Talking Fashion

Keys to a Great Wardrobe

Deputy Editor of the Sunday Source Suzanne D'Amato and washingtonpost.com Fashion and Beauty Editor Janet Bennett were online Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 11 a.m. ET to discuss what makes a great wardrobe.

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Janet Bennett Kelly: Inveterate shopper that I am, I still try to save money on buying clothes and I've found that the best way to do that is to reinvent my old favorites with new accessories. Recently, as in the last two days of coolish weather, I've been especially fond of wrapping up in a scarf. Gloves, hats or a new pair of shoes can also give a not-so-new outfit a lift. Have any favorite accessories and/or places to find them. Let us know!

On another topic, what's up with preteens dressing up for Halloween in sexy, inappropriate costumes?

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washingtonpost.com: All Wound Up ( washingtonpost.com, Oct. 18)

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Syracuse, N.Y.: I need to incorporate more colors into my wardrobe. I love black but I wear it all the time. Can you tell me what colors mesh well together for this season?

Suzanne D'Amato: A 1980s-inspired palette is trendy this season, so consider combining your black with bright, saturated hues such as turquoise, Schiaparelli pink, purple and the like. If that seems like it would be a bit overpowering head-to-toe, try relegating brights to your accessories.

Another idea -- I love pairing black with navy, but this opinion has gotten me into trouble before with some of our esteemed chatters...

Janet Bennett Kelly: I love black with navy, too, and Suzanne, we're not alone. Such esteemed designers as Marc Jacobs and Alber Elbaz for Lanvin are big fans of the combination.

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Woodbridge, Va.: I'm looking for some shoes that are affordable yet professional, fun, and stylish (not trendy). I wear a 9.5 Wide, so it's hard for me to find shoes. Any suggestions? Are there good sites online for shoes and clothes?

Suzanne D'Amato: Generally, online is the best place to buy shoes if you are an irregular size. Many sites will email you exact measurements on specific styles, and also offer perks such as free return shipping. I like Zappos.com, Shoes.com, Piperlime.com and Barefoottess.com (although BT caters to women with larger feet than yours).

One thing I'll warn you about, though, is that people with more unusual shoe sizes often have to pay the price (literally) when shopping for new styles. You say you want something affordable, but since you are also seeking something stylish and untrendy, I'd suggest allocating a bit more of your fashion budget to footwear. You might find that investing in something that really fits your style AND your feet is worth it.

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Cleveland, Ohio: Do you have any favorite sources for relatively inexpensive, yet stylish and unique, jewelry? I am partial to the jewelry in the Sundance catalog because of its artistic design, uniqueness, and earthy-yet-modern look. I like timeless, but not typical, pieces. Thanks -- love these chats -- you should have them every week!

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for your kind words! Now let me see what I can suggest...

My disclaimer: I'm not that familiar with the Sundance catalog. But "unique" and "earthy yet modern" -- these are words I do understand. Have you considered Etsy.com? They're all about handmade goods, so whatever you buy will definitely be unique. The wares tend more toward the young and funky, but in truth there's so much stuff on the site that most people can probably find something they like.

If you lived in the D.C. area, I'd suggest trying Good Wood on U Street NW -- a furniture store that houses a small but great selection of very lovely vintage jewelry.

Janet, any recommendations?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I have a couple of favorite spots for costume jewelry, where the selection is fairly broad so you can find something to your taste -- Cecile Jeanne in Bethesda and Georgetown and Tabandeh in Mazza Gallerie. Pirjo, which also has stores in Bethesda and Georgetown, carries Alexis Bittar, as well as other designers, and I love their choices.

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Greenbelt, Md.: I am a forty-something woman who works in a fairly casual office (not jeans, though). I have been shopping at Casual Corner (now defunct) and Christopher and Banks for separates. Now, I'd like to move my wardrobe up a step. A bit more with it, a bit less polished separates. Where do you recommend shopping?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I might try Club Monaco if I were you. It's in Gtown, so not so geographically desirable, but the story carries conservative and polished basics with a bit of an edge, which could be just what you're looking for.

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Downtown D.C.: I have very narrow shoulders, and handbags with shoulder straps tend to slip and fall off. It's really annoying, but I dislike clutches and other hand-held styles as I like to have my hands free. Any suggestions of brands/stores/styles I could try?

Suzanne D'Amato: What about a messenger-style bag that has a strap you can sling across your shoulders? APC has a canvas one for fall that I love, but if you need something more dressy and/or classic you could consider something from Coach, Kenneth Cole, etc. Men's departments in Macy's and the like can also be a good source for these styles.

My only other thought would be a fanny pack!

