Talking Fashion

Suzanne D'Amato and Janet Bennett Kelly discussed fashion do's, don'ts and maybes, Monday, April 23, at 11 a.m. ET.

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Janet Bennett Kelly: Good morning, everyone! It appears that spring is here at last. I was out in Georgetown yesterday and people were dressed to the nines -- no doubt eager to show off the warm weather clothes they've been stockpiling over the last couple of months. I saw lots of full skirts, bandeau tops and gladiator sandals. A couple of misses as well -- leggings under dresses? short shorts with heels? -- but overall it was a very stylish scene.

And happily, I was feeling unusually fashionable myself: I recently accumulated a new wardrobe by going out with two personal shoppers (in case you missed the article, here's a link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/19/AR2007041902433.html). I thought I knew a lot about shopping, but these women showed me why finding clothes that fit and flatter is no simple matter. (That rhyme is unintentional, I promise.)

So I'm here with Janet Bennett Kelly to answer any and all questions you may have about personal shopping. But we're also game to take other fashion and wardrobe questions, too: Want to know what to wear to work when it's 90 degrees out? Or what's in store for swimsuits this summer? Fire away!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Meanwhile, the person doing the talking here is Suzanne, not Janet. Sorry.

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Beltway Bandit-land: I'm in my early 50s, petite, trim, and work in a consulting firm with a LOT of much younger people. How do I dress to fit in without trying to look like I'm 25? I don't want my colleagues to think of me as Grandma. Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: You're lucky you have a good figure! Play it up. You may even want to consult the services of one of those free personal shopping services Suzanne mentioned in her story.

My own advice would be to stay away from anything mini or those flowing tops that make everyone look pregnant. Cropped pants with a boxy jacket is a nice look.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Although we are going into more seasonal weather, we're not there yet, and I've seen many women impatient for spring wearing slingbacks or peep-toe shoes with stockings. Once and for all, can you please denounce this practice?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'm with you; I think wearing sandals and/or peeptoes with stockings defeats the whole purpose and looks terrible, to boot. If you want to wear sandals, either wait for warmer weather or just grin and bear cold toes.

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New York: No offense to the model, but in the 2007 Spring Fashion and Beauty ... It's Shoe Time feature, it seems utterly silly that (1) the model and backdrop take up most of the space in every pic, and (2) a reader has to make a point of pulling down on the "more info" every page. It would have been good Web design to simply highlight the shoes and caption them appropriately? I couldn't care less about the props.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Thank you for your input. Sorry you didn't like the design, but we were working with photographs that had already been taken.

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Frustrati, ON: Hi Suzanne. Very much enjoyed your article yesterday! In answer to your question about difficulty finding pants that fit, you are far from alone. I'm 5'4", NOT a petite (long legs and torso for that height), somewhere between a 2 and 4 depending on the manufacturer, and it's just as bad for me! If the inseam is long enough, the rise is usually too long. If the rise fits, then the legs are too short. Low-rise pants aren't necessarily the answer either; a lot of times they hit me in the worst possible spot (not to mention, I am 53 years old and don't want pants that are hanging off my hipbones). And if I am lucky enough to find something that does fit, the next time I'm looking, of course I can't duplicate it. I don't know who the manufacturers design for, but it sure doesn't seem to be anyone real.

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for the compliment! And I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only person who has trouble finding pants that fit. I don't know who designers have in mind, but everyone, tall or short, curvy or slim, seems to have trouble in this department.

The great thing about shopping with a pro, for me, was that it took away any pressure I felt to fit into a certain size. Both of the shoppers I went out with basically agreed that the current sizing system is ridiculous. Which didn't make finding pants any easier, but it sure made me feel better.

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Dump the cheap stuff: I'd say that D.C. women's biggest fashion don't is to buy cheap stuff (shoes, purses) and use them until they are falling apart! Please, ladies, either buy quality or pitch the cheap stuff.

Suzanne D'Amato: Well, I wouldn't say it's specific to D.C. -- or to women, for that matter. But it is an issue for a lot of people, myself included. My personal shopper Alison Lukes was quite helpful on this front. Her advice is to buy fun jewelry and trendy tops at H&M et al., but to spend the bulk of your fashion dollar on the basics.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Smart personal shopper!

