Talking Fashion

Suzanne D'Amato and Janet Bennett Kelly, talked about wardrobe questions for summer, Tuesday, May 22, at 11 a.m. ET.

A transcript follows.

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Suzanne D'Amato: Good morning. Summer is here (well, weather-wise, at least). And I've got some news: I've begun hosting a new Washingtonpost.com discussion group called Trend Spotter & Co. It's a place to chat about anything and everything related to shopping and style: which local stores have the best service, whether or not the faux-hawk is making a comeback, why Britney needs to stop wearing those knee socks, NOW. (Well, you probably don't need my help to figure out the last one.)
It's going to be a lot of fun. If you're interested in joining, you can sign up here: Trend Spotter & Co.


OK, that's my plug for the morning. Let's talk shop!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Welcome to our monthly discussion. Take a look at our just-launched Summer Fashion & Beauty Guide. Throughout the summer, we'll be writing about what to pack for weekends away, jewelry that's cool enough for summer, hot trends and more. Our first installment is a must-have guide on beachy keen products.

And last, but not least, sign up for my twice-weekly e-mail newsletter, DC Scout, delivered straight to your inbox every Tuesday and Thursday.

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Columbia, Md.: I have a really pretty dress from J. Crew in alpine green -- kind of lime/olive color. What color shoes do I wear with it? I was thinking dark brown sandals, but I'm not sure. Also, any suggestions for nail color?

Suzanne D'Amato: Hmm...lime, olive, alpine. Those sound like three different colors to me! But let me see what I can suggest.

A rust or bronze-colored shoe might be pretty with the green. Dark brown sandals could also work, though they do tend to look casual -- so if this is a formal dress we're talking about, you might want something little more special.

As for nails, deep purple and black were popular this past winter, but spring trends are more mod. You'll see white, cream and light pink -- any of which could look great with your dress. And natural, unvarnished nails, spiffed up with a bit of buffing cream, are always a stylish bet.

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washingtonpost.com: Summer Fashion and Beauty

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Alexandria, Va.: I am 5 feet tall and about 125 pounds. Is it possible to wear capri pants without looking shorter? Should I look for a particular style or cut?

Janet Bennett Kelly: It's possible but not dead easy. Be sure to make your look monochromatic, so if your capris are one color, look for the same color or shade in your top and the same goes for the shoes. You want to do what you can to lengthen your silhouette.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi, love your chat! A sandal question: recently I injured my foot, and now I'm supposed to be wearing shoes/sandals with good support (i.e., no flat soles) and not a huge heel. So far the shoes that meet these requirements seem to be majorly unstylish. Any suggestions for cute, comfy sandals that I could wear to work (in a business casual office)?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I just saw a pair of wedges that may solve your problem. They're made by Aerosoles, no kidding. They're yellow patent leather with a very moderate heel. The color makes them decidedly cool, and the fact that they're made by Aerosoles means they're going to be comfortable. Check it out.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Hi there,

Can you or other readers point me to brands of pants and to a lesser extent, skirts, that are particularly well-suited for someone with "saddle bags"? It's very difficult for me to find flattering pants. Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: Wide-legged pants are a great bet for you. They showed up on spring runways such as Chloe, but you'll also see them at Ann Taylor, Zara and the like. (And if your tastes are more fashion-forward, check out the high-waisted, Marcia Brady-inspired styles by Jovovich-Hawk.)
A full skirt is an obvious choice, but you might also want to look at the drop-waisted styles that are everywhere in stores. They're quite fitted at the waist and high hip, but then they flare out, so the focus may be more where you want it.

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Ashburn, Va.: Several months ago you recommended an eye product by Clarins that apparently instantly covered lines. I think you refered to it as "spackle-like." I hope it was you because I can't find the info anywhere else. Can you please let me know what that is? They have quite a few eye products and I can't determine which one it is.

Thanks for your help.

Suzanne D'Amato: The product you're thinking of is Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch. If you try it, let us know what you think!

