Talking fashion: Wide calf boots, fall nail polish colors, cute winter coats, plus sizes and 'downsizing'

Janet Bennett Kelly and Holly Thomas answered your fashion questions on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

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

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Holly Thomas: Welcome to Talking Fashion on this gorgeous fall day! Janet Bennett Kelly is out so it's just you and me, chatters ... let's talk fall fashion, new beauty goodies and the most (and least) stylish Halloween costumes you saw over the weekend. As always, the best tips/suggestions get prizes -- today we have a MAC holiday eyeshadow palette in Devil May Care and my own new obsession, Clinique's Deep Comfort hand and cuticle cream.

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Baltimore: Good Morning I am sure you get this question every year. Where can I find boots for wide calves? I would love to wear some fashionable boots this year. Thanks.

Holly Thomas: I just did a quick search on Zappos.com for "wide calf boot" and turned up 331 options, ranging from cute flat suede styles in red, purple and olive green to the traditional high-heeled dress boot. Chatters, any other tried-and-true brands for extended-calf boots?

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Arlington, Va.: I really love reading your chat, and am excited that it now appears weekly! 2 items for you today -- first, is there any way to salvage patent leather that has been scratched or has black or white scuff marks? I've heard using windex works but am not sure. Or are my favorite red patent leather shoes just ruined?

Also, I wanted to let you know that this fall I found a TON of new work clothes from the Limited. Having dismissed this store about 8 years ago during college, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the quality is still good, the clothes are stylish and not cheap looking, and very work appropriate. I got a multitude of new skirts, suits, and cute tops. They are also ALWAYS having a special sale, like half off pants, coupon codes when you sign up for emails, and I scored 3 new suits with a special they had back in September -- by any suit jacket full price, get the bottoms (pants or skirt) for free!

Holly Thomas: For the first half of your Q, I've heard suggestions for Vaseline, non-acetone nail polish remover and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers for removing scuff marks. Scratches might be a little tougher to repair, but if you're really in a bind and the scratches are small, you might try a red marker for a quick touch-up. And thank you for the suggestion for The Limited ... I haven't visited one recently but maybe I'm due for a trip!

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fun fall weather: Hi, ladies! I just wanted to let you guys know about my favorite fashion blog... it's this awesome girl who posts a picture nearly every day of her wardrobe (mostly thrifted, but usually affordable looks). She's inspired me to take those summer dresses, combine with a thing turtleneck/tights/boots/cardi/sweater and make it look fabulous!

On a sidenote, Target has some GREAT boots right now that are slight wedges, about $30, come in brown-grey-black, and are AWESOME for walking around town. I live in Boston, and they're great on the cobblestones!

Holly Thomas: Thanks for the tips -- comfy boots are always good, and I love discovering new blogs! It's very inspiring to see how fashionable types express their personal style every day.

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Maryland: Help - I got a work outfit out to wear in this fallish weather. I like it, a skirt and sweater, fall colors but lightweight enough to wear in an overheated office.

This year the skirt looks so long. It's a few inches above my ankles. Looking around on the subway this morning I did not see anyone who wasn't old and frumpy in a skirt that length - and while I may be "old" I'm not frumpy!

This was a petite size so I know that skirts have shortened over the past years --- it's just been this year where I've noticed it.

It has a self-fabric bias-type flounce/ruffle at the bottom. I think it can be shortened without losing the slight flare it has - I'm guessing close to 5 inches.

Should I reattach the flounce?

Holly Thomas: I have to agree with you -- ankle-length skirts are difficult to wear without looking frumpy. Depending on the cut of the skirt, I'd try having it hemmed to just below the knee in a pencil or A-line silhouette. And ditch the flounce, unless you absolutely love it.

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Washington, DC : I'm having a hard time figuring out what I can wear with my cropped motorcycle jacket. It's shorter than my shirts and I worry it looks silly with a shirt hanging out the bottom. Is this ok? Usually I feel less silly if I leave it unzipped, but what if I'm really cold?

Holly Thomas: A cropped moto jacket looks great with dresses and tunic-length sweaters and tops, and for super-casual wear, try it with longer-length t-shirts and tanks. I think the key to pulling off any type of cropped jacket is to create a strong visual contrast between the lengths of your top and jacket. I'd avoid pairing it with tops that hit right at your waist, which will make the jacket look too small instead of cute and cropped.

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Arlington, Va.: Wide-calf boots... I have a hard time with this also. When all else fails, I go for some lace up boots that allow for any size calf. I have about 3 pairs - all totally different styles - and love them!!!

Holly Thomas: A vote for lace-up boots for the chatter looking for wide-calf styles ...

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Washington, DC: First of all, thank you for these chats, they're GREAT! I have my staple two nail polish colors I stick with for fall, one of them being Lincoln Park After Dark by OPI... but I'm seeing it EVERYWHERE.. is there a new trend of Fall colors that are feminine/attractive/UNIQUE!? thank you!

