Talking Fashion

Deputy Editor of the Sunday Source Suzanne D'Amato and washingtonpost.com Fashion and Beauty Editor Janet Bennett Kelly answered your fashion-related questions, Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m. ET.

A transcript follows.

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Suzanne D'Amato: Good morning, everyone. Let's talk shop! Janet and I are here to answer your holiday fashion and shopping questions. And if you'd like to talk about winter wedding wear, please write me. (This has been a hot subject on my discussion group, Trend Spotter & Co., as of late -- link to follow if you'd like to sign up).

Also, we'd like to put out a special request for men's fashion and shopping questions. Don't get me wrong -- we like helping the ladies of Washington look their best -- but D.C.'s male population needs a little love, too. So: Do you have questions on guys' fashion trends, guys' holiday gifts, guys' New Year's Eve gear? Send them our way.

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washingtonpost.com: Trend Spotter and Co.

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Washington, D.C.: What color pants would go well with rust color blouse besides cream?

Janet Bennett Kelly: A pair of camel pants with dark brown or cordovan boots/shoes would look terrific with a rust-color blouse. I wouldn't go with black pants -- too Halloween.

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Washington, D.C.: Where can I find Joe's Jeans? I read about them recently in Atlantic Monthly, and it turned out my friend has a pair and raves about them. Is it true they have different styles based on body type?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I was just doing a little research and I found Joe's Jeans on the Urban Chic Web site. It's best though if you try them before you buy, so pay a visit to their store in Georgetown and see how they fit.

Suzanne D'Amato: I have nothing against Joe's Jeans, but I feel compelled to point out that nearly all denim brands offer cuts for different body types. So I'd definitely check out JJ, but also consider stopping by the denim bar at Barney's Co-Op or, well, Denim Bar, to see if any other brands suit your shape.

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Arlington, Va.: Okay, so what is with the winter coats with 3/4 length sleves? I tried one on over the weekend and fell in love with the style and cut so I bought it. Now I am wondering is it at all practical? Am I going to freeze to death? Do I just buy some long gloves?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Yes, winter coats with 3/4 sleeves are very in right now. And to avoid freezing, yes, you'll need to buy some long gloves to cover up the gap. The good news is that unlike in past seasons, long gloves are everywhere -- they come in dressy metallic with silk lining, in different colors of cashmere and of course in wool. I've seen them at J Crew and at Loehmann's, just to name two sources.

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Midwest: I'm preparing for a job interview tomorrow, and had a question. Would it be appropriate to wear a red v-neck sweater and black pants? Although I'm not certain, the career I'm interviewing for is fairly casual (suit not needed).

Any tips for things to definitely avoid?

Suzanne D'Amato: Your outfit sounds fine, though you might still consider adding a suit jacket (which doesn't need to match your black pants, incidentally). I know you don't want to overdress, but it's never a bad idea to err on the side of looking "too" professional. At the very least, it shows you're taking the interview seriously.

If you absolutely abhor that idea, perhaps try a crisp collared shirt under the red sweater?

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Briefca, SE: Hi ladies! I'm submitting early but I needed your help. I want a cute briefcase/tote for carrying around my office files, but I'm not having any luck, even at Target! Would you have any suggestions on where to look for a cute, but still professional career tote that isn't too expensive?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I was looking around for messenger bags for men, and I saw a bunch at Urban Outfitters. They also have satchels and totes for women, some of which would be office-appropriate, so I advise you to look there. And the prices are right, too.

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Bethesda, Md.: Call me a purist, but I've just never been able to wrap my head (or rather, my toes) around the whole "pantyhose and peep toes" look.

But (as much as Coach annoys me, that Reed Krakoff is a genius), his new add with the purple opaque hose and the gold sandals is drawing me in like moth to flame. Plus it seems that every time I see a pair of black heels that I love this winter -- voila -- peep toe right in the front.

Where do you stand on this issue?

