Talking fashion: Holiday wear, Mad Men garments, patterned tights, shoe care and Ann Taylor's new look

Janet Bennett Kelly and Holly Thomas answered your fashion questions on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

You can find previous Talking Fashion Live Q&As here.

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Janet Bennett Kelly: It's a gloomy Tuesday, but we're here (at our new time) to brighten it up by taking your questions and hearing your tips on all things fashion- and beauty-related. Goodies today are an EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone makeup bag and an organic cranberry-cassis shower gel from Melvita. Ready to go? Let's get on with the show!

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Chicago: I love the over-the-knee boots look and the way they make me feel so confident. What's the best way to wear them in the office---I could definitely use their feeling of confidence at work.

Holly Thomas: I think the answer depends mainly on your work environment -- what looks fashion-forward and edgy in a creative office can be over-the-top in a more conservative venue. If you decide to try it out, I'd recommend pairing over-the-knee boots with opaque tights and a dress or skirt that hits just above the knee. Look to French Vogue's Carine Roitfeld as an example -- she makes over-the-knee boots look incredibly chic and classy.

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Washington, DC: This holiday season I will be attending a few galas. My style is somewhat conventional, but I like to add a touch of edge/rocker glam in everything I wear. What is a good way to add a touch of edge to my holiday attire without looking too casual?

Holly Thomas: Changing up your shoes and jewelry is the easiest (and most budget-friendly) way to add a little rock-and-roll flair to your outfits. Look for solid metal studded bangles (I spotted some awesome ones at Lou Lou in Dupont recently) or a chunky metal cocktail ring. For shoes, opt for patent leather or metallic finishes, and keep an eye out for details like zippers, matte metal accents and artful studding.

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Columbia Heights, DC: A couple of weeks ago, you took a question from a poster who wanted to learn how to knit so she'd have something to do while her boyfriend watched football. If she's still out there, I have some suggestions for her. If you don't have a family member or friend who can teach you, there are many yarn stores in the area, all of which have beginning knitting classes. In DC, there's Stitch DC on 8th Street SE; there's also Knit Happens and Fibre Space in Alexandria; and A Tangled Skein in Hyattsville; and Knit + Stitch = Bliss in downtown Bethesda. I don't know the websites off the top of my head, but Google will know. As far as books go, Stitch & Bitch by Debbie Stoller has a pretty good techniques section, although I think knitting is one of those things you really have to be shown how to do. Also, one more thing: if you really want to learn, don't give up. Knitting is not difficult, but like any other skill, you have to practice. Hope this helps!

Holly Thomas: Some very helpful advice for novice knitters ...

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Cleveland Park, D.C.: I recently bought two cashmere sweaters and I want to make them last (and keep their shape, fit, etc.) as long as possible. What is the best way to store them? How should I clean them? How often? Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: I wrap my cashmere sweaters up in tissue paper, and so far, it seems to work. Hand wash delicate fabrics like cashmere with a gentle soap like Dreft (some people like the Laundress line of detergents; J Crew also has something just for cashmere) and dry flat. Don't dry clean!

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20009: Hi there,

My housemates, a couple neighbors and I were planning to dress up like the von Trapp children for Halloween. But none of us have done any successful research and it's on Saturday! No luck on lederhosen or bodices at the Washington Opera Sale. We don't want to pay much, under $10 or $20 if at all possible, just to make this more challenging. Any thoughts? Should we make other plans?

Holly Thomas: What a cute idea! I'd start scouring thrift shops for corsets/bustiers, then you can add some ribbon and a peasant-style blouse to make them work as bodices. The guys should look around for Boy Scout-style shorts (i.e., short and generally unflattering) and add suspenders for DIY lederhosen. Definitely check out the Unique Thrifts in Wheaton and Falls Church, and maybe Value Village in College Park -- as a backup, you'll probably find some choir robes that you can turn into a fun group costume.

