Suzanne D'Amato: Good afternoon. Janet and I are here to talk about the do's and don'ts of summer fashion. Whether you're looking for work clothes, outdoor party clothes, or anything in between, we've got suggestions to keep you covered in style this season.
And while we're on the subject of work clothes, check out Sunday Source's recent feature on getting outfitted for the office. (Link to follow.)
As always, we have some beauty products to give away to the two chatters with the best/funniest/most insightful questions or comments: A gaggle of Clinique lip glosses, and a trio of lipsticks by Lancome, all in great, summery hues. At the end of the hour, we'll announce who's won our little contest.
Let's get started!
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Starting from Scratch: Any tips for assembling a professional wardrobe from scratch? I'm switching from five years of stay-at-home momhood in Northern California (flip flops and T-shirts) to a fairly formal office environment in the Midwest (not suits every day, but just a step or two down).
I would love advice for what are the building blocks of a professional wardrobe, what colors and styles are most versatile, etc. etc., as well as stories from any chatters who have made similar transitions.
Thanks!
Suzanne D'Amato: I'd start by investing in a few pairs of beautifully made slacks in a not-too-exaggerated bootcut or wide-leg shape. I like black and navy myself, but choose whichever colors you turn to the most. Seven for all Mankind Then supplement that with one to two blazers that will coordinate with your slacks without matching them exactly. Blouses are one place where you can skimp, financially speaking: Most of the time, your shirt will be under your blazer and few folks will be able to tell whether it's Old Navy or Phillip Lim.
Any tips from other chatters?
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Chantilly, Va.: My high school graduation ceremony is coming up in a couple of weeks and I was wondering what an appropriate outfit would be and if you had any budget-friendly suggestions (I'm looking to spend $50 or less). I know that I'd like to get a dress that I would be able to use again in the future, and I'm open to most styles and colors. I'd really appreciate it if you could help me out.
Suzanne D'Amato: I saw some lovely dresses at Forever 21 this weekend. There are a few polka-dotted styles that would be very sweet for a high school graduation. One was a sleeveless shift with chic ruffles at the bodice; the other a round-collared shirtdress, available in both navy and black. Take a look!
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Adams Morgan: Without getting in a debate over whether men should wear shorts or not, what color shirts would go well with seer sucker shorts - other than the obvious white or navy that is? I was thinking a pale pink, but am worried that is going to look way too preppy for me.
Suzanne D'Amato: Well, seersucker shorts are inherently preppy -- there's no point in fighting the prep by pairing your shorts with a Fugazi T-shirt. But you do have options other than pink, for sure. What about sky blue, or yellow, or bright red?
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Arlington, Va.: I wanted to let you know about a new website I just came across that I thought was really cool. It seems very unique and I for one am happy to see something so different that not everybody is going to be wearing. It's called Good Jeans and it basically takes old jean jackets and lines them with silk scarves. I like the idea of taking something you already own and turning it into something new. It's a great 'green' idea and reclyling concept. Anyway, I know you guys are always on the cutting edge of fashion so I thought you should know about it. The website is www.goodjeanscompany.com. Thank you, A Source Reader
Suzanne D'Amato: Sounds like someone who wants to win our contest...thanks for the tip!
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Washington, D.C.: In the last chat, there was discussion of keeping pants from dragging while wearing flats to walk to work. I have a suggestion. Dansko clogs have a few inches height to them due to wooden soles, enough to mitigate dragging pants hems. They are very comfortable; chefs and others who work on their feet wear them all day. I've worn Dansko clogs to walk up to five miles while sightseeing. If you're a stilleto wearer, they won't be something you'd wear all day, but they'd make a great commuting shoe.
Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for the suggestion! If they mesh with your sartorial proclivities, these could be a fine choice.
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Swimwear: I'm kind of intrigued by this retro-ish one-piece trend I have been seeing a lot in swimwear sections recently. But I imagine this style won't be popular for too long, so I'm reluctant to spend a lot of money if it's something I'll only end up wearing one season. Do you have any suggestions as to where I can shop for one? Places like forever 21 or H&M, my usual standbys for uber-trendy and cheap items, don't seem to have what I'm looking for. Thanks!
Suzanne D'Amato: You're not spotting these retro styles in inexpensive stores because they cost more money to manufacture than a teensy string bikini, which has no boning or structure to speak of. If you want to go the retro route, I'd suggest a swimwear- specific store such as Everything But Water, or even the swim section of a lingerie shop such as Sylene. Yes, these places are more pricey, but the good news is that this style is timeless.