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: Hi Suzanne and Janet,

What are your opinions on "fancy" gauchos and/or summer shorts? I bought a few pairs for my first summer in D.C. knowing that I probably couldn't stand the walk to work in pants and would get sick of wearing just skirts/dresses all summer. My office is business casual, in fact I tend to dress up more than other employees ... but do you think summer shorts are still in?

Suzanne D'Amato: You'll see them on the D.C. streets quite a bit this summer, but I'm not a fan, personally. They make your legs look short and stumpy -- not a look too many women are seeking. That said, if you love them, wear them, make them look great, and prove me wrong!
Janet, what do you think?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'm not a fan of gauchos either. And they definitely work better for the taller among us. That said, if you like them and feel confident wearing them, then by all means, you have our blessing. Send us a pic.

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Washington, D.C.: Where do we sign up for the e-mail newsletter?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Go to washingtonpost.com Summer Fashion & Beauty (under Arts & Living). There's a sign-up link on the lower right of the page.

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To short or not to short?: Don't mind the pun ... I am wondering if there is an age limit for wearing shorts? I am 25 myself but I see shorts being marketed to everyone from toddlers to grown women this summer. I haven't worn shorts (aside from gym shorts) since high school. Any insight?

Janet Bennett Kelly: That very much depends on the state of your legs, I'd say. If they're flattering to you, then go ahead. If not, stay away. And also, of course, it depends on the venue. Shorts are appropriate for sports, not the office.

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Washington, D.C.: What pants can I wear with those cute babydoll and trapeze tops? Capris? Jeans? Please don't say Bermuda shorts. They look terrible on me! Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: I won't say Bermuda shorts, I promise! Long and/or lean is what you want, to balance out the volume up top. So, a straight-leg pant in a solid, dark color is one great option. You also might try a pencil skirt.

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The new silhoutte: I am slim and have a knockout hourglass figure (no body issues here). I hate all of the baggy, pregnant shapes this year. I keep wearing what I know I look great in but I still would like to adopt some of the trend. Is there something you could recommend?

Also -- what is with the shirt dress? My husband says they are so dowdy and ugly. I like them since I love to show off the waist but he insists that men think they are dorky.

Why does the fashion industry plug items that men don't like to see on women?? Sometimes I think that we forget that unless you have an alternative lifestyle -- you should dress in ways that men find appealing. Sorry, off topic. Just wondered what your thoughts were on that.

Suzanne D'Amato: A lot of women feel the same way you do about spring's less structured shapes, and to that end, you'll still see plenty of wasp-waisted dresses and corset belts (a big trend right now) in stores. I'm a firm believer in making the trends work for you, which occasionally means taking a pass: Why hide your curves in a blousy top, or squeeze your hips into skinny jeans, if you don't feel comfortable?
What I'm trying to say is that I think fashion, at its best, is about dressing for yourself -- and to that end, certain style maxims and questions about "appropriateness" trouble me. No, you probably can't show up to the office in board shorts and a Van Halen T-shirt and expect to be promoted, but if you focus solely on dressing "right" for work, for your age, or (eek) for a man, you start to miss the point of what fashion can be. Namely, a wonderful form of self-expression.
Now as for shirtdresses -- I'm at a loss. Ward Cleaver certainly didn't seem to dislike them... Chatters, do you have any thoughts?

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Chantilly, Va.: Ballet flats confuse me! I am 5'2" and not sure what I am supposed to wear these with? Can you help?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I love the look of ballet flats with tapered jeans and capris.

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Denver, Colo.: I was hoping you ladies might have some suggestions to create a more sophisticated look in general. Even though I'm in my 30s, I'm frequently mistaken for a college student, or younger. This is less of a problem when I'm suited up for work, but I could still use some general suggestions to grow up my look overall.

Suzanne D'Amato: I've struggled with the same issue myself (and recently wrote about it -- see below). The trick, as I learned, is not to totally transform your style, but to add a few dressy pieces to balance out the more collegiate stuff. So maybe one day you're wearing a tee shirt, but you pair it with a polished skirt and flats instead of jeans and sneakers. The next, you have a collared blouse, but it's worn with a denim A-line and chunky boots.
Of course, my problems may be different than yours. I'm not sure you want advice from someone who used to wear Boy Scout shirts and Kangaroos to work!

