Talking Fashion

Fall Wardrobe

Deputy Editor of the Sunday Source, Suzanne D'Amato, and washingtonpost.com Fashion and Beauty Editor, Janet Bennett, talked about what works for fall, Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 11 a.m. ET.

A transcript follows.

Suzanne D'Amato and Janet Bennett Kelly, talked about wardrobe questions for summer, Tuesday, July 24, at 11 a.m. ET.

A transcript follows.

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Janet Bennett Kelly: Good morning, everyone, and thanks for joining us today. It's a bit warm for the end of September, so if you're like me, you're spending precious minutes staring at your closet every morning, wandering just what you're going to wear when the calendar says fall, but the temps say summer. How do you deal with this dilemma? And tell us what other fashion dilemmas you're facing!

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Friendship Heights, D.C.: I'm familiar with the deals at Loehmann's and Filene's, but what about those discount stores in the suburbs? Is a trip out to Saks Off Fifth or Neiman Marcus Rack worth it?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I have to say you just never know until you go. It's not so different from frequenting Filene's and Loehmann's. It requires patience to find the hidden gems -- if there any that particular day. So, if you have the time and shopping fortitude, I'd say go for it.

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Mary Janes: Happy Tuesday!

I'm looking for a pair of black Mary Jane pumps with a stacked heel. Any idea where I can find a pair for less than $100?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Yes, take a look at the Nine West Web site; I found a pair for under $100. There are also Nine West stores in Georgetown and in some of the malls, so go try them on.

Suzanne D'Amato: You might also try vintage stores, for the simple reason that this style has been around for a long time -- I saw a great pair of these at a vintage store in Fells Point this past weekend, and they cost all of $25.

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Washington, D.C.: Let's have some more fashion advice for women of all shades. D.C. is a diverse city, but all I see are colors for white women -- especially in your makeup expose. Women here come in all shades...you should come into 2007!

Janet Bennett Kelly: I apologize for the mistake in my makeup story. Will try to right the wrong in the future. Thanks for making me aware of it.

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My Cubicle, 13th and Pennsy. : We've seen it on 'What Not to Wear" and Tim Gunn, even Oprah, that a properly fit bra can help make the subsequent fashion choices more successful. My wife has said she'd like to get fitted "someday," since she's waffled between sizes for a while (36B? 34B/C?).

Where could I take her to get fitted and also splurge for some high-quality foundation garments (that don't say Bali or Jockey on them)? I've read good things about Trousseau in Vienna, although they seem to concentrate on bridal items. Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: A bra that fits well can make all the difference: Your clothes appear to fit better, and you appear trimmer, as well. Many department stores offer these (they're always free, btw); you might also check specialty lingerie shops such as Sylene in Chevy Chase and Coup de Foudre in Penn Quarter. And while I've never been to Trousseau in Vienna, I'd suggest trying it if it's convenient for you, neighborhood-wise. As I said, this service is always free, so you and she really have nothing to lose!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Underwraps in Bethesda also is a good place to go to get a fitting.

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Shoe heels: Do either of you or the chatters have advice for how to avoid paying to have narrow heel pumps re-heeled every month? Walking on the pavement wears my heels down to the metal, and I hate paying $20 every month to re-heel them. Any ideas??

Janet Bennett Kelly: I feel your frustration, though. I continually wreck my pumps, both toes and heels. One way to avoid that scenario is to wear them less -- alternate them with other styles, if that's possible. Or if you find a good shoemaker, ask him/her what they suggest.

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Alexandria, Va.: I am need of a course in "Fashion 101" or "How to Identify and Develop Your Personal Style." I look at women on the street who look so perfectly put together and cringe at my own ill-fated attempts. How can I learn the secrets/rules to putting together an outfit or look? Do I need to resort to spending a pretty penny on a sylist? Is there any hope for a fashion misfit who lacks style?

