Q I'm going to an afternoon wedding in mid-October. I'm 40-something and short, so I wear petite sizes, but I also have somewhat broad shoulders. What should I wear?

A For an afternoon wedding, a street-length dress, a skirt suit or a dressy pantsuit in any color except white is appropriate.

To find a comfortable fit across the back and shoulders, you may want to try petite-plus sizes, even if it means having the lower half of the outfit taken in a little.

Another option is to look for an outfit in a knit fabric, which has more stretch than woven fabric, or try a fabric with at least 5 percent spandex. A number of stores offer "traveler collections," which feature mix-and-match pieces in soft, stretchy, nonwrinkling fabrics that can be dressed up with accessories.

A sleeveless dress may feel less restrictive than designs with sleeves, and you make it fit the season better by adding a dressy cardigan, a soft jacket or a pashmina.

ORLANDO SENTINEL