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College Park, Md.: Can you explain the abundance of babydoll shirts now found in many stores? Is it possible to pull off this look without looking pregnant?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'm dead-set against these baby-doll shirts for anyone because I think they make practically everyone look pregnant. Even Kate Moss. I'm hoping that this trend will die come fall!

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washingtonpost.com: Clothes Encounters (Post, April 22)

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Downtown D.C.: Shirt dresses? If they've got a bit of a stretch to them, they're dead sexy. If they're tailored, a bit baggy, and have no stretch, they're dowdy. It's all in the fit. I found a really cute one last year at Forever 21, of all places. Dressy enough for work, also nice for a date.

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for your take. I've also seen some cute ones out there at a variety of price points -- and Forever 21 is some place every woman should check out at least once. The name may put you off at first (it did me, and I'm still in my 20s), but for believable knockoffs at bargain bin prices, they're tough to beat.

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Washington, D.C.: Oh just in time! I'm trying to dress up a white cotton shirt dress for a party tonight. What jewelry do you suggest that would be more formal? Also what shoes?

Janet Bennett Kelly: You have a lot of leeway here. Personally, I'd look for a turquoise necklace. Turquoise is not as popular as in years past, but it looks smashing with white.

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The ultimate T-shirt: I need some new T-shirts this year. The perfect kind. That fit well, are long enough to cover my torso (I'm 5'8''), not too tight or too baggy. I am willing to spend a bit more money (like $40ish) but I where should I go? Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: I'm a fan of Splendid, La Cosa, Velvet and Hanro for tees and tanks. Oh, and some less likely places too: Try Hanes, or the men's underwear department -- you may be pleasantly surprised.
Janet, any tips?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Lots of choices. My personal faves are Petit Bateau, Three Dot and Michael Stars. You can find Michael Stars at Wear It Well in Bethesda and at Corby Collection in Mazza Gallerie.

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Washington, D.C.: I noticed a lot of avocado, raspberry and lavender last week in the subway on men, has spring sprung?

Suzanne D'Amato: I hope so! Colorful clothes and men are like pickles and peanut butter -- a great combination, but some may find it off-putting at first. But I have seen a lot of colorful shirts and knits at Club Monaco and, this past weekend, H&M. Let's hope this is one trend that trickles up to more staid retailers such as Banana Republic and Brooks Brothers.

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Ohio: RE: Shirtwaist dresses:

My mother wore those when I was a very young child. I thought they were very unattractive then and have not changed my view.

In my work environment, slacks and crop pants are the norm. My own shopping is done in current styles, leaning to more conservative. My size is 8 and my age 70.

Suzanne D'Amato: Another chatter's take.

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Fairfax, Va.: I am wearing a royal blue bridesmaid dress this weekend. Toe polish color? Plus, it's impossible to do a bra with this because the entire back is open. Any suggestions?

Janet Bennett Kelly: For toe polish color, it depends on what looks good with your skin tones just as much as the color of your dress. I love Essie's Watermelon for summer, but try it before you apply it.

As for the bra situation, lingerie stores carry these adhesive silicon-like cups that are just the ticket for dresses like these.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi,

Do you have any suggestions about where to find good summer shirts for work? In the winter I wear nice sweaters, but I don't have anything comparable for warmer weather. Also, for some reason button-down collar shirts tend not to fit me. Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: I was in J. Crew recently and also skimmed through their catalog and noticed that they have a good selection of shirts that would be appropriate to wear to work. Take a look.

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: What sort of sandals does one wear with skinny jeans?

Suzanne D'Amato: They're great worn with flat gladiator sandals or, if you want some height, a chunky platform style with cool grommets or topstitched details.
The shoes I wouldn't recommend with skinny jeans are strappy, vampy stiletto sandals. They're cute with a knee-length dress, but pair them with painted-on pants and the result is uncomfortably close to Lindsay Lohan on one of her very bad nights.