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Washington, D.C.: Hi, ladies. I hope you or the chatters can help with this basic question.
What, in the DC metro area, is considered a reasonable price for tailoring? Specifically, for having a tailored women's jacket and trousers taken in? I have lost some weight and would like to have a tailor alter some of my clothes. It's been a very long time since I had anything tailored, therefore I just don't know what's considered a reasonable amount. Is it $15 per piece? $30? $50? What's the range in most people's experience?
Thank you for your help.
Janet Bennett Kelly: Good question. I think that would depend on the extent of the alteration; in other words, does the tailor need to take it in a couple of sizes or is it just a nip and tuck?
Chatters out there have any recent experiences with tailoring?
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Moving to D.C.: I'm moving to D.C., and have a job interview lined up in a week or so. Trouble is, I'm stuck in an Ann Taylor rut. I read your article about cute fashion in out of the way places, but as a girl from a place without some of those resources, how do I look professional without looking like I shopped in the Junior's department?
Suzanne D'Amato: Well, almost all of the places I wrote about exist online, so I'd suggest trying the Web. If not, consider Target, which has long been one of my favorite resources for high style at a low price.
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Washington, D.C.: Why do you think there is so little turnover in fashion styles this year? It seems like we are seeing the same styles that were around last year.
Suzanne D'Amato: Funny you should ask...I wrote a story on this very subject just a few weeks ago! Link to follow...
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Suzanne D'Amato: Here's that link...
washingtonpost.com: In 2008, Everything Old Is New Again (Washington Post, May 18)
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Springfield, Va.: Hello. I have a fuschia bridesmaid dress I'm wearing at the end of June. It's long and entirely fuschia, but the bride may add a lime green sash around the waist. Now what color jewelry should I wear? I was thinking gold but the bride recommended rhinestones or silver. What do you recommend?
Janet Bennett Kelly: I think gold would wind up being too garish for this dress. I'd go with the bride's suggestion of rhinestones or silver, which would tone the colors down some.
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I need work pants, Va.: I have this problems when searching for trousers - fitted at the thigh but gapping at the waist. I thought Theory would have a better line, but I had that problem with it. Any recommendations of other lines or stores I should I try?
Janet Bennett Kelly: Does it help to say you're not alone?! Lots of women have the same problem. On a personal note, I have found that Theory pants don't work for me either, and I've had more luck with Vince, which is about the same price point.
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Alexandria, Va.: Thanks for taking my question. I have to teach classes in Dallas in June. There are some evening events including happy hour and dinner. Is it okay to go to these events wearing my business casual outfits (for example, skirt with sweater/blouse)?
Suzanne D'Amato: Your ensemble sounds perfectly fine to me as is, though you might feel a bit more festive if you swap out your workaday shoes for some more stylish heels or pretty printed flats. Adding a piece of interesting jewelry is another way to lend a bit of fun to an office look. Last, consider bagging your briefcase and toting an oversized clutch instead.
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Cleveland Park, D.C.: Re: Work wardrobe from scratch -- In addition to buying the standard suit pieces, I would throw in a couple of different neutral-colored wrap dresses. They can easily transition from winter to spring etc. depending on whether you wear tights or nude stockings and you can alter stretchy tank tops underneath for variety. Look for Diane von Furstenberg dresses, which often go on sale both on the website and at Saks/Bloomingdales/Nordstrom or, at a lower price point, Banana Republic dresses wear well too.
Suzanne D'Amato: Lots of good ideas here. I'm not personally such a fan of the wrap dress, but many women are, and for good reason: It's extremely flattering to many different figures.
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Arlington, Va.: Ladies, I am still extremely disappointed with the fashion world's treatment of women over a certain size. WHY, in this day and age, are designers jeans still so averse and disgusted by the idea of a heavier woman wearing their clothes? Even "regular" stores still hate making larger sizes. I'm not talking just 14-16, I mean 20-22. Are we supposed to still be ashamed of being who we are and dress ugly until we learn to control ourselves? I am also disappointed that no fashion reporters advocate for larger size clothes...Only thin women deserve pretty things? Gee, thanks -sigh-
Janet Bennett Kelly: Don't give up -- there are Web sites that are geared to women with curves who wear bigger sizes. Have you looked at budgetfashionista.com, kiyonna.com or monif.com??