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McLean, Va.: Why is it that whenever I buy new blush or lipstick shades at make-up counter (say Clinique or Benefit), they always want me to make a decision on whether or not the color would look good on me based on how it looks on the salesgirl's arm or hand? If I prod, they might let me put blush or lipstick on my hand, which is definitely not the same tone as my face. How are you supposed to make a good decision based on some girl's faux tanned arm??

Holly Thomas: Have you tried going to Sephora? They carry an abundance of brands and the stores have stands with disposable mascara brushes and eye shadow applicators, as well as cotton swabs/pads, makeup remover and tissues so that you can try products to your heart's content.

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Shoes, please: I'm going to a Halloween wedding in L.A. this weekend. My dress is dark dark navy, with a wide orange border at the hem and at the top, with orange spaghetti straps. I got it at anthropologie a few years ago. What color shoes should I wear? Last time I wore the dress, at a summer wedding, I wore nude wedge sandals. Does that work? Thank you!

Holly Thomas: Nude wedge sandals sound fine to me, but if you want to freshen up the look for fall, why not try a pretty gold pump or sandal?

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Fairfax, Va.: Where is a good place to get men's dress shirts? Hopefully not too expensive.

Most normal fitting ones have way too much fabric and there seems to be only a small selection of fitted shirts, if there are even any. Is there a good place for skinnier folks?

Holly Thomas: For slim-cut shirts on a budget, I recommend scoping out the European fast-fashion chains -- H&M, Zara, Reiss and Sisley are good places to start.

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Tights City: I love the patterned tights that are popular right now. Is it too much to wear them w/a patterned skirt? Thanks.

Janet Bennett Kelly: You can wear patterned tights with a patterned skirt, but you have to be careful that it doesn't wind up looking too busy. Keep a balance between the two. If the skirt has a lot of color and pattern, choose tights that pick up one of the hues in the skirt but doesn't overwhelm it. If the skirt is a simple pattern, you can have more fun with the tights. Hope that helps.

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Cambridge, Mass: Two shoe questions: I have a pair of gold flats from J. Crew that somehow got a bunch of scratches on them. The scratches aren't deep, but the gold is rubbed off in those places. Is there any way to fix them?

I also have a pair of Frye boots that I love, but never wear because they are so uncomfortable and give me blisters on my heels and ankles whenever I wear them. I can't figure out exactly what is wrong with the fit. Any ideas? Thanks!

Holly Thomas: You might be able to touch up those scratches with a bit of gold lacquer, but entrusting a shoe-repair professional with that task might be a better bet. For the boots, are you wearing socks/tights with them? If so, I'd take them to a cobbler and explain where you're getting blisters -- a good cobbler should be able to stretch them, or at least suggest insoles or pads that will make them more comfortable.

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Washington, DC: I've been searching for a wide brimmed red hat (sort of along the lines of an Indiana Jones-esque hat, but feminine) that's affordable. Any ideas where I could look? Department stores are only turning up fedoras or stocking caps, neither of which fit the bill (pun intended). Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: My go-to place to find affordable anything is usually Loehmann's or Filene's. Both have big accessories departments, so you might be able to find that wide-brim hat in red at one of them. I know that Proper Topper stocks a large variety of hats in their stores in Dupont Circle and Georgetown and on their Web site. In fact, I just saw a couple that might fit the bill for you, although they were fairly pricey. Check out the stores and see what you can find. I'm loving the idea of hats myself this season and just found an old one that I intend on resurrecting!

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McLean, Va.: Any idea where a girl can find genuine vintage "Mad Men"-era foundation garments? Me in a bullet bra would rock my husband's world.

Janet Bennett Kelly: I don't know if The Remix on Capitol Hill would stock that sort of thing, but you could definitely ask. Another option would be Annie Creamcheese in Georgetown.