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Washington, D.C.: Suzanne and Janet,

I loved the Spring Fashion layout on the post.com. I am one of the working masses, but I like to go out for happy hour. After reading the fashion piece, I checked out Carbon. I really liked a lot of the shoes. They seemed to mix the work, comfort and play thing nicely. But, this is not an ordinary DC selection. The styles seem fresh, but I don't want to be on thin ice at work. Thoughts?

Janet Bennett Kelly: If you mean you have a conservative work place and you're worried about wearing shoes that are a little hipper, I don't think it's as much of an issue, say, for example, if your entire outfit was trendy. Shoes are a fun accent and a way of introducing some personality without making a big statement. I think you're safe.

Suzanne D'Amato: With shoes, bags and jewelry, you can definitely break out a little, even in a conservative work environment. The thing to make sure of is that the style you like is daytime-appropriate. A trendy flat or low pump can definitely work for the office, but a spiky stiletto or strappy sandal is going to look out of place at that big meeting.

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Arlington, Va.: Submitting early so I don't forget ...

I really liked your article but I have a question for the experts. I'm a size 18 and I don't hate fashion but I hate shopping because there's rarely anything cute or stylish at most fashion stores in my size. I love Anne Taylor Loft and Banana Republic but they don't stock in my size. Yes, I know about Lane Bryant and Avenue but I'm not impressed with their fashions. Where can a larger sized YOUNG women (mid-20s) go to find some cool work and play clothes? If I just wanted to find cotton spandex I know where to go but it's finding stylishness that's hard.

Suzanne D'Amato: I went to Torrid some time ago (they have an outpost in the Montgomery Mall, I believe) and was impressed. The clothes do tend toward the spandex-loving side of the style spectrum, but there are some great, work-appropriate pieces in the mix, and they go up to a size 26.

Janet, any tips?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I know Saks Fifth Avenue has Salon Z, which carries Marina Rinaldi, a designer who designs plus sizes. It's worth a look-see.

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I've Got Love Handles Like Whoa: Yeah I WISH all the weight I've gained had gone to my thighs and could be covered by a cute, flowy skirt. Unfortunately, it's all in my middle. Until this diet kicks in, how can I cover up my oddly-shaped midsection? In colder weather, jackets did the trick; now that spring has sprung, what's a girl to do?

Suzanne D'Amato: This spring's volume trend is perfect for those of us who want to cover up our midsections. By "volume," I mean the big, blousy tunic tops and trapeze dresses that are popping up everywhere from Chloe to Club Monaco. The thing to keep in mind when shopping for this style is that you want it to really fit at the shoulder, so it doesn't look like you merely bought a dress five sizes bigger than you normally wear.

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Plus Size Shopping: I think Talbot's has a woman's section and then there's always Nordstrom's, Lord and Taylor and Macy's.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Have you tried these? Any luck?

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Silver Spring, Md.: I'm actaully very interested in becoming a personal shopper. What are your suggestions?

Suzanne D'Amato: It depends on your background. Alison Lukes has experience working in high fashion from her days at Michael Kors, which is probably helpful if you want to be a paid-by-the-hour freelance shopper like she is. Most shoppers of this sort tend to operate by word of mouth, so it's good to have connections.

Patrice Vailes-Macarie, on the other hand, started out as a sales associate at Lord & Taylor. The higher-ups must have noticed her fashion savvy and figured she'd be a great fit in their personal shopping department. For people who don't have a fashion-world background, this might be a more realistic approach.

Whatever approach you take, good luck!

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Washington, D.C.: I hope you can help me. I may or may not have to go to a business event in two weeks. The problem? I'm 10 weeks pregnant, and none of my suits fit me. I'm not really showing -- I just look fat right now. Full-on maternity clothes would be too big. Am I stuck with just buying a huge suit and having it altered? Any other thoughts on appropriate business wear?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Have you tried any styles from Ella Moss? They're sold at Wink in Georgetown and also, I think, at Barney's.

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Designer Handbag: What are your thoughts on purchasing a classic designer handbag? Is it worth the investment?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'd say that depends. What do you mean by classic? You have to make the decision whether you're going to wear it enough that it merits the investment.

