Talking Fashion

What Am I Going to Wear Today?

Deputy Editor of the Sunday Source Suzanne D'Amato and washingtonpost.com Fashion and Beauty Editor Janet Bennett will be online Tuesday, Oct. 9, at 11 a.m. ET to answer your questions about what to wear and where to find what you're looking for.

Submit your questions and comments before or during the discussion.

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Suzanne D'Amato: Good morning, everyone. Janet and I are ready to help solve fashion emergencies great and small. So send us your questions!
And we have a question of our own for you: We're curious to know what you think of this fall's fashion trends. Do you like those high-waisted, wide-leg slacks? Are you swooning over sweater dresses? Or do you feel like you're going to lose it if you see another gray cardigan, mod minidress or oxford-style pump? We'd love to know what you think.
With that said...let's talk shop!

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McLean, Va.: Is there a Vera Wang Bridal Boutique in the D.C. metro area?

Are there similar bridal boutiques in the area?

Janet Bennett Kelly: There's a Vera Wang bridal boutique at Saks Jandel in Chevy Chase. Hitch in Georgetown carries designer bridal dresses and so does Harriet Kassman, also in Chevy Chase. In fact, this Friday and Saturday, there's going to be trunk show of Badgley Mischka gowns at Kassman's. And come November, there will be one for Romona Keveza.

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Washington, D.C.: Have those pregnancy-looking bubble shirts gone out of style yet?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Not as completely as I personally would like. There are still plenty around.

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New York: So, could you succinctly put down socks in sandals? Please?

Suzanne D'Amato: Sorry to disappoint, New York, but I'm going to go out on a limb (ha!) and say that socks with sandals can be very chic. No, no -- I don't mean Tevas strapped over white sweat socks (two items that are of limited use in any closet, in my opinion). But groovy striped socks peeking out of peep-toe leather flats can look very cool on women, provided that 1) the socks are thin enough to avoid bunching up too much; and 2) the palette is coordinated such that the whole thing looks intentional.

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Falls Church, Va.: I know opague tights are the look for legs for Fall. How about leggings or footless tights?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think the reason opaque tights are the look for legs this fall is because last season's leggings bombed with most customers.

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U street, Washington, D.C.: Dear weather gods,

Please, let it be normal October weather. I have all of these cute sweaters, boots, jackets, and warm stockings that I've been dying to wear for two months now, and you've barely given me an opportunity.

Thanks,

Fall lover

Janet Bennett Kelly: U Street,
You're not alone in your yearning for some "normal" fall weather. I suspect there's a lot of pent-up demand out there for people to haul out their new fall purchases.

Suzanne D'Amato: We were shooting street fashion in Georgetown a couple of weeks ago, and although the temps were in the 80s, I did see a few folks stubbornly sporting sweaters, tights and boots. It struck me as a little odd, but...some of us are willing to suffer for style more than others, I guess!

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Washington, D.C.: I have some brown satin shoes left over from a wedding. The shoes are super cute but I never wear brown. I think satin shoes are really in this season? So I was thinking of dyeing them to get more wear out of them. What would be a good color? A jewel tone like purple, emerald or teal? What's the hot color for satin shoes? Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Shoes are definitely adding glamour to fall looks, and I think satin works fine. Jewel tones are in style. My only word of caution is to make sure you can get the brown covered -- ask the shoemaker -- I assume you're taking them to be professionally dyed?

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Woodley Park, Washington, D.C.: Hi!

I have a bunch of old clothes and shoes that I need to either give away or sell. Is there a drop-off spot in Woodley Park or Adams Morgan? Better yet, a place where I can try to sell them?

Thanks! Love the chat!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Have you been to Secondi in Dupont Circle? As long as they're in good shape, you have a good chance they'll take them. There are other places as well. Suzanne?

Suzanne D'Amato: Secondi is great; I'd also try Secondhand Rose. The one thing I'd add is that if you do want to get money for your stuff, make sure to choose a place that's been around for awhile (like either of the two we've mentioned). A few years ago, I consigned about 20 pieces of mid-range designer clothing (a Rebecca Taylor beaded dress, a Luella handbag, and so on) at a new store in my neighborhood. I wanted to support an up-and-coming business; you can imagine my surprise when the store closed a month later, leaving no forwarding address or contact info! I'm sure I lost several hundreds of dollars. So definitely do your research...