Suzanne D'Amato: I love the peep-toed look, but I think it's important that you pair this style of shoe with tights rather than pantyhose. You want a thick, colorful tight that is not even remotely shiny. And you don't want the little seam at the toe to show.

Janet, what do you think?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'm not such a big fan of the look, but I absolutely agree with Suzanne that it works best, if not only, with colorful tights and if you can't see the seam at the toe.

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Women AND Men's Sizing: I am 5' 6" and weight 118. So, yeah, I am thin. Lately, I am having the hardest time finding clothes that fit well. Everything is too big it seems, unless I go to Old Navy and get a size 0 or 2. I will be okay -- and yes, it is not a bad problem to have but I am writing because of men's clothes.

My husband is 5'8", super fit and weighs around 150. Now HE is having a hard time finding clothes. We looked for a coat for him at an upscale mall in a major city (we live in the middle of nowhere) and he was trying on size SMALL. It is crazy. Ralph Lauren medium shirts are starting to be too big for him and he has worn those for over a decade. We are going to the usual suspects -- J. Crew, Eddie Bauer, Dillards, Banana. What is going on? Are men and women getting so heavy that the vanity sizing is just reaching new heights?

Suzanne D'Amato: What's going on is that there is no standard for men (or women), so sizing has become sort of a free-for-all. It's incredibly frustrating for shoppers, male or female. The best thing I can suggest would be for your husband to try on about 85 different brands and isolate a few that really work for him. (I know he did this with Ralph, but it seems it's time to try again...)

And I don't know what his style is, but I've found that more contemporary brands -- Club Monaco, Zara, Diesel, Ben Sherman -- cut smaller than brands aimed at the ever-expanding baby boomer.

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Washington, D.C.: Can anyone tell me where to find jeans that are NOT stretch or low- rise? Also, that don't cost $200. I have been to every department store in the city and can't find any. Thanks for any help!

Janet Bennett Kelly: It seems to be that Old Navy and the Gap have jeans that would meet both those requirements, as well as the price category.

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Richmond, Va.: Winter wedding wear -- please help. I'm attending a wedding Saturday. It's at 2 p.m., and I'm sorting through a bunch of tops and skirts, but I'm contemplating buying something to wear. Nothing black, nothing crazy -- I'm in Richmond, after all. Any advice? I'm a woman in my 30s.

Suzanne D'Amato: I'd suggest a dress rather than separates. And since it's an early afternoon wedding in the South, I agree you should steer clear of black. Maybe look for a cap-sleeve style (to keep you at least a little warm) in a great, deep color -- navy, burgundy, violet? That way you'll be wintry but not too dour. Fabric-wise, anything but velvet -- looking like Mrs. Claus is not the goal here.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi, I recently stepped out my comfort zone (grey/brown/black/beige) and bought a yellow wool skirt from J. Crew with buttons on each side. It is lovely, and I'd like to be able to wear it to work (I'm an attorney in a fairly casual work environment), but not sure what to wear it with. It hits just above the knee, and I would say it's very slightly A-line.

I'm thinking dark tights and a dark top. Do the tights have to be the same color as the top? And my big question is what shoes -- if I wear black tights, do I have to wear black shoes? If not, what are my other shoe options? I'm 44 years old and a size 2/4 if that helps. Thanks!!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Congratulations for trying something new! And the yellow skirt sounds lovely. I think your inclination is correct; I'd look for a top in charcoal and then tights in a dark gray as well. I would keep the shoes and the tights in the same family. You could also go for a pair of boots.

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Washington, D.C.: Weird question here: I've recently started dating a guy who wears a lot of track suits, as in he wears them to a party, not to the gym. Yes, I know, it is awful, but he has many other good qualities that make up for it.

With the holiday season here, I'd like to buy him some nice duds to replace the track suits. I don't know his jeans size, but I'll be able to approximate his size on top.