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Washington, D.C.: Okay, I admit to be being old -- 50. But I still like to look good, and this year's fashions are not helping any. Where can I go that's not Talbots, Coldwater Creek, or Chico's?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I feel your pain. Did you read the recent story in the NY Times about how fashions today are not flattering to anyone much over 30? And going to Talbots, etc. is not the solution either.

Personally, I'm staging my own private revolt against recent fashion and not buying much at all. That said, how about trying lines like Ellen Tracy and Dana Buchanan? Ellen Tracy had some pants and jackets that I saw at Saks Fifth Avenue.

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Norman, Okla.: I have a nice city shorts suit and wonder if it is okay to wear it to a non-business, not-too-dressy dinner with bare legs and flats.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think that would be right on. Suzanne?

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McLean, Va.: A couple of chats ago one of you ladies stated that men shouldn't wear shorts away from the beach. Can you elaborate on that? Obviously I wouldn't wear them out on a date or to a movie or restaurant, etc. But if I'm just walking out to the neighborhood hardware store or dry cleaner on a Saturday afternoon, you're saying no shorts? Isn't that a bit extreme?

Suzanne D'Amato: That was me, and I've received enough heat for this statement that I think it's time to clarify!
I guess what I was trying to say is that there's a difference between clothes you wear in an effort to be fashionable and clothes you wear because they're functional. Occasionally the two concepts cross paths, and the result can be a marriage made in heaven (Stella McCartney's deliciously desirable workout wear) or a dating disaster (Crocs, Tevas, and much more).
So, are guys' shorts fashionable? 99% of time, no. But are they comfortable when it's 90 degrees out? "Can" you wear them to run errands on the weekend? Of course you can! And if we run into each other at the dry cleaner I'll be most polite, I promise.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm planning a trip to Europe late this summer. I am looking for stylish shoes I can walk in all day, preferrably nothing open-toed. Any suggestions?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Cole Haan has recently come out with a line (G Series) that would be perfect for travel. Have a look on their Web site. Also, check out Aerosoles and a line they sell at Nordstrom called Geox.

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Arlington, Va.: I have found that shirt dresses with a bit more structure/shape rather than a plain old giant shirt style are flattering on lots of people! Ann Taylor and J.Crew have had some adorable ones. One of the Gap ones from the designer thing (doo ri or thakoon) was like a giant shirt and a total disaster (on me at least, im 5'3")

Janet Bennett Kelly: I totally agree. Giant shirts can look like mummus. Ugh. Thanks for the tip about where to look for them. Also, I tried the one from Thakoon and/or Doo Ri and it wasn't flattering to me, either, and I have a few inches on you.

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Reston, Va.: I am in my early 30's and all I wear is black and brown. I get scared of new colors and their longetivity in my wardrobe. Any ideas on how to slowly break free of my mourning-like colored clothing?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Even though you're talking to someone who has a wardrobe full of black clothes, I have a thought. Start with accessories -- shoes, bags, jewelry. They'll brighten your look and may even ease your way into buying some clothing with color.

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Columbia, Md.: What are some of your favorite Web sites for shopping?

Suzanne D'Amato: I adore Net-a-porter.com, Shopbop.com, Apc.fr and Stevenalan.com.
Janet?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Although I rarely buy anything from a Web site, I love Net-a-porter, like Bluefly and always take a peek at Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys sites.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi!

I'm looking for cute summer skirts to update my work wardrobe. I am not crazy about the skirts in Banana or Ann Taylor this year. Can you recommend some stores where I can find skirts that are cute and not too expensive or trendy?

Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: They're basic, but Club Monaco's skirts are a good investment for work. They're neither trendy or expensive.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm looking for fashionable (for someone in her, ahem, mid-30s), professional clothing for someone with a 35.5" inseam (i.e., a little outside even the traditional "tall" selections). Sleeves are not as much of an issue in the summer, but suit jackets are a problem and skirt hems and trousers don't hit at the right spot. Oh, and I'm not too crazy about the cropped look. Can you point me toward a designer or retailer (local, online or within a resonable weekend shopping trip distance)that knows how to fit tall women and makes good quality clothing?