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Washington, D.C.: I loved your article on personal shopping. I am interested in getting rid of some of my older clothes (a lot of them from college) and purchasing the right staples for a mid 20-something to wear to work. Any suggestions on what pieces are worth shelling out the big money on? Must have essentials for one's wardrobe? And where to find them?

Suzanne D'Amato: First off, thanks! Glad you enjoyed the piece.

As for what clothes on which to spend your hard-earned dollars, it depends on where you work, to some degree. But a suit you can break up and wear piecemeal (the jacket with a denim skirt, the slacks with a pretty blouse) might be a good place to start. I do love spring's cropped jackets and pants, but if you want a style that is more seasonless, I'd try a long-sleeved jacket in lightweight wool and flat-front, straight-leg slacks.

A stylish work bag and pumps that are trendy without being outrageously so are two more good investments.

It's hard to part with the college clothes (trust me, I know). But you'll be so glad you did...

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Arlington, Va.: How about a men's question. I'm about to invest in a new suit. I'm not in a professional position and I'll only wear it maybe ten times a year so I'll be wearing it for a number of years to come. The question is, two button or three button? Three button looks very 'now' now, but how will it look in five years? Two button will always be in style. But I'm torn because I'm tall and look good in a three button suit. Thank you.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Three-button suits have been around for a while now, so I'd say they're going to stay around -- for at least the next couple of years, if not more. I love the way those suits look on tall, thin guys. Go for something that flatters you.

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Plus size: I'm also plus-sized and in my 20s. I have had great luck at the department stores (Macys, Nordstrom, and L and T). Macy's, especially, has started carrying some younger, trendier brands in larger sizes.

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for the tip!

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Baltimore, Md.: Over the past year I've made a conscious effort to "ramp up" my professional, business-casual dress, a la dress for the job you want, not the one you have. But I'm eager for advice on how to maintain a classy, professional look once the warmer weather hits. My usual summer uniform is cropped pants that are always on the baggier side, a short-sleeved shirt on top, and flat sandals. Somehow that no longer feels dressy enough anymore. Suggestions?

Janet Bennett Kelly: To me, more professional implies more tailored, so I'd maybe lose the pants on the baggier side and go for cropped pants that are more form-fitting. That shouldn't be a problem this season -- there are lots available. I would also add a jacket as a topper to complete the look. Even if it's boiling outside, offices are unvariably freeeezing in the summer. I don't have a problem with flat sandals as long as they're not of the flip-flop variety. You may also want to look at some peep-toe wedges, which are fashionable now. I've seen some cute ones in patent leather.

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Washington, D.C.: Off topic question if I may. I have to attend a gala next month and I have no choice but to wear one of those horrid Las Vegas-y sequin-and-beaded dresses. (Don't ask.) It's a one piece dress with the sequins on the top and the skirt is royal blue chiffon. What kind of shoes should I wear? I'm thinking perhaps a heeled sandal but what color? Help!

Janet Bennett Kelly: It sounds as if you have a lot going on with your dress, so I think a heeled, strappy sandal in matte black -- maybe satin -- would work best.

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Washington, D.C.: I really don't like shopping. I enjoyed the article Sunday since I have considered using the personal shopper service at Macy's. The one thing stopping me is that I have a problem paying full-price for garments that frankly aren't really made that well. I generally shop the sales at Ann Taylor (boring!) and try to find things at Filenes. I cringed when I saw the prices at some of the items Suzanne purchased ($295 for a cardigan!) Anyway, thank you for the fun article ... my question: Where can one by quality leather shoes in the metro D.C. area? Even Ritchie and Comfort One have shoes that are lined with synthetic materials (which make my feet sweat). Do I need to go to Italy or Argentina?

Suzanne D'Amato: Oh, I'm still cringing at the prices! I love my new clothes, and the whole point of my little endeavor was to jettison some of my cheap crap in favor of well-made classics, but I continue to look at some of those receipts in disbelief. (The real kicker was when my boyfriend read the paper yesterday and looked up at me and said, "You spent $2000?!" Um...)

Anyway! You do not need to go to Italy or Argentina. I'd suggest trying Sassanova in Georgetown, Wild Women Wear Red on U Street, and/or Shoe Fly in Arlington. All of them carry styles at a wide range of prices (though Sassanova is probably the priciest of the three), and all of them have sales. Happy hunting.