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Re: But groovy striped socks peeking out of peep-toe leather flats can look very cool on women,: with the right clothes, they can look very retro rosie-the-riveter.

Suzanne D'Amato: Haha, good point. Getting a look like this right can be tricky -- it's for advanced stylephiles, no doubt.

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Richmond, Va.: I don't particularly like the high-waisted, wide-leg slacks, but DO find them better than the LOW riders, which look bad on everyone, cutting off at an awkward part of the anatomy and creating a muffin top on even trim women. Enough with the low-rise pants, please!

Janet Bennett Kelly: We're seeing fewer low-rise pants, if not their full demise. The nice thing about high-waisted, wide-leg slacks is that there is some variation. Some wide-legs are narrower than others, and if you don't happen to be very tall, you'd probably prefer that.

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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: I have blonde hair, fair skin and freckles. Can I still pull off nearly black nails this fall (i'm loving the OPI Russian collection!)?

Janet Bennett Kelly: It's a big contrast, but if you're loving the look, try it. I've got dark hair and a medium complexion and I almost always wear Essie's Mademoiselle.

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Fashion trends: You asked, so I'll answer -- can't stand high-waisted pants (not asking to see plumber's crack either) but wide-leg are okay and cute with the oxford pumps. Mod mini-dresses are inappropriate for many work environments, even with opaque tights, but I guess are okay to go out. And sweater dresses? Please spare everyone the lumps and bumps -- not many can get away with wearing these although I'm okay with sweater jackets.

That being said, I just bought a pair of black suede mary jane/oxford type of pumps. What can I wear them with in terms of bottoms and tights/stockings? Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for your considered response! I agree that minidresses are tough to pull off at the office -- not that most fashion designers seem overly concerned with addressing the needs of working women.

As for your oxford pumps -- I'd suggest a pencil or tulip skirt to balance out the shoes' clunky, masculine elan, with black or gray tights, or bare legs.

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Washington, D.C.: I need to find a little black dress for a concert on Saturday. I was planning on searching for one in Georgetown. Do you have any suggestions on shops that would have what I'm looking for?

I'm looking to spend $150 (or less!) and I'm a petite.

Thanks for the chats!!

Janet Bennett Kelly: There are lots of Georgetown shops to try -- Urban Chic, Sugar, Wink, Reiss. Don't know about their price points, though. Suzanne?

Suzanne D'Amato: These shops are great but they do tend to be expensive. For less expensive options, you might try Annie Creamcheese for vintage (it's still pricey, but generally less so than new designer merch). There's also a small women's boutique called Fresh on Potomac St NW that may be worth checking out.

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: Janet,

Last week on the GOG chat you derided someone for buying boots that were too big for someone's calf. While I have to agree with you, where in the world can you find boots that don't make me look like I'm wearing shoes intended for an elephant? Assuming the leather is going to stretch, why wouldn't they err on the side of smaller?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I have thinnish calves, too, so I empathize with the problem. I found a pair at Loehmann's a couple of years ago that fit well. Have you tried Carbon, Sassanova, Zelaya? I think all three have enough brands that you could find one that would work. I bought a pair at Relish several years ago that if you can believe it are too tight. I can barely get them off!

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Socks in sandals = NEVER okay: succinct enough?

Suzanne D'Amato: I thoroughly disagree, but thanks for adding your take!
(Succinct enough?)

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On the feet: Ladies, I need some suggestions in the shoe department. I am lucky enough to live less than two miles from my office, so I walk to work every day. My problem is what shoe to wear on the walk. I hate the sneakers and suit/skirt/dress look and refuse to cave. Any suggestions?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Plenty of stores carry shoes that have rubber heels and soles -- Cole Haan, for example, has a line that's particularly geared to walking.