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NW D.C.: Just wanted to put in a good word for SmartBargains.com. The site has some great bargains and deep discounts for brand name and designer items. I got the Cole Haan "Air Gaby" boat shoe, which was online elsewhere at $155-$175, from SmartBargains.com for only $79. These shoes are fantastic, BTW; a lot like the Tory Burch driving mocs you featured recently. I may just wear these Gabys and nothing else all summer long.
Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks, D.C., that's a great tip!
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Washington, D.C.: Hi, I just got a really nice charcoal gray suit. It has a long- sleeve jacket and pencil skirt, and it's lightweight wool. What color and style tops would go with the suit? What color stockings/tights and shoes? Thanks!
Suzanne D'Amato: Really, the sky's the limit here. For summer, I love jade green, navy and magenta tops with gray. You might also try a printed top that incorporates gray along with other colors. Shoe-wise, you could try a bright pump, or if you're feeling more conservative, a muted metallic would work well too. Even a darker shade of gray, in a contrasting fabric such as patent leather, is worth considering. Just no black, please!
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New D.C. Spot for Women's shoes and clothes?: HI Suzanne and Janet,
I was scanning the Washingtonian and spotted an article on "Great Finds", it mentioned Carbon in Woodley Park. The story revolved around Men's styles, but I saw lot's of Women's shoes in the photo! What's the scoop?
Janet Bennett Kelly: Carbon sells both men's and women's styles. Not sure why The Washingtonian chose to focus on only the men's.
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New York, N.Y. : So I just bought a navy and white abstract flower-print dress to wear to a daytime wedding in June, and I'm stuck on what shoes to wear. Navy just seems too matchy-matchy; I love to wear red with navy but that doesn't really seem to go with the dress. I'm not a huge fan of metallics, but it seems like silver or gold would work.
Janet Bennett Kelly: I, too, am a fan of navy and red, but I think red shoes with a blue-and-white dress might have you looking too much like the flag. The dress sounds as if it has a lot going on, so keep the shoes simple. Maybe white or white patent with some fun detail.
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Tailoring Prices: I'm in the same boat as your earlier chatter...here's what I've found so far as far as alteration costs...lined women's trousers (take in waist & hip) - $40...lined women's skirt (take in waist and hip) - $30. Cut the prices roughly in half if your items aren't lined. Keep in mind that there are some things that canot be altered and still keep their shape, and other things that are not worth altering. An honest tailor should tell you this up front.
My rule of thumb is that if it is less than 2 years old and the original cost was more than double the price of the alterations then I will spend the $$. The only exception to that rule is if I truly, truly love the item and will never be able to find another one like it.
Janet Bennett Kelly: For the chatter in search of guidance on what it costs to alter a jacket or a pair of pants, here are thoughts from a kindred spirit.
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NoVa, Fed: Suzanne,
Perhaps you could comment on the type of woman you have in mind as the intended reader of your fashion columns. I am a young female government employee, and while I get paid fairly well for a single woman, $525 shoes (as in Sunday's article) are simply not in my budget. I would imagine that a lot of "working moms" (referenced in the same article) also don't have room in the budget for shoes that can cost more than a week's worth of groceries. Your penchant for high-cost goods is a very large part of why I rarely read any fashion column in the Post, and am invariably disappointed when I do read them.
Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for writing in. We do our best to keep price points in mind; in fact, that was a large part of the motivation behind this Sunday's package, which featured a $9.99 top, a $10 necklace, a $25 bag and a $48 dress alongside those $525 shoes. At the same time, we want to show readers the spectrum of options that are available to them, which does sometimes mean including more pricey items. If you can believe it, I also hear from readers who complain that our merchandise is too INexpensive -- they want to see more of the luxe designer stuff! It's tough to please everyone.
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Sunday morning wedding: Hello ladies -- love the chats! I'm attending a wedding this Sunday at 11:30 am. It seems from the invite that the ceremony and reception will both take place at the reception hall (no church). I don't know the bride at all (the groom is a friend of the BF) so I really don't have anyone to ask the dresscode question.
I'm wearing a brown v-neck, sleeveless dress, in sort of a tuille fabric. The dress has an off-white/cream flower pattern. My question is about accessories. For shoes, I was planning to wear a pretty gold strappy sandal (3" heel). And to cover my shoulders, I have an off-white/cream faux pashmina. Do you think the wrap and stappy sandals are too formal for a Sunday brunch-hour wedding? If so, what should I do instead? (cartigan and flats?) Thanks for your help!
Suzanne D'Amato: Your wrap and strappy sandals sound lovely to me -- maybe you should be hosting this chat! If you're concerned about looking too formal, you certainly could try flats, or even a kitten heel, which might read a bit more "daytime" than 3-inch gold sandals. But really, I think you've got it all figured out as is.