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Charleston, W.Va.: I love the Cotton Candy Scarf, featured on 10/24. Where can I find the yarn?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Glad you liked the scarf, but I don't have any idea where you could find the yarn. You might trying calling Anthropologie and asking if they know. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

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Washington, D.C.: After a single morning of wearing a new pair of heels outside, my soles are completely scuffed and what looks like cardboard is showing through. I certainly didn't buy these shoes at, say, Target, and I thought they'd last a bit longer than for 20 minutes of walking on D.C. sidewalks. I'm heartbroken. What should I do? Can I fix them?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Cardboard showing through? That's terrible. If I were you, I'd take them right back to where I bought them and complain that new shoes should last a lot longer than just a morning.

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Skank-o-ween: I went to a Halloween party last weekend where I was the only woman not tricked out in flesh-bearing skankwear. Why be a nurse when you can be a trashy nurse?

Girls, cover up a little. A little mystery goes a long way.

Suzanne D'Amato: It's so very true. You have the sexy devil, sexy nurse, sexy cop, sexy cat...I even saw a sexy bee once.

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San Francisco, Calif.: So I have this look that's kind of like San Francisco cyclist punk chick --Dickies pants, T-shirts with skulls on them, black nail polish, that kind of thing. I'm starting a new job soon, where there's no "official" dress code, but everyone -- including the women -- seem to wear khakis and button-down shirts. Any thoughts on how I can try to fit in a little bit without totally losing my own look?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I think you can keep some of that biker chick look. How about a femme dress punked up with a leather jacket? That shouldn't scare the khakis and button-down crowd.

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McLean, Va.: Hello! I was curious if skinny jeans are still fashionable this fall/winter? I have a pair that I love and was thinking of buying another. If they're on their way out, what type of jeans should I invest in for the season? Thanks so much for the help!

Suzanne D'Amato: The trend definitely hit its peak earlier this year, and at this point most high-fashion types have moved on, either to full-leg, high-waisted jeans or to dresses. But if you truly love this look and feel it works on you, why wouldn't you buy another pair? They may not be the newest trend out there, but if you can pull them off, skinny jeans still have a certain casual cool. I think it's just that most women don't think they look good on their bodies.

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Burbs, Va.: What type shirt works best with my new wide leg jeans? (Which I searched the dept stores for and ended up finding in Old Navy on my way to the grocery store...Way to go Macy's!)

Janet Bennett Kelly: Since the jeans are wide, as a matter of proportion, it's best to keep the top on the trim side. I saw a fitted BCBG blouse with a bit of a ruffle that I think would look just divine with jeans.

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Scarves: What's in for winter scarves? I'm a crocheter and would like to make my own.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Arts and crafty-looking and ethnic are in for scarves.

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Washington, D.C.: Suzanne,

Have any favorite places to shop these days or have you bought something new for fall that you've fallen in love with?

Suzanne D'Amato: My fashion luck has not been the best this fall. I bought a navy minidress at APC that resembles about, oh, 4 other dresses I already own. Then I bought a vintage dress in NYC that is lovely but seriously overpriced. $80 for a couple of yards of polyester... and it's not even lined!

So, I like them both but I think I'm going to pass on shopping any more until the new year. Something's just...off, karmically speaking.

I'll throw this good question out there to the group, though. Any local stores you love? Also, has anyone out there done better with their fall shopping than I have? (Please say yes.)

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Anonymous, Northern Virginia: What is the most important piece for men this fall/winter? Is it a pair of jeans, a motorcycle-styled leather jacket or a vintaged inspired T-shirt?

Thank you

Janet Bennett Kelly: If I were picking the most important item, I'd say a slim pair of jeans in a slate color rather than the familiar dark denim.

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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: I'm a 20-something, fair-skinned with blonde hair and I've been painting my nails black or navy. I think this is a bit too dark for my complection and I want to switch over to another color. I want something fashionable, and I'm not really into red or pink. Any ideas? Thanks, I love you chats!

Janet Bennett Kelly: I agree that black or navy is a bit too harsh for your fair skin. But there are a lot of colors that are more burgundy than red this season. I noticed that Essie has several and there are no doubt other brands as well. If you don't like it, no harm done, thanks to nail polish remover.

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Re: Skank-o-ween: Skanky seems to be the way to go if you want to get lots of attention. Go as a turtle or a pumpkin and nobody talks to you. For one night of costuming fun, I don't think skanky is so bad.

Up to you, of course, if that's the kind of attention you want.

Suzanne D'Amato: Ooh, a turtle... I think I just found my costume for next year!

My friend's nephew was a pumpkin for his first Halloween. I assure you he was a big hit.

All kidding aside, I agree that it depends on what kind of attention you want, and from whom. I'd definitely want to talk to a turtle, but maybe that's just me.

