/4 length shorts seem downright conservative in comparison.
Janet, what do you think? Am I totally off here?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'm with Suzanne. If you're going to the beach, then, yes, go ahead, but anyplace else, I don't think they're appropriate. Furthermore, to your wife's point, if they're not flattering, pick a pair that elongates your figure.

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Washington, D.C.: People are wearing flip-flops already and some sandals. Is this okay now for office apparel?

Janet Bennett Kelly: In my opinion, flip-flops are for the beach, and never appropriate for the office. As for sandals, it depends on your office and the sandal style.

Suzanne D'Amato: Recently I've spotted a lot of flats with artsy cutout details in stores. Mossimo made a nice pair for Target, and at the other end of the price spectrum, I've seen some lovely Stella McCartneys at Neiman Marcus. If your office is very conservative, they won't work, but if it's only moderately so they strike me as a decent option -- you get the breezy comfort of a sandal with the coverage of a regular shoe.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi! I am a bridesmaid in my friend's wedding, and she's picked a charcoal color dress. What color shoes and accessories do you recomend?

Suzanne D'Amato: If your dress's fabic is matte, a subtle metallic shoe could be lovely -- a not-too shiny silver would play up the gray color in a very attractive way, I think.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Metallic would be fab. Another possibility if it could be found would be something in a pearlized pink. I'm assuming the wedding is this spring or summer, right?

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Size 11 shoes: For larger-sized shoes, try Zappos.com. They have a large selection and they do not charge to mail them back. Also, I found a cute pair of RYKA sneakers that look a lot like maryjanes with great support.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Good suggestion. I wasn't aware that Zappos carried larger sizes. Thanks for the heads-up.

Suzanne D'Amato: Yes, Zappos is a great resource. To that end, other online shoetailers such as Piperlime.com and Endless.com are also worth checking out. They have great selections and often offer free shipping and/or returns.

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Comfy Shoes and Size 11.5:: For 30-year-old leggy lady, check out Ecco brand shoes. They make kind of Euro-edgy great walking shoes in the $100-150 range.

For the size 11.5: Don't miss Nordstrom Rack's (outlet) special big-sizes sales, twice a year, I think. There will be two walls of 10.5-and-up size shoes and you'll feel great seeing all your fellow over-size-10'rs.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks for all the suggestions for the leggy lady. Much appreciated.

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New England: I just bought the cutest pair of espadrilles. What should I wear them with? Capris? Skirts?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think espadrilles look best with capris and longish bermuda shorts. Suzanne?

Suzanne D'Amato: Yes, I agree. They can also be nice with a full skirt, though if you want to pull off that look, it helps to be tall.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm looking for a good summer handbag for the work week. I'd like to get something in a brighter color. What colors should I look for, and where? It still seems like everything out is black/white/beige.

Suzanne D'Amato: Kate Spade makes some gorgeous bright bags -- I particularly love the "Sao Paolo," a woven patent leather tote that comes in glossy tangerine.
If you don't want to invest too much money, you might look for a dressy straw bag of some sort. Floppy straw totes are for the beach, but there are some structured, satchel-y styles that the designer Rafe made for Target that could definitely work for work.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'm loving Kate Spade bags this spring as well, especially the Cape Cod with the lobsters! Yellow is a hot color this season, and I've seen several bags at Anthropologie in this happy hue. Also, check out Arden B.

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Cheap: Where can I get cute weekend/party clothes that aren't too expensive? And in terms of spring clothes, what should I splurge on and what should I buy cheap? I'm mostly dressing for work so have a tighter budget for the fun stuff. Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: When you're buying clothes for any season, it's best to splurge on classics -- the stuff you know is still going to around for the next couple of seasons. I think you can't go wrong with a trench coat. They're plentiful thhis season. Just don't go with too many bells and whistles. The more stylized it is, the less wearable it becomes in another year or so.

Suzanne D'Amato: A trench is a great investment, as is a dress in whatever shape flatters your figure. Flowy trapeze styles are in this spring, but if you really love fitted or wrap styles, stick with what works for you.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm not sure if you are responsible for this -- but the recent fashion section which detailed how to cheaply buy five different designer spring looks was AWFUL. Seriously -- the pea green plastic coat? There are so many cute cropped vintage style coats out there at very reasonable prices from Express, Nordstrom, Anthropologie, etc., that are far more wearable and much more similar to the designer version. How do you go about picking these things? It just doesnt seem to me like you captured the essence of this season or the trends at all.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I've gotta own up to the recent fashion section. Sorry you didn't like it, but I obviously disagree.

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Shoes!: I just turned 30 and bought my first pair of designer shoes -- black patent leather peep-toe mary jane's by C. Louboutin!

When and where can I wear these? The salesman said with anything but I'm skeptical ...

Janet Bennett Kelly: Congratulations. I'm envious and I have to say I think the salesman is right. That said, I don't know whether they're flat or high.

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Did I understand you correctly?: No shorts off the beach?

No? Shorts?

Suzanne D'Amato: I'm sure plenty of folks will disagree with me, but I don't think shorts are the best bet for city wear.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I have a black knee-length trench coat, and I have misplaced the belt that came attached. I was thinking about buying a colorful long scarf and using that as a replacement belt. Do you think that would be okay? I could go buy another black trench, but I'd rather spend my cash on something slightly less basic.

Suzanne D'Amato: That could work. You could also buy an inexpensive pilgrim-buckle belt in black patent or an attention-grabbing hue such as red or mustard. I recently saw some I loved at -- no joke -- Hot Topic!

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Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks for joining us the day before spring. We enjoyed it and will see you back here in another month. In the meantime, check out Fashion & Beauty on washingtonpost.com.

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for all of your great questions -- I wish we had time to answer every one! If you have additional how-to-wear-it questions (or simply want to tell me how wrong I am about the shorts issue), please email me at trendspotter@washpost.com.

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Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.