Suzanne D'Amato: This is a very broad subject, one that could probably take up the rest of this chat -- or fill a book, for that matter. And to that end, a fashion advice book of some sort could a great place for you to start figuring out what styles will work for you. As inspid as I find many of the books that focus on dressing according to your figure "type," it's important to identify basic silhouettes that will flatter you; you can then seek out these in stores and skip out on trendy things that just don't work.

The problem is, most of these books aren't terribly fashion-forward. So to get beyond dressing in a way that's flattering but safe, you'll need to experiment. One way to do this is with accessories -- you might be wearing a dress from the Gap, but by changing up your necklace/belt/shoes/etc. you can have several entirely different looks. Also, I love looking at street-style Web sites for fashion inspiration -- try The Sartorialist or Face Hunter.

Good luck! And don't worry too much about getting it "right" all the time; the point is to have fun with this stuff.

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Washington, D.C.: Where can I find a very fitted, thin turtleneck for layering purposes? I've checked Banana Republic, Gap, all those usual suspects. Any other suggestions on where to look?

Suzanne D'Amato: We just had some nice American Apparel ones in the office the other day -- they looked new because they had this ultra-wide neck that you could roll down or scrunch up. Perfect for layering.

I also saw a ton at the Laurel Thrift Store Center recently.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi, I'm going to need a new winter coat, because I gave my last one to charity. (I got tired of it.) I'm looking for perhaps a wool blend with some kind of liner, and red or pink in color, because black winter coats are so over for me. I'm a woman, 5'5, and plus size. The cost should be reasonable, i.e. Macy's sale price, or Target priced.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Macy's is having a sale right now, and since red is a pretty hot color this season, I think you'll be able to find something.

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Richmond, Va.: Good morning. This is more of a beauty question than a fashion one, but I was hoping that you -- or the chatters -- could help. I'm in the market for anti-wrinkle/anti-aging cream, and I'm totally overwhelmed by all the choices and by all the promises these products make. Is there any consumer-type group that tests and rates beauty products, and evaluates their claims?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Read our monthly columns on Skin Sense. Here's the latest: Skin Sense

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Silver Spring, Md.: Can you tell me what store/desinger most surprised you this fall? I'm looking for quality clothes, but not necessarily "classic." I want well-made, but with an modern feel. At what stores or designers should I look? Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: I have to be honest with you -- this is not my favorite fashion season ever. I feel like a lot of the clothes are rehashes of what we've seen in (very recent) seasons past -- many local stores appear to be focusing on babydoll dresses and skinny jeans, which is fine -- but hardly reinventing the wheel. My strategy has been to buy exactly one dress (from APC, which is a great place for tweaked classics, now that I think about it) and hope that I see something I really love very soon.

Accessories-wise, it's looking like a fun season, though. I love all of the jewel-toned pumps, the Balenciaga robot shoes, Marni's peep-toe flats, and especially the barrage of high-heeled oxford styles. So perhaps you should just take a trip to Hu's Shoes in Georgetown, then call it a day!

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi Fashionistas,

I am in desperate need of a pair of knee-high black boots. I've never had a pair before. Where can I find a quality pair for a 5'8 female around $100 or less?

Janet Bennett Kelly: DSW (there are several in the area) is kind of hit-or-miss, but if you hit, you can score a great deal.

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Arlington, Va.: I realized the other day that I really don't have many staples in my closet. What do you think are the items of clothing that every woman needs in her wardrobe?

Suzanne D'Amato: Hmm -- I could say something pat like "a white shirt and black pants," except that I myself don't own the former and only recently aquired the latter. So I think it really has more to do with your style, budget and lifestyle. Do you work in an office where you need to look ultra-professional? If so, a suit would probably be a great investment for you. If you love sweaters, this is a wonderful season to find some really cool ones -- nubby knarled cardigans, asymmetrical wrap styles, and so on. But it really has to do with what you find yourself wearing and loving season after season. Anytime you can identify one of those things, buy three of them.