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Falls Church, Va.: Hi! I'm looking for a couple dresses to accompany me on a trip to Paris this summer. It would be great to have something knee-length or just above that I could wear during the day and dress up a little to go to dinner. I saw plenty of cute knit dresses a month or two ago that would work well, but now I'm not finding any! Places to look? I'm in my late 20s - I want to look cute, not boring. Tips on shoes that are cute but I can walk around Paris in with said dresses and not want to cut my feet off would be much appreciated!
Janet Bennett Kelly: Knit dresses are mostly for spring (and would be great for a trip to Paris because they don't wrinkle), so that's one of the reasons you're not seeing much of them anymore. However, stores are starting their sales and you may find inventory on these dresses if you look around at places like Saks, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's. Also, look around for Cole Haan Nike shoes and there's another brand I've found that's comfortable and on the chic side called Geox.
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For the navy and white daytime wedding dress: What about grass green shoes? It'd be fresh and preppie (very Kate Spade).
Janet Bennett Kelly: If you can find them ...
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Boonies, NY: Thanks for the link! I just read your "Old is New" article, and LOVED the "anti-trend" comment. I've rarely bought anything because it's "in". I tend to lag behind trend-wise - which is a great advantage financially, and by the time I buy, it is already apparent whether that style has staying power. High-waist skirts, for example, didn't buy any last year - looked around and got a good idea about fabric, cut, and fit - and I can score a high-end steal at the outlet. What this means is whatever I have on, I feel good about having waited out the initial rush (and the costume-y looks), having weighed lots of options, and I can look current without giving the impression that I stalk Nordstrom's new arrival racks (you know who those people are)...
Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for the kind words! I thoroughly agree that there's little point in being the "first" to wear a trend. Unless you answer to the name Mary-Kate, Sienna, or similar, you'll just end up broke with a closet of shrugs/Uggs/bubble skirts/you name it that you never wore. If you don't have a limitless budget, why bother?
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Big Girl Jeans: I'm ready to invest my money in something than my "disposable" Old Navy wardrobe. I've read about "trouser" jeans...roomy in the hip and waist and straight down to the leg...where do you ladies suggest looking for good jeans?
Janet Bennett Kelly: The Denim Bar in Arlington and Bethesda carries a good selection as does National Jeans in Bethesda. You could also try Barneys Co-op in Georgetown and Chevy Chase and dept. stores.
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Washington, D.C.: What are your thoughts on Tory Burch Reva flats? I like them but I'm not sure how much staying power they have (fashion-wise, not quality-wise, which I understand is iffy). What about age range? I see them on 16-year-olds. Are they ok for professional 30-somethings as well?
Janet Bennett Kelly: I think these Tory Burch flats are way overexposed. They were cute at first, but I find myself looking at them and yawning.
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McLean, Va.: Suggestions for the person re-entering the workforce... I would opt for plain t's or blouses under a suit jacket and a nice black pencil or a-line skirt. You can change out the look by adding interesting jewlery... w/o breaking the bank. And shoes... add personality by wearing interesting shoes.
Suzanne D'Amato: Shoes and jewelry are both great ways to add surprise to an otherwise-basic work look. There are a number of colorful pumps in stores for summer -- I like Nine West's and BCBG Girls' styles in particular. Any could make a simple black suit look thoroughly of-the-moment.
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For I need work pants, Va: Find a good tailor. Only about 10% of adult women can buy trousers that fit every part of our bodies right off the rack. Stacy of WNTW always recommend buying to fit the widest part of your body and tailoring the rest. I've been living by this mantra for about two years now and I look sooo much better in everything!
Janet Bennett Kelly: Thanks for chiming in here. The What Not to Wear gals have a good point.
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Capitol Hill: This weekend I bought my fourth brown sundress. Please provide some sane rationale and tell me to return it. Do I really need 4 brown dresses?
Suzanne D'Amato: Are the other three sundresses all faded, baggy, too tight, or otherwise unwearable? If so, toss 'em. Voila! You now have one brown sundress.
If all three are in good condition, though, then yes -- I think it's time to return the new one. If you must buy some dress, try stripes, brights or even -- gasp -- a print!
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Fairfax, Va.: Hi ladies! In honor of all the pools opening this weekend, I have a bikini question for you. I'm a 23-year-old woman who is, well, stacked. Can you help me find some good bikinis which are cute but still divide and conquer the girls? I wear a 34 DD bra and have had moderate success with J Crew's D-cup bikini tops, but part of me knows there must be more support out there. Thanks!