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Midwest: According to the forecast, fall will finally arrive here later this week. What is the one new piece of clothing and the one accessory that would most update my work wardrobe?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Hard to pick just one from each category. It depends on what you already have in your wardrobe. For myself, I have my eye on a pair of high-waisted pants and new big belt.

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Dressing up?: I have a very summery sphaghetti strap black babydoll dress that comes a few inches above my knees (I am 5'9" so it is NOT short). I have a semi-fancy party to go to and was wondering if I could cover the top of the dress with a gray wrap sweater and pair it patent heels to dress it up for fall? Is mixing colors and textures an okay way to make this dress suitable for fall?

Suzanne D'Amato: Yes, it's more than okay! You might consider adding fishnet stockings and some dressy jewelry too. (Also, a gray wrap might look more "evening" than a gray wrap sweater... though of course, it depends on the sweater.)

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Alexandria, Va. I'm a guy, and I usually wear khaki pants and buffalo/brown colored semi/casual dress shoes, with a variety of button-up shirts. was wondering what color socks are acceptable to wear. Is there one color I should wear constantly to match my pants and shoes? Or should I wear different colors to match my shirt? I'd prefer wearing a consistent color, less work for me, and I can buy my socks in packs. I currently have a pack of white socks (which I wear with sneakers) and a pack of black socks (which I wear with a black suit). Can I use either one of those socks so I don't have to go out and buy more?

Thank you

Janet Bennett Kelly: There are not so many areas of clothing in which a guy can show his creativity. Live a little -- choose socks with patterns and colors. If your usual outfit is khakis and brown shoes, try an argyle sock.

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: Brooks Brothers boots are thin in the calves. I actually had to return a pair because they were a bit tight!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Thank you, Dupont Circle. For the chatter iso boots that accommodate thin calves, here's a possibility.

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Hi Suzanne and Janet: It seems like every store is still pushing empire waist, billowy tops and that everything is made in jersey fabric. Neither of these options is flattering for me. Any idea when designers are going to put the waistline back at the waist and opt for less-clingy fabric? Any idea where I can go to find alternatives to these?

BTW, just a heads-up on a great fashion site: Yoox. I got a fabulous cocktail dress from Yes London for only $50 (last chance sale) and shoes to die for.

Suzanne D'Amato: It's really just a matter of hunting around in stores rather than letting the trendy window dressing discourage you. I've checked out fall clothes everywhere from Barneys to Target in the last few weeks, and I can tell you that although shapeless sack dresses may have been front and center, most stores are still stocked with wearable waisted options.
As for Yoox, I also love it. Its the best place I know of for cheap(er) Marni!

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Alexandria, Va.: I loathe the sweater dress look as it even makes my skinny friends look silly (according to them). Also frustrated with the basic T-shirt that comes below one's tushy. Can we please, please, please have something that hits mid-hip again? I'm all for tailoring -- I do it often. But having T-shirts tailored seems a bit ridiculous.

Suzanne D'Amato: I once knew a fashion editor who took all of her tank tops to the tailor have the straps on each shortened by half an inch. My point is that "a bit ridiculous" is all in the eye of the beholder!
That said, have you considered just taking scissors to your T-shirts' hems? They'll roll up a little after you wash them, masking any unneveness in the length.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi, thanks for inviting us to comment on fall fashion trends. I love the high-waisted, full-leg trousers. When well cut, they look so stylish -- very Carole Lombard, Katherine Hepburn-ish. I hate the whole layering trend, particularly involving empire-waisted pieces, and wish that it would go away.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks for the input. I agree, those high-waisted, wide-leg trousers are glamorous if worn with the right accessories. The baby-doll look is not one I'm a fan of either, but the great and bad thing about fashion is that it's always changing.

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Lincolnshire, Ill.: I'm attending a bar mitzvah in Arizona at the beginning of November. The ceremony is in the morning, and the party is in the evening at a museum. What should I wear? If I wear a dress or skirt, should I wear opaque tights, or should I go bare or perhaps wear more sheer dark hose? What do you think about pants for this occasion?