Also, you can't go wrong with a high-quality bag and well-made shoes.

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Washington, D.C.: Help me! I am shoe-challenged. I am a working woman, mid-30s, and have never been into shoes. I generally wear slacks to work. Let's say it's November, and cold outside. Shoe choice for black slacks? Nothing too high. Additionally, I'm always confused about hose. If you have sling-backs on, I always thought you shouldn't wear hose. So, what to do when it's cold? Not wear sling-backs? And peep-toes? No hose!?! ARGH!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Shoe choice for pants depends on the pants -- are they wide-legged or straight? The former requires some sort of heel, while the latter could work with flats. You could also consider ankle boots, which are widely popular now.

As far as slingbacks and peep-toes, when the weather freezes, they don't make much sense, unless you're being chauffeured around.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi there! I'm heading out to a low-key dinner party this weekend with a guy I've been seeing. This'll be the first time I meet his friends, so I want to look good, but not overdressed. I'm 34, so I also want to make sure I'm relatively age-appropriate. With the changing weather right now, I'm stumped! Any advice?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Don't know what the weather report is for the weekend, but do you have a pair of high-waist, slightly wide-legged pants? I think pants, paired with a cashmere sweater (you can find them for less at J Crew) would be a good solution.

Suzanne?

Suzanne D'Amato: I like Janet's suggestion. You might also try a casual "daytime" dress (nothing too strappy or sparkly, please), either with bare legs if it's still warm out or with tights if it cools down that evening. I love the look of flat, open-toe sandals with opaque tights -- you'll feel warm if it's breezy out, and the combo has a casual-cool vibe without trying too hard.

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Arlington, Va.: I went to buy pants this weekend and came back empty-handed and very disappointed. I'm 5'7" which I think is average height if not slightly taller. Every pair of pants was 2 in too long. I'm just not a 2 in heel kinda girl. Where are people finding pants that fit? Am I doomed to having everything tailored or learning how to walk in high heels? When will this style of fashion go away?

Suzanne D'Amato: I think getting them tailored is your best bet -- you're obviously too tall to shop in the petites department, and many stores offer this kind of alteration for free. (And even if you have to pay to take them to a tailor, it shouldn't be more than $10.)

Why are manufacturers cutting their pants long? It's just another way for them to try to accommodate as many shoppers as possible within a limited sizing standard. Still, I can see how you'd find it frustrating.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Hello,

I took the day off for fall shopping, but was disappointed with what I found. I don't have the most slender legs/hips and prefer A-line skirts. Do you know of any stores and/or designers with A-line skirts/dresses in their fall lineup? Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Check the department stores, such as Macy's and Nordstrom. They have a selection of skirts and dresses.

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Re: Shoe Heels: I'm not sure where the heels poster is located but there is a shoe repair on Henry Street in Old Town Alexandria that will reheel for cheap -- I think the last pair was $6 for the pair of them.

Janet Bennett Kelly: For the chatter with heels that need constant attention, here's a less expensive solution to your shoe problem.

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Washington, D.C:. I've been wearing flip-flops all summer and changing into heels when I get to work. With fall rapidly approaching, I know I need to swap them out with warmer shoes to walk and commute in...problem is, I'm not sure what I should get. I am very tall, some of my pants are just long enough, others I have to roll up to walk in flats. I think sneakers will look...really bad. Any advice? I have very sensitive feet so an athletic shoe would probably be best but I don't think that's very fashionable. Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: There are many flat and wedge boots this fall that could be options for you. I've seen some nice ones by Delman and Loeffler Randall, and there are less pricey versions as well. If you want a shoe, not a boot, you might consider the jazz shoe-inspired styles that are currently all over stores. Either of these would be sturdy and stylish -- not to mention, a lot more comfortable than stumbling to work in stilettos.