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Christmas in Paris and meeting boyfriend's parents: Oh please help! I am in the enviable position of spending two weeks in Paris during the Christmas holidays. But, rather than luxuriating in that fact, I am quite nervous that I will be meeting my boyfriend's family for the first time. While my boyfriend thinks I dress elegantly, I know that his sister and mother are quite fashion-forward -- even by Parisian standards. Any tips on winter wear there? I don't aim to be the trendiest person there, but would like to make a good impression.

Also, the evening I arrive in Paris I will be going to a wedding. My boyfriend assures me that it is informal and full of young people, so I need not worry about codified dress. But, I am not sure what I should wear for evening winter weddings.

Thanks. Your advice is appreciated.

Holly Thomas: This sounds like a holiday romantic comedy in the making ... in a good way! Where the family is concerned, I'd aim to be comfortable, classic and chic -- cashmere sweaters, pretty scarves, bold jewelry, some great-fitting jeans and/or trousers, flat boots ... and a standout winter coat to top it off. Sticking with simple basics and thoughtful accessories is a good rule of thumb when you're traveling. For an evening winter wedding, an elegant black cocktail dress is a safe bet -- dress it up with great metallic or colorful shoes and fun jewelry. Have a lovely time!

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NoVA: I'm getting ready for a foreign vacation that will involve a lot of walking. I have narrow, flat feet and bunions. I want comfortable shoes that don't scream TOURIST! like athletic shoes do. Do you have suggestions on brands and where to find them?

Thanks!!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Cole Haan's Nike Air brand would do the trick. You can find them at Cole Haan stores as well as at department stores. Nordstrom sells Geox, which are known for comfort as well, and they don't scream tourist. And even Aerosoles carries some styles that you wouldn't be embarrassed wearing abroad.

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DC: RE: fem Indiana Jones hat

I would try etsy or ebay for a hat like that. I've found that Filene's/Loehmans stock church lady hats vs. what the original poster was looking for

Holly Thomas: A vote for Etsy or eBay for the chatter looking for a red hat ...

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Arlington, Va.: Help! I sent a wool accordion pleat skirt to the dry cleaner and it came back two-dimensional (though with pleat-lines preserved). I'm not excited about spending an hour or more doing the tricky ironing to restore the shape - any other suggestions?

Holly Thomas: I'd take it back to the dry cleaner -- they should have preserved the shape the first time around, so explain the situation and see if they'll do it for you. This type skirt is probably more expensive to dry clean than a basic A-line skirt, but I think they should have explained to you in the beginning that they wouldn't re-pleat it once it was cleaned.

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Baltimore: Thanks for taking my question. I love these chats, they're the highlight of my Tuesdays. My question is, can you wear tights/hose with peep toe shoes? I thought I read somewhere that it's ok as long as you wear a color/pattern and not nude hose. And what about stocking socks with peep toes when you're wearing pants?

Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: Hi, Baltimore,

Personally, I'm not a fan of tights with peep-toe shoes. The whole purpose of peep-toes in my mind is to showcase a pretty pedi. But I agree that wearing a color or pattern is a whole lot better than nude hose.

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Tourist Walking Shoes: For the chatter looking for comfortable, walking shoes that aren't touristy looking what about some of those fashionable, slimmer, sleeker tennis shoes. Nike and Puma make some sneakers (I call them feakers b/c they are fake sneakers) that are really comfortable and quite fashionable. Plus, they'd be easy to travel with since they are lighter and slimmer than traditional athletic shoes.

Holly Thomas: Thanks for the suggestion -- both Nike and Puma make low-profile sneakers and sporty ballet flats that are good for traveling.

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DC metro: I am looking for pencil skirts in gray, black, dark red in a lightweight wool. I'm petite and I want them to hit just above the knee and wear with patterned hose, boots, heels, etc. I cannot seem to find a decent quality skirt in my usual haunts (discount stores like marshalls, tj, loehmanns), any wallet friendly suggestions?

Janet Bennett Kelly: How about looking at Banana Republic or Club Monaco -- you might be able to snag something at one of their sales, which seem to be happening all the time nowadays.