Janet Bennett Kelly: If you wear a dress or a skirt in the evening, I'd go with sheerer dark hose rather than opaque -- for a more formal look. If you have a dressy pair of pants and a pretty femme blouse, that could work, too. Just depends on the crowd.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm one of those skinny-calved gals. I am still searching, but I have found Zappos helpful in the search because they give the circumference of the boot's calves. Unfortunately, it's usually 15+ and I need a 13. Camper and John Fluevog make some with smaller calf widths.

Where should I be looking for high waisted pants (non designer prices -- i.e. less than $200 per pair)? I am on the short side so in-store tailoring is a plus.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I know that Club Monaco carries high-waisted pants for about $150; I don't know whether they offer in-house tailoring, though.

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Am I the only one...: I like a nationwide chain that happens to have a store at the little mall in the smallish southern city I live in. They have cute things but they are cut so oddly. I am tiny on top -- as in everything I wear is XS and their XS and S's are HUGE in the armpit area.

I can't help but think that if this store would just size things normally they could sell more clothes. How do stores formulate their sizing?

Suzanne D'Amato: Currently, there is no standard -- each company formulates its own sizing guidelines based on the proportions of its fit model(s) and the way it wants its clothes to lay on the body. It's a frustrating situation, but it doesn't seem likely to change anytime soon, because brands have little incentive to standardize sizes. People think they might lose customers who love the particular way a certain brand's clothes fit (or who love the notion that their size-10 bods can fit into a 4 at Ann Taylor, say).
Interestingly, in Spain there has been a discussion about standardizing clothing sizes as a way of promoting healthier body images. The idea is that if everyone knows, definitively, what size they are, the whole notion of size becomes less loaded.

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Arlington, Va.: I have a cute grey above-the-knee knit dress with an empire waistline that I really like to wear with burgundy tights and boots. The only issue is that I find the knit dress sticks to the tights in a most unflattering way. Do I have any options for fixing this issue, other than wearing a slip?

Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: Simple -- rub a dryer sheet all over your tights after you've put them on, but before you put on the dress.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Where are some good stores for a twenty-something guy to check out this fall? Need some new office clothes, mostly business casual (i.e. nice jeans, button-down shirt or T-shirt, blazer) -- any variations on that theme also welcome. Where to look for shoes, too?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Have you tried Zara? What I like about the store is they do a lot of the work for you, offering racks of pants, skirts, shirts and sweaters that work together. The prices are not bad.

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Dupont, Washington, D.C.: I'm going to a hippie musical festival this weekend, which is a bit out of my element. Any suggestions on appropriate, attractive attire for this multi-day event?

Suzanne D'Amato: Um, I wouldn't try to "dress hippie" or anything -- you'll feel like it's Halloween a couple of weeks too soon, and I'm sure you won't make too many new friends either. A tank-top or T-shirt, comfortable jeans, and sandals with some traction on the soles (meaning, NOT flip-flops) should work fine. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen (and bug spray, depending on where you're headed). Bring layers if it will be cold at night.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey,

You guys are always great with fashion advice! I need help finding a dress to wear to an afternoon wedding. The problem -- its in Florida in November! I'm in my 20s and dont want to wear something to "conservative." Also going for something not too expensive. Can you help me out?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Florida weather in November is on the warm side, so you don't want to be uncomfortable. Do you have anything from your summer wardrobe that would work? With something strapless, for example, you could top it off with a dressy sweater.

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Hunter boots: Hi! What's your opinion on Hunter Wellington boots? Also, do you know of any alternatives for cute rain boots that don't break the bank but aren't overly cutesy? I like Hunters, but they're a bit pricey. Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: I love the look so I bought a pair myself, but I have only worn them twice because (how to put this delicately?) they make everything from knees to toes perspire like you cannot believe. Rainy days are humid days in Washington, so I suppose it makes sense that you wouldn't want to encase part of your body in rubber, but I was still surprised.
As for cheap rubber boots, Target has great ones bedecked with polka dots, owl prints, hearts, skulls -- more patterns than you can believe, at less than $20 a pop.

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Trench coat: I'm looking for a trench coat (or similar style) with a little bit of stretch in the fabric so it doesn't get wrinkled. Any suggestions for under $100? (I'm female, btw.)