Holly Thomas: Lincoln Park After Dark is one of my all-time favorites -- I think I could actually choose it from a lineup with my eyes closed! My new favorite color for fall/winter is Essie's Mint Candy Apple, which is the best take on Chanel's uber-trendy jade polish I've seen so far. Pale green polish isn't for everyone, but it feels new and chic on short, rounded nails. Currently, I'm wearing Essie's fall polish in Mink Muffs, which is a pretty, muted cocoa -- maybe a better choice more conservative work settings.

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Wide Calf boots...: duoboots.com offers a huge array of calf sizes. They're not cheap, but the wide calf reader is probably happy to plunk down the cash for boots that fit. J Crew also has wide calf boots. (I love Mac cosmetics by the way!)

Holly Thomas: I've heard good things about DuoBoots -- thanks!

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Re: wide calf boots: Lane Bryant carries wide calf boots (and wide width) that are wider than those typically found at DSW or Zappos (greater than 14-15").

Holly Thomas: Another boot tip -- this time for Lane Bryant.

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Washington, DC: I am due for a new winter coat! Yesterday I did a 'preliminary' shop and visited the 4th floor at Macy's. I'm ideally looking for a red/charcoal/black wool coat with a hood and an interesting empire waist with toggles, snaps or buttons that can carry me through the low 30s-mid 40s. I've already got a long down coat with a hood for the realllly cold weather but my pea coat that has been with me for many years is worn out. All of the coats that fit this hooded description at Macy's were $300+ which is way far out of my non-profitnik budget. Do you have any suggestions as to where I should look for a warm/good quality/stylish new winter coat? Based on the $300 price tags, am thinking of heading to Value Village in Laurel but am wondering about some other, more dc-based ideas. ;) Thanks!

Holly Thomas: It sounds like you're looking for something very unique, so my first thought is to say head to your nearest vintage/thrift shop and look around. Try Remix, Annie Creamcheese and Meeps for the biggest selection in the District, and if you have access to a car, the Unique Thrift stores in Falls Church, Silver Spring and Wheaton usually have pretty good options. Definitely head out there on a Monday or Tuesday, when the newest stock is just hitting shelves.

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Extended Calf Boots: I recently bought a pair of regular boots from J Crew, and I noticed that a wide variety of their styles come in extended calf.

The pair that I bought are great quality and quite comfy!

Holly Thomas: J. Crew for wide-calf boots ... thanks!

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Plus size late 20's help: I'm really hoping you guys can help me out. I'm a 29/female who's a size 14-16. I've tried finding really cute clothing in the stores with NO luck. Places like Layne Bryant make me look old, Macy's plus is frumpy, others look like I'm wearing a moo-moo.

I tend to really like New York and Company/Express/Banana Republic but the tops are a little too small.

Where's a late 20's girl supposed to shop? I don't want to spend a lot of money either since I'm actively working out and plan on losing this extra baggage.

Holly Thomas: Have you tried Forever 21's Faith 21 collection? The pieces I've seen in stores and online are cute, age-appropriate and definitely budget-friendly.

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202: In past years, I've found that most knee high boots did not fit my ice skating muscled calves.... however, to my surprise this year I found that many boots from Banana Republic to the new Nine West vintage America Brand, to Enzo A are fitting easily. For the first time, I've actually gotten to wear boots over jeans. I think that many boot makers have finally gotten the hint about the real sizes of women's calves. Also - I have to say, I buckled down and got a pair of the Nine West Vintage America 'Fiddler' boots from endless.com ($40 cheaper than retail at the mall) and they are SO bouncy and comfortable, great great boots!

Holly Thomas: I'm a fan of the Nine West Vintage America collection, and have been online-stalking the "Takedown" boot for quite a while. Thanks for the firsthand info!

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Downsizing: I've been losing quite a bit of weight over the last year (hurray!) The challenge is my wardrobe. I want clothes that fit well, i.e not too baggy, but I can't afford to completely overhaul my closet every 3-4 months. How do I know when it's time to replace an item, vs. just use a belt?

Holly Thomas: Maybe instead of overhauling completely, you could try taking a handful of items to the tailor every few months? That will save you a bit of money (versus buying all new pieces) -- plus, if you take a different assortment of clothing each time, it will be like a brand-new wardrobe every couple months. I'd only spend money to tailor pieces you can get a lot of use out of, though -- otherwise, try pairing dresses with lightweight sweaters and cardigans and cinching them with a belt to extend your current wardrobe.

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Um no J Crew: J Crew wide calf boots are 15 inches around. As opposed to their normal 13 1/2, which seriously? Anyways, I'm in the wide calf category and my legs are about 16 1/2 inches around so J Crew gets a thumbs down from me. It would be great if the wide calf options on Zappos said their circumference, not many of them do making shopping more difficult.

Holly Thomas: I just clicked on several of Zappos' wide-calf options, and they all gave circumference info -- the largest I found was 16.25", but more digging might turn up wider versions.