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Bethesda, Md.: Hi Suzanne and Janet --

Can you suggest shoes and/or other accessories that would update a basic navy blue suit (hip length, semi-fitted jacket and straight, knee-length skirt)? I work in a very conservative environment, but would like to avoid looking TOO frumpy or as if I'm wearing an airline uniform ...

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think a very feminine blouse, maybe with cap sleeves, would work with your conservative suit. Or a blouse with a pretty bow could give it a lift. Or you could wear a shell under your jacket and dress it up with some fun, summery costume jewelry. And shoes always work to give an outfit some pzzazz. Lots of great flats out there in metallic or in colors that would take that navy suit out of frumpy.

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Washington, D.C.: Suzanne -- How much did the personal shoppers impose their taste on yours? Or did they work hard to carry out your wishes, even if they (perhaps) disagreed with them? Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: Both women were incredibly flexible, polite and unassuming. If anything, I wished they'd imposed their tastes on me a little more, because I think they really knew their stuff and I might have benefited from knowing, for example, that ____ shirt shape that I love so much looks bad on me. But they both seemed reluctant to go there -- one of my few complaints about the overall experience.

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Galoshes: Can you explain galoshes to me? There are so many cute ones, but I don't get how you're supposed to wear them if you're a professional, for example. Wear them instead of your work shoes and then change once you get into work? Or are these things that look really cute but you never actually end up wearing them except maybe once on a Saturday with jeans?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I love how galoshes look these days, but I do think they're more of a wear-for-weekends kind of thing. Suzanne?

Suzanne D'Amato: They are a very casual look -- even the polished houndstooth checked and polka-dotted varieties. If you wear them for your commute, I'd change into something more dressy once you get to the office.

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Flagstaff, Ariz.: My q. is similar to Beltway Bandit-land. I am 48, in good shape (although petite is not the right term -- tall and lanky is more correct)-- anyway, I work and live in a super casual atmosphere with a lot of younger people, but am feeling a little dowdy these days. I want to get one or two things that will (1) be suitable for layering -- either under or over -- and (2) that I can wear a LOT. For example, about three years ago I got a really trim white denim jacket which I've worn to death. What is this year's version of that (better yet, what is NEXT year's version so I can start early?)

Janet Bennett Kelly: This year's version is a boxy, short jacket. It's perfect for layering under, and it's a great look with cropped pants. It's the sort of thing you can wear over and over again.

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Re: Torrid: Hi,

Torrid is also located in Potomac Mills and on line at Torrid.com. I signed up for the e-newsletter and they always send info about sales and shipping discounts.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks for sending the link.

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Maryland: Help! I just bought my first condo and I'm now on a fixed budget. Starting a new job soon. Where do people like me shop? I can't even think of spending $200 on pants. (I'm more like the $30-60 range, cheap I know but that's what I can afford right now. I would like to look smart without having to sell my condo.)Also I have a tremendous number of clothes from the college days (graduated in 1994)that still look nice but I'm not sure they're in style. What do I do with those? Thanks.

Suzanne D'Amato: You might try a high-end consignment store such as Secondi in Dupont Circle. The clothes tend to be more fashion-forward than vintage, and they're in much better condition than what you'll find at your average second-hand shop. The last time I was at Secondi, I found a great empire-waist work dress with the tags still on for $22.

As for your college days clothes, it's a bit tough for me to say without any further details. 1994 wasn't *so* long ago, but a lot of styles from that period nevertheless manage to look like they were swiped off the set of "Singles."

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Richmond, Va.: Great problem to have, right? I'm getting smaller yet my budget has no room to provide me with clothes that fit my new frame. Fortunately, like most women I have a wardrobe that features many sizes however my day-to-day work wardrobe is now swimming on me. AND when I do go out -- Old Navy, Penny's, Dillard's, etc., I'm between sizes. Any idea how to make my "floating" pants look more professional? I like neat tucked in shirts but when they're tucked in, it's kinda obvious that the slacks are "loose." Thanks in advance.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Could you get a pair of pants and have them tailored to fit your new slim frame? I'm not sure how you can hide loose pants unless you opt to wear a long shirt and then belt it.