Janet Bennett Kelly: I have seen some trench coats by Tommy Hilfiger that I thought were cute. Try Macy's.

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Ohio: Do you have any idea when shoes will become more traditionally feminine? I cannot find shoes that do not look like they should be worn by construction workers. If I wanted shoes that looked like men's, I would buy them in the men's department.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Although there are a lot of clunky-looking oxford shoes that are being shown this season, I've also seen a lot of high heels with pointy toes. Do you have a DSW in Ohio?

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Handbags!: Hello Ladies, what is the deal with Italian leather bags costing the same as a mortgage payment? Am I a snob for wanting the MADE IN ITALY label? Is it a farce? I just want something classic, age appropriate (am in my, ahem, 40s) and well-made that I can afford. Is there anything out there that doesn't require a comma in the price tag? Help!

Suzanne D'Amato: The whole "it" bag phenomenon has pushed purse prices into the stratosphere, which is doubly shocking when you consider how shoddily-made some of these items are. I read an interesting book about this very subject recently -- "Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster," by Newsweek reporter Dana Thomas. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about the luxury goods business; in one particularly riveting passage, Thomas discusses how little those "Made In..." labels actually mean. A bag or shoe can be wholly manufactured and assembled in China, but if one small part (its handle, say) is attached in Italy, in some circumstances it can legally bear a "Made In Italy" label. Fascinating -- albeit slightly unnerving -- stuff.

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Bethesda, Md.: You know me. I'm that 27-year-old in your office that wears "basics" and "classics" and never really updated her post-college wardrobe because she works in such a casual environment. I don't really do the trends (the 80s boots back in style make me want to hurl), but would like to feel more up to date/cool than I do most days. Now, I may be moving into a new job, where I'll need to dress up a bit more (meaning not jeans), but don't want to feel like a black suit drone. I'm 5-9 and slim. What do I wear this winter and where do I buy it on a reasonable budget (I can't afford to shop in Chevy Chase at Gucci)?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Lucky you. Sounds like you have the perfect figure for any kind of clothes. If you already have the basics, you can always dress them up with feminine blouses (big right now) as well as chunky knit sweaters and big belts. No reason to look like a drone. Take a look at Club Monaco.

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Canada: I am visiting D.C. next week for an extra long weekend. I am desperate to take only a carry-on bag. If you were me, what wardrobe pieces would you pack for a Thursday to Monday visit that would be compact but let you move between sightseeing, dinner out, casual visiting at a friend's house?

Suzanne D'Amato: I'd bring a cottony black dress with a bit of ruching, pleating or other interesting detail that you could dress down with flip-flops, or up with pumps. You could wear it bare for evening, over jeans for day, or even layer a long sleeve tee underneath should it (ever) get cold enough. That and a couple of nice tops and jeans should be enough to see you through the weekend.
Another tip: Tough as it may be, choose one basic palette and stick with it. Black and white tends to work well for me, paired with colorful jewelry. The trouble begins when you want to wear navy one day, brown the next and gray after that -- and then you need to pack the shoes to go with each ensemble.

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McLean, Va.: Who has best selection of trend-right dresses?

Suzanne D'Amato: Forever 21, H&M, Zara, Club Monaco, Target. When it comes to trendy stuff, these chic-for-cheap spots have their designer counterparts pretty much beat.

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Fairfax, Va.: What is the best look to wear with black opaque tights? Specifically what type of shoe would work best with a jumper-style dress?

Suzanne D'Amato: If the dress is short, a flat shoe is best. If it's on the longer side (knee-skimming rather than mini), I'd choose a sophisticated pump with grown-up details -- these jumper dresses have a way of making grown women look 12 years old, so best not to reference the schoolgirl idea too literally.

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Janet Bennett Kelly: Well, this hour has zoomed by, thanks to all your questions and great input. Suzanne and I appreciate your responses to her query about what you like and detest about this season's hot trends. We'll talk more about it in two weeks. And my apologies to that twenty-something guy to whom I responded that he could find racks of shirts, skirts (oops), sweaters at Zara. Zara does carry lots of men's clothing, just not men's skirts.

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