Suzanne D'Amato: I'd suggest checking out Eddie Bauer and Malia Mills, both of whom offer sizes up to a DD. (Mills's Web site, www.maliamills.com, features women of different shapes and sizes wearing her suits, making it easy to tell how different cup sizes fit.) Also look at Fantasie of England, which is sold on Figleaves.com, among other places.
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Re: Jeans: Oops. I live in the Midwest, and as much as I would love to go to Georgetown, I was thinking either national brands or stores. Sorry! And thanks for taking my question.
Janet Bennett Kelly: Let's correct that then! Citizens of Humanity has a broad range of styles, so I'd start with them. I'm also fond of J Brand and Paige. Try department stores like Nordstrom's and Neiman's, which carry a lot of different brands. Then just keep trying them on to find one that fits you well.
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Hardly Fashion, But Still Clothes...: I just got back from a snorkeling trip in the blazing sun of the former British West Indies, and having gotten horribly burned on my back, calves, and butt last year while snorkeling in Belize, I was much smarter this year. (Yes, I wore sunscreen in Belize, but hours in the saltwater will wash even the most determined SPF off.)
This time, I packed and wore a long-sleeved Underarmor shirt and men's swim trunks while I snorkeled, so my backside was almost completely covered. Both of those items are quick to dry and lightweight--much easier to pack than a diving suit--and can be repurposed as gym clothes later on. I wore a cute bikini underneath, almost as underwear, and just stripped off the snorkel clothes when we got back to the beach.
Anyway, I know this isn't a fashion tip, exactly, but there's nothing less fashionable than a burned bum, right?
Janet Bennett Kelly: A blotchy sunburn on any part of your body is neither fashionable nor does it show any wisdom, given all the news about the sun and skin cancer. Thanks for sending in your tip about keeping covered while snorkeling!
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Fashion at Work: As a recent grad building her first "career" wardrobe, I loved your article in the Sunday Source. But then I was watching TLC's What Not To Wear (a show I think has really good advice), and Stacy Clinton couldn't stop ragging on this 27-year-old for shopping at "teen" stores.
How do you walk the line of mixing in pieces from Wet Seal and Forever XXI without looking like a kid. I mean, picking wisely is the first step, but where do I go from there? I love the prices at the stores, but I don't want to look... cheap.
Suzanne D'Amato: Thanks for the compliment! You really do have to shop carefully at these stores -- the quality can be hit-or-miss, and too often you need to pore over five racks of teensy tube tops to find the one blouse that's actually wearable. Still, some general tips are:
1) Don't buy anything that's too short. Teen-store pants usually don't have much of a hem to let out.
2) Stay away from the shoes. All of the styles we spotted were very cheap -- and they looked it, too.
3) Opt for tops, which generally speaking require a less precise fit than bottoms.
4) Check the return policy! At Forever 21, it's store credit only; Wet Seal offers returns on regular-priced merchandise, but not on sale items.
Then, I think it's about mixing these pieces with higher-quality pieces from retailers such as Club Monaco and Banana Republic. Good luck!
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Indianapolis, IN: I'm going to be in Vegas for a few days at the end of July, any suggestions for what to wear during the day when it will be crazy hot? I do plan on walking around outside - not just in the air-conditioned casinos.
Janet Bennett Kelly: A sleeveless shift dress in a light color is my suggestion for beating the heat as best you can in Vegas. Pack a sweater, though, for when you hit the blackjack tables.
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casual wedding: Hi, my brother's step son is getting married on the beach on the Eastern Shore in July. I was told the attire was casual. It is an evening wedding. Any suggestions for what to wear?
Suzanne D'Amato: The wedding sounds lovely! I think a swingy polished cotton or silk dress in an A-line cut that ends around the knee would be perfect. Make sure to bring a wrap to cover up -- it's not the most fashion-forward choice, but a capelet or a dressy cropped jacket is too formal for the beach. A wrap is nice and breezy. Wear dressy jewelry and/or shoes if you want to spiff up the ensemble I've described a bit.
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Janet Bennett Kelly: We gotta jump. Thanks for all the questions, and now for the winners. The Lancome lipsticks go to the chatter who told us about goodjeanscompany.com, and the Clinique glosses to the savvy snorkeler. Email Suzanne at trendspotter@washpost.com and we'll get the goodies shipped to you asap.