I've got about $50 budgeted for this -- what should I buy him? I stopped by the Gap and saw I could probably get him two nice button down shirts he could wear with jeans, but I'm unsure if this is the best bang for my buck. Please help. Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: The first thing I'd say is that you need to wean him off those track suits slooooowly. If you present him with a spanking-new outfit apropos of absolutely nothing, he'll blanch and run screaming into the other room, only to sport zippered, elastic-waisted items for the rest of his life.

So, maybe you say something like, "I just love that track jacket you always, always wear! It'd look so great with a pair of jeans." He'll probably like the flattery, and then you can scoot on over to Target, Old Navy or a thrift store and get him a pair of straight-leg, dark rinse jeans to wear with said jacket.

With the money left over, maybe you get him a cool, non-Hanes-type T-shirt? I like the button-downs idea, but I wonder if he's ready to go there.

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S. Rockville, Md.: As a gent, I work in a business casual office. I see way too much of and occasionally fall into the easy and old habit of polo and khakis. What staples can I purchase to spice up my everyday wardrobe?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I love the look of gabardine or corduroy pants, paired with a wool vest or a zip-up sweater. Try a shirt and skinny tie for a change, too.

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New York, N.Y.: Do you have any suggestions for guides to men's fashion that are humorous yet informative with lots of pictures? (Kind of like Style for Dummies?)

Suzanne D'Amato: Dress Your Best, by the "What Not To Wear" hosts Clinton Kelly and Stacy London, has a useful men's section. It's broken down by body type, with lots of photos and simple, clear directives. I'd definitely suggest giving it a read.

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Skinny couple: Designer clothing is cut much smaller. If you're a 0 at Old Navy, you're likely a 4 or even a 6 in designer sizes. She could try that.

For the husband, try boys' departments. I'm not even kidding. They have great stuff.

Being "in the middle of nowhere" might be making their problem worse. In the two big cities I've lived in, I haven't really had a problem shopping -- I'm 5'4" and 105 lbs so about the same size as the chatter.

Suzanne D'Amato: Good ideas, all. Yes, I wondered if the husband was too tall for boys' clothes, but if not that could be a possibility. (He should consider the boys' department at Brooks Brothers, where the clothes are a bit more sophisticated.) Being in the middle of nowhere does make things more tough, but once he figures out which brands suit his frame, he could always shop online.

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Washington, D.C.: I am a guy, and just bought some pricey brown velvet Seven brand pants. I am unsure whether to keep them. What would I wear them with? Are they lame in general?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Don't think they're lame at all. They'd look great with a light blue shirt, sweater or vest.

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Jeans: My absolute favorite jeans are Mossimo (from Target!) They were under $25 and I like them more than my $200 jeans. The "misses" (2, 4, 6, etc.) sizes have higher rises than the junior's sizes.

Janet Bennett Kelly: For the chatter in search of reasonably priced jeans that are nonstretch, try Massimo at Target, says this reader.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi, Suzanne and Janet, thanks for taking my question. My office's holiday party is black-tie optional and at a very swank downtown hotel. I have two dresses I'm contemplating wearing. One is a midnight blue ruched silk dress by Tadashi -- it's just below the knees with a deep v-neck. The other is an emerald green floor-length down by David Meister. It's a lightweight silk chiffon. I'm trying to balance the black-tie-optional thing with my fear of freezing in the cold in the shorter dress. Also, I'd love to wear stockings, but my shoes are open-toed (gold strappy sandals). Can I go bare-legged in December even in the shorter dress? Thanks!

Suzanne D'Amato: I'd wear the midnight blue dress; it strikes me as more appropriate for an office party than a chiffon gown. Chiffon won't do much to keep you warm as it is, and the Tadashi sounds plenty formal.

As for the gold strappy sandals: Yes, you can certainly go bare-legged. You will be cold, but hopefully you won't be walking miles and miles to get to this event anyway!

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Alexandria, Va.: I am looking for a dress for a black tie wedding in January. I'm assuming that black tie requires a long dress. Any suggestions of wear to find a reasonably priced dress that would be appropriate?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Don't assume that black tie means long. I think it's much hipper, not to mention cost-effective, to find a short dressy cocktail dress that you can wear for far more occasions than you can a long dress. Take a look at what BCBG has to offer. They have a freestanding store in Georgetown, but department stores also carry the line.