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Washington, D.C.: I've given up on finding tall flat-knee boots that fit my small calves. Is there a place where I could have a pair custom-made in the area? (someone suggested an equestrian supply store) Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Here's a possibility: There's a shop called The Surrey in Potomac that sells all sorts of riding gear, including boots. You could call and ask if they'll make a pair for you.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm the dinner party gal; don't have the pants, but I do have the dress. I like the idea of tights with open-toed flats too. Thanks so much!

Suzanne D'Amato: You're so very welcome!

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Open-toed shoes and opaque tights?: ARE YOU NUTS?

Unless you want to be dumped, that's a big NO.

Suzanne D'Amato: Hee hee. One of my favorite kinds of what-planet-are-you-from reader comments is, "If you wear _____, he will dump you." Incidentally, this has been a big topic of debate on my discussion group, TrendSpotter & Co., lately.

How do you like that? I just refuted what you said AND gave myself a not-so-subtle plug!

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Alexandria, Va.: Where's the Neiman Marcus Rack the previous poster mentioned? Does she mean the Nordstrom Rack?

Janet Bennett Kelly: No, there's a Last Call Clearance Center for Neiman's: 410-379-0159

7000 Arundel Mills Circle Suite D-2

Hanover, MD 21076

Enjoy.

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Trousseau : For the husband asking about Trousseau... I did go to buy my bridal foundation, but now I think just about everything in my undies drawer is from there. They were incredibly helpful and did a great job with my fitting. Another bonus is that they can order just about anything and can even make alterations if you can't get a perfect fit off-the-rack.

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for adding your take -- sounds like a shop that is worth checking out.

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Arlington, Va.: I have big feet -- 11 1/2. Where can I find shoes that do not look orthopedic please?

Suzanne D'Amato: I have size 11s myself, so your question is very close to my heart. One of my favorite new discoveries is a Web site called BarefootTess.com. They stock styles by Seychelles, French Sole, the afore-mentioned Loeffler Randall, and so on -- in sizes up to 15! Which has a way of making me feel my own feet are absolutely diminutive. I hope it does the same for you.

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Crystal City, Va.: Hi Suzanne and Janet! Thanks so much for answering this question!

Do you have any recommendations for where to find cute and warm sweaters appropriate for a fairly casual office? I've been trying to keep an eye out for some, but it seems like everything has short or 3/4 sleeves (which would be annoying on a really cold day), or that long, narrow shape that's no good for those of us who aren't particularly long and narrow, or a way-too-plungey v-neck. Am I too picky for just wanting a nice, normal, basic sweater?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Bracelet sleeves and long and narrow are popular looks these days, but I do think you should be able to find a nice-looking, warm sweater at J. Crew or the Gap or Old Navy. Stores are still receiving merchandise, so keep looking.

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Washington, D.C.: I just bought a bunch of turtlenecks at H and M downtown. They were only $13 each and come in a bunch of colors.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Good deal! Thanks for passing this info on.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi ladies! I received a lovely Kara Janx kimono-style wrap dress as a gift -- brown with turquoise trim -- but I don't really know what shoes to wear with it. I have brown knee-length boots, but does that seem like it would just be way too much brown? Any suggestions? Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: A brown shoe could work, but I agree with you that a brown knee-high boot would likely be too much of one color for your outfit. Alternately, a matte-metallic shoe could look cool -- a bronzey d'Orsay pump, say? That would be more of a dressy outfit, to be sure...

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Washington, D.C.: I am origionally from California and this will be my first winter here in D.C. I have been told it is not as cold as some other east coast cities. I am going to be going coat shopping, but what should I be looking for? A fleece for a casual fall outfit and a trench coat for a dressy fall outfit/work?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I have found that my down coat was a great investment -- I bought it at Loehmann's a few years ago, and it has served me well for work and on casual weekends. The only mistake I made was I bought it in a light color, and now it's just about ready for the waste bin. I am a big fan of trench coats. They work for a variety of occasions -- look for one without too many bells and whistles, though. Classic is your best bet.