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Arlington, Va.: I'm a big fan of wearing turtlenecks when the weather turns cooler, but I'm not sure about folding the neck over or leaving it standing up. Which is better?

Holly Thomas: Leave it standing up -- it'll make your neck look longer and it gives off a more natural, relaxed vibe. A folded-down turtleneck always makes me think of school-picture day in middle school ... for what it's worth.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi ladies,

I've seen so many people in cute, classy trench coats recently, and I reallllllly want one....that won't break the bank. Any suggestions? Are department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom's the best bets? Also, I can't decide if it should be black (always classic), khaki/camel (so I could wear with everything and in the spring too), or red (because red's just so much fun). Help! Thanks!

Janet Bennett Kelly: I'm partial to khaki for trench coats, just because you can wear it in spring and fall and into early winter and longer (if it's lined). Black is a harder sell in the spring. For ones on the affordable side, look at Banana, Tommy Hilfiger and Liz Claiborne (I think she was showing one with a leopard lining).

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Denver: I recently bought a fitted dark velvet blazer from Martin + Osa (half-price!). It's beautiful, but I'm not sure what to wear with it to best show it off. Little help?

Love the chats.

Holly Thomas: Sounds lovely! It will look great over a brightly colored cocktail dress, or a crisp white shirt and black trousers if you're going for a more androgynous, "le smoking" vibe. Or try it layered over a ruffled, feminine top with slim jeans and high boots.

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Cleveland: What can you tell me about caring for suede shoes/boots? I'm eyeing a pair of suede boots, but I live in a very snowy, salty/ice-melty locale, so I don't want to waste my money if I have to be super careful with them. Do the sprays/protectants work well?

Janet Bennett Kelly: If you intend to wear them out in the snow and ice, I'd say you'd be wasting your money on real suede because you would have to be very careful. There is a brand called Aquatalia that makes suede boots that wear well in the rain, etc. I'm pretty sure the company has a Web site.

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Clifton, Va. : Mad Men foundation garments

Try www.stockingirl.com

and www.secretsinlace.com they have bullet bras

Also try agent Provocatuer.

My girlfriend loves this stuff.

Holly Thomas: Thanks for the very good suggestions!

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Washington, DC: For the girl whose boots give her blisters, a friend of mine recently told me that you can easily stretch shoes at home... with ice! You just place zip lock bag of water in your shoes and then freeze them. The idea is that the water expands as it freezes, stretching your shoes. You just have to make sure not to fill the bags too full of water (you don't want it to burst and get your shoes wet). Then, you just let it thaw a bit so you can pull them out!

Janet Bennett Kelly: I have a better suggestion: Do not buy shoes that are too small on you. It's always a bad idea.

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DC: Re: accordion pleat skirts

I have a dress with accordion pleats that needed cleaning, I took it to numerous places and they all refused to re-press the pleats. Even Parkway cleaners (which work wonders on all sorts of clothes) refused. They explained that there is one place in the garment district in NYC that will do it but its expensive ($100+). Ridiculous in my opinion, when the dress didn't even cost that. Once I learned that I stopped buying that style of dress/skirt.

Holly Thomas: That does seem a bit absurd ... for the chatter with the accordion-pleat skirt, looks like an hours' worth of ironing might be your only option.

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Shoes Too Big!: Hello - In the past, I've made the mistake of buying shoes that seemed a bit too large for me in the store, because they were on sale and only available in the larger size, etc. Unfortunately, these shoes that seemed just a bit too large in the store seem to be GIGANTIC once I get them home and try to wear them - I mean, I'm actually walking out of some of them! Is there anything that can be done to rectify the situation? I've gotten all kinds of pads and insoles to help (I'm very loyal to my shoes), but I've realized that wearing too-big shoes can be just as uncomfortable as wearing shoes that are too small!