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Track suit guy: Maybe buy him a nice sweater, to go over a T shirt that he could wear the combo with jeans? I agree, going from a track suit to button down and jeans won't be easy ... baby steps.

And kudos to the poster for seeing past the surface of her guy. Too many of us (male and female) don't seem to manage to do that (and I'm a woman married to the greatest guy in the world who still wears logo T-shirts he's had since high school).

Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for adding your take. A sweater is a great gift idea, though for someone who always wears a tracksuit, it could seem almost shockingly dressed-up. I agree with you that it's all about baby steps...

And thanks, also, for noting that there are indeed things in life that are more important than fashion!

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Fairfax, Va.: Hi Suzanne,

What are your suggestions for holiday makeup trends?

Suzanne D'Amato: As it happens, we have a story on this very subject in the upcoming issue of Sunday Source! So keep an eye out for it; we'll be reviewing four of the season's hottest new products.

That said, here's a little preview: Holiday makeup is taking its cues from the runways this season, so expect to see the rich jewel tones that dominated the catwalks, plus quirky extras such as temporary highlights for your tresses and -- no joke -- patent leather eyelashes. Suffice it to say, there's a lot more out there than shimmery body powder.

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Alexandria, Va.: I've seen you answer questions about where to find tall black boots for those with skinny calves. I have the opposite problem -- where do I find boots to fit my larger calves? I also wear an 11 and don't want to spend more than $100, making things even tougher. Any suggestions please? Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'm throwing out this suggestion because my fashionable Italian friends always are talking to me about how they love Payless. Give it a try.

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Boonsboro, Md.: Gift idea for (maybe) future daughter-in-law (in 20s): gloves or scarf or handbag that says 'upscale' or 'designer' without busting the budget?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I found a great pair of wool gloves made by a company called Grevi; they come in lots of color combinations and cost $50. It definitely is an upscale choice, but I don't know if that busts the budget for you. I found them in Bethesda at Pirjo.

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Arlington, Va.: Janet and Suzanne - HELP!

I am attending a Christmas party this weekend that is being hosted by my boyfriend's work. Dress is 'cocktail attire' -- I bought a beautiful knee-length teal satin dress that I am so excited about wearing (I'm a redhead, so I love those color combos). Planning on wearing some sort of black or silver shoe.

My question -- do I need to wear pantyhose? I'm in my mid-20s, and honestly, I don't really want to wear them. However, I don't want to go bare-legged and commit a major fashion faux paus. I don't like tights, either. So for me it's either bare legs or pantyhose of some sort. What to do?

Suzanne D'Amato: I think you're fine to go bare-legged, so long as your shoe is strappy enough that the combo looks festive and intentional. What doesn't work is a conservative, closed-toe pump with bare legs -- a shoe like that begs for tights.

A gleaming pedicure won't hurt, either.

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Bootless in Va.: Hi ladies! I have been avoiding buying a pair of boots for years. I dread boots and boot season, but I've broken down and realized that I need a pair (I can't wear pumps and flats all the time, I need something in-between). I do not want anything particularly dressy (no spike heels or excessively pointy toes). Also, my thighs are a bit big and I feel that wearing boots outside of my jeans up to my knees only makes me look shorter and my thighs bigger. Can you suggest a style or brand that I should check out that would work for me? Thank you!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Why not go with a shorter, dressed-down boot? Check out the ones from Aquatalia on the company web site.

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Briefca, SE: Hi ladies! I'm submitting early but I needed your help. I want a cute briefcase/tote for carrying around my office files, but I'm not having any luck, even at Target! Would you have any suggestions on where to look for a cute, but still professional career tote that isn't too expensive?: Try Ross! Designer name at a discount price! I always find great big bags for work there!

Janet Bennett Kelly: For the chatter on the hunt for a professional career tote that isn't too expensive, this reader says try Ross.