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To Crystal City sweater shopper: Try Garnet Hill (www.garnethill.com). They have so many cute sweaters I want all of them.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Sweater shopper, who wants cute and warm, this chatter says try Garnet Hill.

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I'm in Love: Maybe I'm late to the party, but I've just discovered the Boden catalog and passing along the suggestion to look at it for fun coats. The clothes are really well made, but fun-looking and not too expensive. It's great to choose something from there that doesn't look like the same thing everybody else has on!

Janet Bennett Kelly: I've heard a lot of good feedback about Boden, so your comment just reinforces it. Thanks for passing it along.

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Hyattsville, Md.: I hope you don't mind a man question. What are the new looks for guys' suits, shirts and ties this season?

Suzanne D'Amato: Love the man questions! I wish we got more of them, so thanks for adding yours to the mix.

Let's see -- men's suits have been downscaling over the past several seasons, inspired by visionary high-end designers such as Thom Browne. Jackets are single breasted and small(er) of shoulder, and pants are narrow and flat front. (Pinstripes seem to be having a moment as well...)

Shirts, likewise, are trim and fitted to the body. I've seen some nice/unusual-without-being-weird colors recently -- dove gray, pale yellow, that sort of thing. As for ties -- wow, I don't even know if there is such a thing as a tie "trend." I suppose there probably is, but if so I'm not in the loop. Chatters, any thoughts?

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Baltimore, Md.: I'm newly pregnant. My current clothes still fit just fine and I purchased a bella band to try to stay in them for as long as possible.

But at some point I need to face the music and starting maternity clothes shopping. I dread it. So much is cheap and terrible looking.

Any suggestions for local places to shop for wearable, professional maternity clothes?

Janet Bennett Kelly: There's 9 Maternity in Rockville, and Daisy Baby and Mommies Too in Bethesda.

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Fashion Book suggestion: For the person looking for some type of guide -- I LOVE the Lucky Magazine Shopping Guide. It mixes and matches all sorts of different styles and shows you all the different approaches you can take to putting an outfit together, and its pretty up to date too.

Suzanne D'Amato: Good to know -- I've flipped through this a few times in stores and it seemed helpful. Thanks for adding your take!

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Silver Spring, Md.: Suzanne and Janet,

Is the "skinny" pant silhouette still in for fall? I've got an awesome pair of gray tuxedo-ish pants that taper, and would love to keep wearing them.

Janet Bennett Kelly: The "skinny" pant is much less popular than it was last fall, but if you've got a pair that are awesome and look fab on you, don't let what's popular in fashion now stop you!!

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Chicago, Ill.: The tops that have a high, fitted waist and and then expand below the bosom that are so prevalent now (I've seen them labeled tunics, babydolls, and otherwise) -- can someone with a small waist but large-ish hips wear them? Especially when they are long, it seems like only narrow women look good in them.

Suzanne D'Amato: This is actually a good style for women with hips, because it streamlines the area between bust and hip, drawing attention away from whatever is bigger or smaller. It's also very comfortable -- so definitely worth trying, in my opinion.

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Washington, D.C.: Given that it may reach the 90's tomorrow, can I still wear a white skirt for the occasion? I don't have enough non-white skirts to make it through the week of hot temperatures!

Janet Bennett Kelly: In my opinion, it sort of depends on the skirt fabric. Too flimsy doesn't work for me once we're into fall. Just my two cents, though.

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Re: consider ankle boots: I love ankle boots with pants. Especially since I have a hard time walking in heels (foot surgery). The boots are comfortable and easier on my feet.

Suzanne D'Amato: Good suggestion. There are a lot of cute 1980s-inspired ankle boots this season that also look good with skirts.

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Petite Sizes: I'm a petite and have noticed many stores that used to have a good petite selection no longer do. L.L. Bean used to be my place for staples, but all they have in their petite section now is some khakis and cords. I hate to order stuff online because I never know if I'm going to need an 8, 10, or 12! It varies within the same store from style to style.