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Re: unique coat: This may not exactly be what the person looking for a unique coat is looking for (no hood) but Ann Taylor Loft has a wool coat with an empire waist for under $200: Brushed Wool Bell Sleeve Coat. They could always change out the buttons.

Holly Thomas: For the chatter looking for a unique winter coat, a tip for one from Ann Taylor. Thanks!

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Arlington, Va.: For the cute coat hunter-- I found an adorable semi-cold weather Betsey Johnson coat (toggles and all!) at Marshall's in Pentagon City. The selection AND the prices are pretty great-- I paid $100.

Holly Thomas: Great find! Hope our chatter has similar luck...

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DC: To Ugg or not to Ugg, that is the question....

When is it (or IS it!?) okay to wear Uggs without giving off a trashy Paris Hilton impression?

Holly Thomas: Ahh, the eternal question ... I'm sticking with my opinion that Uggs are for wearing after a day of skiing/snowboarding/other snow-related activities, and that's it. They're not for walking to work with a nice skirt suit or wearing to the grocery store with sweatpants. Opt for cute ballet flats or low-heeled boots instead. Unless you're Paris Hilton, in which case ... I can't help you.

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McLean, Va: A previous poster posed the same patent leather question. I had the same problem and was excited to try out the solutions when I got home on a nude pair of patent pumps. The windex did not work. The non-acetone nail polish remover did.

Piperlime carries a brand called Gabor which has a great riding boot in extended calf. A friend of mine ordered the J. Crew Nottingham in an extended calf and although you pair more them was EXTREMELY happy with them. Good luck! I know it can be very frustrating to try and get your jeans and your muscular calf into a pair of knee high boots.

For the poster looking for a winter coat. I would suggest that if you found a coat you LOVE at Macy's to sign up for their emails. They are constantly running sales before it gets super cold out. I usually get a new winter coat at one of the major Dept stores and save about 30% off it's already reduced price with a coupon pre-snow days.

Holly Thomas: Someone is gunning for the prize! Thanks for all the helpful tips :)

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Plus Size Late 20's:: Me too! I wear a 14/16. I mix and match my wardrobe by going to places like Lane Bryant (for tees and camis, not bedazzled shirts), Talbots for jackets and suits (they carry all size ranges including Petite Plus and their stuff is more updated than it used to be) and Land's End for a variety of sweaters and casual pants. I have bought my best suits at Nordstroms using both the women's and the petite departments.

Holly Thomas: For the late-20's chatter looking for fashionable plus-size items, votes for Lane Bryant, Talbots and Land's End.

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Re Downsizing: A friend of mine passed on this sage advice, which definitely helped while I was "downsizing" my body.

Get fitted every three months or so (when you notice a considerable loss) for a new bra. It is amazing how working out can make things shift. Make sure that no matter what, your foundation garments (including underwear and basic t-shirts/shells/layering tops) fit.

I realized that with these tweaks, I didn't feel like I needed a complete overhaul. When I got to the point where I wasn't looking to lose more weight, I splurged... It was the most rewarding feeling.

Plus, I felt like a whole new person, and like I had earned the wardrobe overhaul!

Holly Thomas: Great advice! Wearing a bra that fits properly can make a significant difference in how you look and feel in your clothes. On a side note, a friend recently went to The Full Cup for a fitting and came back full of praise for the boutique's service and the overall experience.

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Nice turtlenecks?: I have recently discovered your chats and find them so useful! I would like to get a few sleek, fitted turtlenecks in basic colors that I can wear layered with jackets, sweaters, etc. Any good sources for those made out of a thinner jersy material with a sleek fit, versus the bulky ones I wore in 5th grade? Thanks!

Holly Thomas: Start with BCBG, Benetton and Club Monaco stores, which all carry thin, lightweight turtleneck sweaters that should be just right for the look you're describing.

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Columbia, Md.: Just bought my winter coat at Lord & Taylor on Sun, almost 50% off! Coupons, sales.

Holly Thomas: Lord & Taylor for a winter coat on sale ... thanks!

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Washington, DC: I'm wearing chocolate brown pants with a light pink sweater. It looked like it matched this morning, but now I'm doubting myself. I'm new to brown. Does this match? Thanks.

Holly Thomas: I think you should be safe in this combo. Brown is neutral enough to pair with practically anything, but I think it looks best with pale pastels (baby blue, soft pink and lavender are good) and richer earth tones. Maybe steer clear of green to avoid comparisons to a tree. Or Robin Hood.

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Holly Thomas: Thank you all for the excellent questions and suggestions today! And now, the winners -- the chatter who pointed us to her favorite new fashion blog will get the Clinique hand cream. And the MAC eyeshadow goes to the chatter with suggestions for scuffed shoes, wide-calf boots AND winter coats. Email fashion@washpost.com with your name and address and the prizes are in the mail!

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