Holly Thomas: If you've already tried pads and insoles, I'm not sure there's much else you can do -- if they're in good shape, try consigning them to recoup a bit of money. And the next time you feel tempted to buy shoes that feel a little too big, resist!

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Washington, DC: Good morning!

I love cheap jewelry, but my sensitive skin breaks out in hives when it comes into contact with most Target jewelry. Is there anywhere in the District or online that sells reasonably priced necklaces that are better quality? Thank you!

Janet Bennett Kelly: My colleague is a big fan of the chain Forever 21. Also, there's Legendary Beast on U Street, where you might be able to snag a deal on a necklace. How about trying etsy.com, too?

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Washington, DC: Hi ladies, this is more of a comment than question but is anyone else as disappointed as I am with the new direction that Ann Taylor is taking? I find the pieces this season to be far too trendy, shapeless, casual and dull in color. I love Ann Taylor because its classic pieces have a bit of a fashion twist each season but fit and can be worn from year-to-year. Maybe it's just me, but if other stores are as empty (of shoppers) as the ones I've been in lately, I may not be alone in my critique.

Holly Thomas: I'm actually pleased with the new direction, but I will say this -- when I walked into an Ann Taylor store in Atlanta a few weeks ago, it felt VERY Club Monaco (which obviously makes sense, given the new designer). I saw some classic pieces, but definitely not as many -- maybe try supplementing your AT trips with stops at Banana Republic and J Crew for those year-to-year pieces.

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Bethesda, Md.: What do I wear with a black cocktail dress so I don't look like I'm at a funeral?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Some sexy stilettos or sandals and statement jewelry. Don't know what the neckline of your dress looks like, but depending, you can try a big necklace or some long earrings with lots of shine.

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Underwire working its way out: For the bra poster last week with the quality issues - how are you washing them? Throwing them in the washing machine is stressful on delicates - Hand washing will prolong their lives.

Janet Bennett Kelly: Exactly. If you want to preserve the life of your bra, definitely go the hand-wash route.

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Rockville, Md.: I am going to a formal wedding Oct 31 in Palm Beach, FL. I am wearing metallic pewter sandals with a long dress. Do I wear stockings or not?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Nix the stockings. Palm Beach will be warm enough to go without!

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Janet and Holly -- thanks so much for all your good advice.

I have to go to a black-tie awards dinner next month where I'll be the younger person in the room (other than my date) by about 30 years. I have a formal black cocktail dress that I love, but I'm struggling with shoes. I'm thinking I should liven up the outfit with a color, but any suggestions? The complicating factor is that I hardly ever wear heels because I have super-sensitive feet, so I'd love a recommendation for a comfy brand. I was planning to splurge for a pair of the Cole Haan Airs, but they only have boring colors!

And I assume the answer is yes, but are stockings a must?

Holly Thomas: First off, stockings are definitely not a must -- wear your lovely dress and a beautiful winter coat to keep warm while you're outside, and leave the nylons at home. A colorful low-heel pump would add some youthful panache to your outfit -- personally, I always turn to Seychelles in these scenarios, but the J Crew website has some very pretty options with modest heels. If you decide to go with flats, opt for a metallic or brightly-colored pair, or one with lots of crystal or metal embellishments.

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Coat Update: Would like to update 2 very plain coats (one black, one red) by changing buttons. Any ideas on what sort to put on? The current buttons are plastic and same color as coat. Was thinking gold or brushed silver or maybe something really kooky, like animal print?

Janet Bennett Kelly: Good idea. I think gold buttons with the red coat would be fun and a leopard print with the black coat would add some snap.

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Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks for joining us today and sharing your questions and advice. The Columbia Heights chatter who offered tips for novice knitters get the EcoTools makeup bag and to the guy who recommended sites for Mad Men foundation garments, we'll find you an alternative to the cranberry shower gel. Send us an e-mail with your name and address to fashion@washpost.com. 'Til next Tuesday.

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