What stores are still stocking a good petite selection?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Saks Fifth Avenue has reopened their petite section. A friend just went and was very pleased with what she found. That said, it's not the least expensive place to find clothes. Banana Republic sells petites. Have you looked there?

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Arlington, Va.: All these cool shoes! Patent leather burgandy Mary Janes....flats in light printed pattern of roses...BUT I look at them on my feet and have no idea what I would put on the rest of my body other than black (which wouldn't work so well with rose and white shoes)? Any suggestions? I went with Arch suede mary jane style shoe that feels incredible, but would love to find something fun if only I knew what to pair it with. Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: Burgundy would work well with either gray or camel clothing. There's a pair of Miu Miu shoes for fall that kind of make me think of what you're talking about -- they're purple and pink and white, which seems almost impossible to wear well, but they've been shown in mags with crocheted tan tights, gray skirts and so on, and they look amazing every time.

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Knee-high black boots under $100: Your poster doesn't say whether she wants leather or manmade, but she's not likely to find leather at that price. I've been shopping around for a sexy (but non-stiletto) manmade boot with about 2.5 inch heel and have seen them at Naturalizer ($89) and shoes.com (Rampage styles at $40 and $60) and Macy's ($50).

Janet Bennett Kelly: Here's a suggestion for the poster in search of knee-high boots for less than $100.

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Fashion 101: To develop your own personal style, I recommend using the book "Simple Isn't Easy." The authors are Olivia Goldsmith, the late author of "The First Wives Club," and Amy Fine Collins, a fashion writer.

It advocates simplifying you wardrobe, starting with assessing your physical good points and flaws and dressing to them (without issuing stock advice like "If you're pear shaped, wear THIS"), creating multiple "uniforms" of the garments that suit you and your lifestyle best, and tweaking when needed.

Best of all, it doesn't suggest direct you to go out and buy tons of new clothes just because they're in fashion now. You're encouraged to shop in your own wardrobe first, weed out the stuff you never wear, and save up for pieces that are the best you can afford (whether that be Target or couture). In the end, that will probably save you money over impulse buying the latest gewgaws.

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for adding your take. One of the great things about dressing for your body type is that you do learn which trends to adopt and which to avoid entirely -- which is essential if you want to develop your style. And following up on our male chatter's question, I'd like to add that "Dress Your Best," penned by the "What Not to Wear" hosts, includes a thoughtful section of men's fashion advice. Something you don't see often enough in books of this sort.

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Turtlenecks for Layering: I've actually seen lots of very thin turtlenecks at places like REI. You might not think to get something there for everyday work apparel, but they're thin because they're meant for layering under outdoor or sport garments. Not bad looking, either!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks for the tip. Good idea.

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D.C. not as cold as some other east coast cities?: That might be true, but it still does get very cold indeed. When that wind is blowing between the buildings downtown you'll be glad you've got a warm coat. And gloves, a hat, and scarf. You will need to bundle up during January, February and March.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I agree. Although Washington may not be as cold as places in the Mid-Atlantic, it can get pretty cold. So, yes, a warm coat is a necessity.

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Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, Md.: According to the massive September Vogue, clothing adorned with feathers is fall's must-have. Where can I find clothing with feathers for under $1,500?

Thank you, ladies.

Suzanne D'Amato: They can be very expensive because of the craftsmanship involved -- we recently featured a Bill Blass feathered dress for $4500 on the TrendSpotter page. I'd suggest looking for feather-trim clothing, or better yet, accessories -- Target has some chic feathered headbands and bangle bracelets for $9.99 a pop.

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Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for joining us today! I'm very pleased to announce that Janet and I will now be online twice a month instead of just once. So look for us again on October 9th!

And until then, if you have more to say about shopping and style, please join my new discussion group, TrendSpotter & Co. Link to follow...

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washingtonpost.com: Trend Spotter and Co.

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