Q: Can you give me guidelines or tips on using handbags as accessories? I have a pretty good collection of colored ones of different sizes, but always end up using my brown or black one.
A: I don't care what fashion editors say about the perils of matchy-matchiness — bags make more sense if they echo at least one other element of your outfit. Doubly so if they are bold and bright. So if you want to carry a cobalt bag, pair it with an outfit that includes cobalt shoes or a cobalt belt or a cobalt necklace or a garment with cobalt in the print. Naturally, all of those together will cause cobalt overload. But just one will create visual unity.
On the flip side, a bright bag is also an incredibly easy way to add a much-lauded "pop of color" to your outfits. Casual looks are a great place to start: A white tee, jeans and leopard-print flats will look amazing with a bright red bag. Dressier looks that rely mainly on neutral colors make another great backdrop: Imagine a black blazer, white dress and metallic shoes with a blazing yellow bag. If you struggle to find a way to match certain bags to clothes and accessories, let them stand out as the single colorful element.
Q: I am a medium height plus-sized woman with a large chest, small waist and big hips. I love midi skirts, but I don't feel I've been able to do them right. I would love to receive suggestions on how to pick/style midi skirts for plus size.
A: Oh, midis. They look so elegant and effortless on the runway, but styling them in real life can feel awkward and challenging. Luckily, there are some simple tricks to making midis work. And if you're an hourglass-shaped woman aiming to make your figure look tall, slim and balanced, the same tips apply regardless of size.
The most common complaint about midi skirts is that they visually shorten the legs, but midis are made in a variety of lengths and a few inches can make all the difference. To elongate your legs, skip skirts that hit mid-calf and opt for styles that hit just below the bottom of your kneecap. Adding a heel or wedge shoe will elongate even further.
Skirt shape is also important when it comes to selecting a midi. Full, flared and pleated styles are popular and fun to wear — but choose wisely. If you have pronounced hips or a tummy, pleats that start right at the waistband may jut out awkwardly. Pleats that are stitched down to start lower on the skirt won't add as much volume to your midsection. Plus-size line Eloquii has a pleat-free ponte circle skirt that hits just below the knee, a great choice if you want to avoid pleat problems.
Flared styles will balance your bust and play up your hourglass shape (if those are important priorities), but you can also experiment with midi pencil styles. Below-the-knee pencil skirts look great with tucked-in flowy blouses, retro cardigans and structured jackets.