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Maryland: I have recently seen some ladies wearing leg warmers over jeans and heeled shoes. Is this a trend a 30-something can pull off? If so, what kind of top would you wear with this look?

Suzanne D'Amato: This is a very trendy, youthful look that can go from fab to Flashdance in a millisecond. So if you have any doubts, at all, I would not. go. there.

That said, if you want to go there, I'd suggest skinny jeans and a slouchy v-neck top. Avoid anything even vaguely leotard-esque, as well as wristbands, headbands, and the like.

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Washington, D.C.: Re jeans -- can you suggest any brands that cut for big thighs? I am a pear shape but my waist and hips are totally out of proportion to my thighs, which really bulked up after a decade of childhood athletics. Is my best bet to just buy huge pants to fit my legs and then get the waist taken in? (Is that even possible?)

Janet Bennett Kelly: Why not try some high-waisted pants/jeans with a wider leg. That way you'd be emphasizing your small waist and camouflaging your legs.

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Derwood, Md.: I've been wondering for a long time now: I heard that black and brown can't be worn together. Is that true? So I can't wear a brown top with black pants or a black skirt? Thanks for your help, and happy holidays!

Suzanne D'Amato: The notion that you can't mix black and brown (or black and navy, or black and gray and navy) is ludicrous in my opinion, but I said as much in a previous chat and was truly surprised by the amount of push back I got from readers. It seems that many people see this as a Major Fashion Faux Pas. To my mind, it's just the natural consequence of having to get dressed every single morning. At some point, unless your wardrobe rivals J. Lo's, you have to mix it up.

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Silver Spring, Md.: A coworker and I have been debating about hosiery. Are nude colors out of style? Can I wear a nude hosiery with a dressy skirt or outfit?

Janet Bennett Kelly: I have been thinking about that, too. But in fact I recently bought a pair of nudish stockings to go with a taupey-brown dressy skirt suit I have. Nude was the best option in this case. Suzanne, any observations?

Suzanne D'Amato: I don't think that nude is the most fashion-forward option for fall, but it still has a place in many closets -- and with good reason.

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Help me in Washington, D.C.: I am going on my first cruise (for a destination wedding) mid-January and am not sure what to wear to the ceremony. It will be a small afternoon service on the ship, while at port in Miami. What does one wear to such an event? Something more casual, clearly, but how casual? What is appropriate? Thanks for your help ladies!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Stay away from anything too bare. It is a wedding ceremony even if it's on a cruise ship. Think of it as if you were going to an afternoon summer wedding in a Washington, D.C. venue.

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Suggestion: For the slim husband/wife team: I'd like to add H and M to their list of retailers to check out. Anyone Euro (did you already mention French Connection?) seems to cut slimmer/smaller.

Suzanne D'Amato: H & M is always a resource worth considering -- though I have to say that they're one place where the sizes seem truly impossible to figure out. You can don two seemingly identical size-medium shirts and find that they fit totally differently. Frustrating.

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Sweater dress: I would like to buy a sweater dress this season, but don't want to spend a fortune (definitely under $100, preferably under $125). I want something fairly classic, not turtleneck, dark color and good fabric. Any suggestions where to look? The ones at the discount stores (like H and M) have just terrible fabric (although I'm fine with H and M for a lot of things). Also, is it possible to find LINED sweater dresses, or do I have to wear a slip?

Suzanne D'Amato: I'd suggest going as cheap as you can because this is a very trendy look that may not have much staying power beyond this season. Perhaps Express would be an option worth considering? I'm not sure if theirs are lined. You might also try a more pricey option such as Muleh or Blush; a lot of fall clothes are on major discount right now.

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Janet Bennett Kelly: Wow, that hour went by quickly. Thank you all for submitting your questions and special thanks to the men who chimed in. We'll be back next week. In the meantime, read our new Winter Fashion & Beauty section for hints on party wear, makeup and skincare suggestions and lots of ideas for gifts.

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washingtonpost.com: Winter Fashion and Beauty

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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.