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Jewelry Ideas for Cleveland: Hi! For funky jewelry try area craft festivals, it's that time of year. You will definitely find one of a kind and different jewelry and best of all the price points vary (from silver to gold to beads) so it can be affordable too.

Janet Bennett Kelly: What a good idea, and a fun way to buy jewelry and other stuff as well.

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Boots/skirts: Is it okay if my skirt doesn't cover the top of my tall boots? I've got a somewhat straight wool plaid skirt and I'm wearing it with solid tights and tall boots, but there's a few inches between the bottom of the skirt and the top of my boots. Is that a no-no?

Thanks.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'd say it was fine if the tights were the same color as your boots, so you don't break the line.

Suzanne, any thoughts?

Suzanne D'Amato: Should be fine. You might consider adding some texture with those tights -- a tonally matching cable-knit or striped style, say -- to lend the look a little more interest. As long as your skirt's plaid isn't overly busy, that is.

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Charleston, S.C.: I've also become fond of wrapping up in a scarf, but it's really a fashion statement hiding, let's say, biology at a certain age. Yep, hot flashes. Rather than have to take off and put back on sweaters, jackets, what have you, I just always have beautiful wraps to go with lots of outfits. Easy to carry around, easy to slip off. And people just think I'm starting a fashion trend!

Janet Bennett Kelly: And particularly good for Charleston weather I would imagine. Thanks for the input.

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Nail Polish: For the fair-skinned: how about an ice blue? It's unique and wintry.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Fair-skinned blonde who doesn't like black or navy, how about ice blue??

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Norfolk, Va.: Young girls in baby-hooker get-ups always make me think that they're copying their moms. At the very least, it makes me think that the parents are not in the least interested in what their children do -- seems to me that it's way past time for that old phrase to be revived: "You're not going out of the house dressed like THAT!"

Of course, some of the current crop of adults need their own monitors. I was at a hot club in Houston this weekend, and about half the girls there had gotten their costumes from Hannah's Hoochy Koochy Haven when they should have been patronizing Omar the Tentmaker. Oh, man. It was not a pretty sight!

Suzanne D'Amato: Quite funny. Perhaps you should guest-host this chat sometime!

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Wedding Help!: Hello ladies, my husband and I are invited to a family wedding. Is it okay for me to wear a pants suit with a cami underneath? Stylish and paired with great shoes, clutch and jewelry.

Janet Bennett Kelly: That solution sounds fine, assuming it's not a black-tie or very formal wedding.

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Washington, D.C.: I have a black-tie work event coming up, and I need to buy a dress for it. Any suggestions of where I can find a nice formal dress, without breaking the bank?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Try Loehmann's or Filene's Basement. Another possibility is bluefly.com.

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Wide-Legged Pants Lover: Hello, I'm tall and thin and love the wide-leg look but it's not as easy to find. I did find a pair at Chico's. Go figure. I still think of it as an old ladies store but the pants I got I adore. They're khaki and fit very well. I wish they made them in different colors and in denim. Where else can I find them (not in low-rise, ick)? And for the record I think it's a great look for quite a lot of people.

Suzanne D'Amato: Wide-legs are a great look for everyone except the very short. Because big pants can swallow small people whole if the proportions aren't just right.

As for Chico's -- that's an interesting idea. I've seen quite a few of these pants at Intermix and Wink, especially in denim.

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washingtonpost.com: Bluefly

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Turtles: My guy friend went as a turtle and he was miserable all night. He went all out making the shell portion to cover front and back. It looked great, but he couldn't get through doorways, had a hard time dancing, and the shell created this large amount of personal space around him making it hard to get up close to chat. Eventually he just took the shell off and left it outside. If you go with turtle, maybe do a slimmer version.

Suzanne D'Amato: Skinny turtles are the only way to go, apparently.

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Washington, D.C.: I love sparkly and shiny (but tasteful) rings. I'd like something for my right hand that's a bit dressy, but not to expensive. My problem? I wear a size 4.5 ring. Where can I find a nice (but not too expensive)rings for my tiny hands?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Are you looking for costume jewelry? I would think that some of the stores that sell these cocktail rings would be able to adjust the size to fit your finger. Worth a try?

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Wide Leg Pants: What would you consider 'very short'? At what height should you steer clear of the wide legs?

Janet Bennett Kelly: If you're five feet or under, it's probably not a look that will work well for you.

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Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks so much for joining us today. I hope you have a wonderful Halloween, whether you are a sexy nurse, a slim turtle, or anything in between!

Janet and I will see you again in two weeks. Until then, if you'd like to chat about shopping and style, please join my discussion group, TrendSpotter & Co. Link to follow...

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washingtonpost.com: Trend Spotter & Co.

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