Suzanne D'Amato: I'm also tall, and the best tip I have on this front may not make you very happy (it certainly doesn't thrill me): If you pay more, you get more length. Places such as Barneys Co-Op and Saks stock brands that simply tend to be longer than what you'll find at Macys or the Gap. Even better, some of their pants come unhemmed so you can get them tailored to your exact specifications.
Good luck!

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Alexandria, Va.: Help! I'm atttending a wedding on Cape Cod in a few weeks. We are invited to the rehearsal dinner and the wedding, and they are both being held at the same country club. I have a great dress for the wedding -- a black linen, fitted halter dress with flower cutouts along the hem. But I can't figure out what to wear for the rehearsal. Am I supposed to dress more casual than for the wedding? How do I do that for a Cape Cod country club? Ack!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Generally speaking, you wear something more casual for a rehearsal dinner than for a wedding. Since you're wearing black to the wedding, look for something with some color for the dinner. I suspect you could even wear a skirt with a jacket. Country-club weddings are not known to be formal, especially on some place like Cape Cod. At least, I wouldn't think so. By the way, your dress for the wedding sounds divine.

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Sometimes I think that we forget that unless you have an alternative lifestyle -- you should dress in ways that men find appealing.: OMG, did I just read that in the year 2007? While it is fun to feel attractive to the opposite sex (or the same), we don't make choices based on attracting a man! How sad. We modern women have a sense of self that is based on our own personality and know that the right man will like us as we are, not expect us to change to suit him!

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for chiming in. I like to think that, even though I just bought two blousy, empire-waist tops this very weekend, my boyfriend will still date me!

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Washington, D.C.: Hi, ladies. What's a good type of all-purpose shoe for traveling when one will be doing lots of walking but also dining in somewhat nice restaurants? Usually I do nice yet comfy boots in colder weather -- what about in May in a cooler climate where sandals are not quite in season yet?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Lots of designers now are making shoes with rubber soles. I just saw a very cute pair of black patent lowish heels by Stuart Weitzman that looked stylish and also quite comfortable. Cole Haan has a line called G Series that you should look at, as does Aerosoles.

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Vienna, Va.: Another question from a man -- I am follically challenged and if I have any chance of being outside, I need to be covered. Any suggestions for headgear? I mean, besides the baseball cap I wear on a weekend or the big golf hat I'd wear on the course.

Suzanne D'Amato: I still like those British-y newsboy caps -- they were a big trend for women not too long ago, but I think they look better on men.

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For the green dress: What about taupe or tan? Especially a pretty pump in patent leather, I know Kate Spade has one!

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for the tip! Taupe or tan could work well too, provided that her green dress isn't too deep a shade.

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Washington, D.C.: Can narrow-wale corduroy be worn year round or is it considered just a fall and winter fabric? It strikes me as lighter weight that most denim. And I'd stick to lighter shades -- off-white, beige, lemon yellow. What do you think?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'd say, weather permitting, you could wear them as often as you'd wear denim. Generally speaking, corduroy is considered a material for fall and winter, but ...

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Ack: Shouldn't you check with the bride to make sure black is okay for the wedding? There are still some who'd consider that declasse'

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think not wearing black to a wedding is an old saw. I've seen lots of weddings where the bridesmaids wear black!

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Love short shorts!: I love short shorts. I do have two longer pairs that I bought when they were hot two years ago but I could never bring myself to wear bermuda shorts.

I am 34 and I still have great legs. Is it wrong to still wear short shorts? Are they out? I look like I am maybe 28-29 years old.

Suzanne D'Amato: Short shorts are a bit much for city wear, but if you love them and feel great in them, pack a pair or two to take to the beach. One tip: They're best worn with flat sandals and a not-too-bare top.

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Suzanne D'Amato: What a lively group we had today -- I only wish we had time to answer every one of your questions. We'll see you again in about a month. In the interim, please feel free to send questions to me at trendspotter@washpost.com.

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