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Beautiful day emergency: I have the day to kick around and wanted to come down from Baltimore to D.C. this afternoon. Which one neighborhood would be most fun for boutiques, interesting gift-y type shops, etc (NOT closed on Mondays)?

Janet Bennett Kelly: My first reaction would be U Street, but store hours there are slightly iffy on Mondays. Your next best bet is Georgetown. Enjoy the day -- it's gorgeous.

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Spring Coats: I have a question about spring coats. You see them in the stores, artfully displayed on the mannequinns, collar of shirt out over the brightly colored long coat. Say it's a bright, multi-colored 3/4 length jacket, white shirt, black pants, red shoes type outfit shown. But then, what happens when you get to work, or wherever you're going? You take off the cute coat and are left with white shirt/black pants? I just feel like I'm missing something. Or maybe I was just suckered. I just don't get the whole "look" and if you're supposed to take off the jacket or leave it on?

Suzanne D'Amato: I think that if you're talking about a coat rather than a jacket, you'd want to take it off once you get to work. It's more of an outdoor brunch/boutique-hopping/lady of leisure look than a work look, per se. And it's not one that I feel is particularly well-suited to D.C., where the weather goes from icy winter to blistering summer in a matter of weeks.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I have a lot of problems finding jeans that fit me well. I need some help figuring out what the best style for me is. Where can I go where the salespeople are knowledgeable, honest about what works for my body type and where I don't have to spend $200 for a pair of jeans (I'm a government employee!)

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'd try a department store -- Saks, Neiman's, Nordstrom's. Each of them has a very big selection, which is a plus for finding something that fits you. With jeans, your best bet is to try, try and try on again.

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Shoes to go with navy: My boyfriend and I have been debating this for the last year ... what color shoe do you wear with navy? If I'm wearing a suit, I really like cordovan, but he prefers a black shoe. Also, for a cocktail type of dress, can I get away with gold strappy sandal? Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: You and your boyfriend are both right! A rich brown such as cordorvan could work, or black, or smoky gray, or gold, or silver, or even burgundy. Just about the only thing that doesn't work with navy is, well, more navy -- it's too matchy-matchy for my tastes.

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Washington, D.C.: Wouldn't a nude colored sandal work better with royal blue? Something that blends into the color of the foot and can perhaps elongate the calf? I think the black might look a bit to ... something. I don't know. I'd go with something that blends or maybe with a matte silver or pewter instead. Just my two cents though.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I wouldn't do nude, however, I think a silver of pewter would work well. Thanks for the suggestion.

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Re: volume trend: The problem with your advice to rely on the "volume trend" to cover a thick mid-section is that if you have large breasts, you will just look bigger. I think this is true even if the top fits your shoulders well. I would avoid "trapeze dresses" as a way to cover your midsection, unless you are flat-chested.

Suzanne D'Amato: That's a good point -- the chatter whose question you're referring to didn't mention a larger chest, but I agree that this style is best suited to flatter women. If you're large of chest and waist, I'd suggest a streamlined top with some shirring at the mid-section to give you shape and the suggestion of a waist.

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Chevy Chase: Hi, I am 5'2" and 115 lbs, with a 34C bust and a short waist that is not particularly narrow. I have a LOT of trouble finding dresses tops, including even T-shirts, that fit well. Even the petite dresses are often too long in the waist for me (i.e., the waist falls at my hips). Other than budgeting for a tailor, any advice on where to shop and even more importantly, what to wear to make my waist look smaller and longer? J. Crew pants seem to fit pretty well, if that's any help. Thanks!!

Suzanne D'Amato: Cropped and empire-waist styles are a good bet for you -- not to mention, they're out in full force at the stores this season.

And though tailoring is expensive, don't rule it out if you're at a department store: Many offer basic alterations on non-sale items for free.

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Janet Bennett Kelly: We gotta run, but thanks so much for all your questions about personal shoppers, what to wear in a conservative office environment, when you're pregnant, etc. We'll be back in a month, but in the meantime, send your comments and questions to trendspotter@washpost.com and read our weekly takes on fashion and beauty in www.washingtonpost.com/fashionandbeauty/ and The Sunday Source.

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