DAILY FINDS

7 Summer Work Dresses Worth an Investment

Keep your cool at work this summer: Slip into a lightweight, office-appropriate dress you'll wear year after year.

Wilfred Sonnet Dress, $185, aritzia.com

Give your structured blazers a dose of femininity with layers of wispy raspberry silk. While the knee-length hem and modest neckline work for the office, its swishy silhouette can also mix it up at a summer soiree.




Loft Embroidered Linen Cotton Dress, $89.50, Loft

This ivory linen-and-cotton sheath is cool and breathable yet maintains elegance, thanks to its crisp tailoring and intricate embroidery.




Cuyana Silk Shift Dress, $250, cuyana.com

Here's a design that's real simple. Gently gliding over curves, the classic shift made of rich cobalt silk, from the just launched Cuyana Collection, has a high-low hem that offers an added level of sophistication. It transcends occasions too: Wear it with a statement necklace and strappy heels for evenings out or with a blazer and pumps at the office.




424 Fifth Striped Fit and Flare Dress, $74.50, lordandtaylor.com

Nautical stripes impart seaside charm to a pleated cotton-blend dress. And no need to be wary of those horizontal stripes, since the strategic princess seaming and full skirt flatter the shape.




Ann Taylor Striped Gingham Cross Front Dress, $139, Ann Taylor

This adorable cotton dress features crossover panels to whittle the waist, while the delicate blue-and-white pinstripes are beautifully suited for sunny summer days.




Eliza J Belted A-Line Dress, $138, Nordstrom

Thanks to a prim shape, you can get away with a bright all-over print for the office. If you need to more covered up, layer this spotted stretch-cotton number with a belted cardigan and add kitten heels.




Amy Matto Cipriano Dress, $328, Amazon

Searching for a dress that has sleeves but won't be sweltering in humid weather? This cap-sleeved cotton-blend sheath has a professional cut, and tiny polka dots for a lighthearted look.

everyday style: 7 pretty spring skirts

No need to change your 9-to-5 outfit to transition to 5-to-?. With these picks, all you have to do is add strappy heels and statement jewelry.

ASOS Linen Split Front Pencil Skirt, $42

Trim yet practical, this tailored pencil style in rich navy linen boasts a fashionable front slit. Pair it with your favorite white button-down or nautical stripes and wedges to usher in warmer temperatures in style.








Ann Taylor Fringed Tweed Skirt, $79

The classic tweed pencil skirt gets a fresh update, thanks to a navy-and-white mix and frayed hem. Wear it with a blazer and pumps on Monday, or with a stack of wooden bangles and a loose tank on Saturday.








Nic + Zoe Batiste Flirt Skirt, $71

This romantic ballet-inspired style makes a great statement piece for summer soirees when worn with an embellished blouse and metallic accessories.








Loft Lace Skirt, $79.50

Add a touch of femininity to your daytime attire with a fitted lace style. Whether topped by a tucked-in chambray blouse or a loose knit, it transcends occasions.








Club Monaco Gala Skirt, $170

Few could argue with the sensibility of this breezy cotton number. The voluminous shape is forgiving, while the eyelet fabric dresses up anything you partner with it.








Zara A-Line Skirt with Waistband, $80

Loose box pleats lightly skim over the body to give you a sophisticated air. Wear this lovely pastel with another pale neutral, or try a floral top and strappy heels for a look that's of-the-moment.








Boden Nancy Skirt, $98

In a rush? This graphic skirt takes the guesswork out of putting together a stylish ensemble: Just add black heels and a white blouse--done!

White Jeans for Every Shape

Find a made-for-you pair of white jeans--plus, tips on how to wash and wear them.

If You Have a Straight Figure
What to look for: A trim fit to play up any curves you do have. Bold embellishment on the back pockets, like contrast stitching, studs, or a flap, make a flat bum look perkier.

What to avoid: Exaggerated bells and flares that look unbalanced on a ruler-straight frame.


What to pair them with: A blouse with ruching or draping to add more volume and shapeliness up top.




If You Have an Hourglass Figure
What to look for: A contoured waistband, which is nipped in at the waist instead of cut straight across. This allows the jeans to fit the hips without gaping at the waist. (These not-too-skinny straight-leg jeans help balance a curvy figure.)

What to avoid: A straight-cut waistband, which will be too loose around the middle. Wide-leg styles will make this body look boyish.


What to pair with them: Curve-hugging tops to show off the feminine proportions of this figure.




If You Have a Tummy
What to look for: A slightly higher rise--eight inches or more--to reduce the chance of muffin top.

What to avoid: Anything without stretch that will dig into your stomach and make sitting and bending uncomfortable.


What to pair them with: A lightweight Empire-waist top that is loose enough to skim the body yet not so billowy that it emphasizes the tummy.




If You Have Full Hips and Thighs
What to look for: A pair with a higher rise in the back than in the front and a contoured waistband that will accommodate your curves. This prevents the jeans from sliding down and overexposing you.

What to avoid: Very tapered legs that magnify wider hips.


What to pair them with: A long top with a shirttail hem to help minimize the thighs.

How to keep you pair of jeans pristine

1. Before the first wear, spray all over with Scotchgard to ward off stains
2. Be careful about pairing your jeans with a dark indigo jacket or a bright canvas handbag. Dye may rub off on the white denim.
3. Wear just once or twice between washings. Overwearing without laundering causes a grayish tint.
4. Wash with other whites in warm water. Don't overload the machine, since that can keep garments from rinsing thoroughly, and detergent residue can lead to yellowing.
5. If the jeans are still dingy after washing, soak them in warm water with a capful of color-safe bleach for 30 minutes.

How to prevent transparency issues

In the store: Hold the jeans up to natural light with a hand behind one layer of fabric to get a real-life sense of how revealing they will be.


In the fitting room: Check to see if the pockets show through the denim. If the jeans aren't too sheer elsewhere but the pockets are still visible, you can have a tailor remove the pocket fabric.


Out and about: Always wear nude--not white--underwear.

How to cuff your jeans stylishly

Eighties alert! The pegged roll is the easiest way to make slim, straight cuts look extra chic.
Step 1: Grasp the bottom hem and fold it vertically so there's a 1/2 inch tuck in front.
Step 2: Hold the tuck in place while you roll up the hem by about two inches twice. Repeat with the other leg.

3 perfectly styled wedding looks

You've got your flight booked, you've penned your speech for the toast, but what on earth are you going to wear to your best friend's wedding? This year, ditch the traditional cocktail dress and opt for a glamorous printed chiffon look. The bohemian flowing nature of chiffon makes it easy to wear and incredibly fun to dress up--sky's the limit when it comes to accessories! Add edgy but out booties, oversized chunky jewels and a posh jacket over your shoulders and you're good to go. Dancing required!











Mix It Up With Bohemian Dresses




CHIC DAYTIME WEDDING
For a daytime wedding, an ethereal printed sundress is both relaxed and super sexy especially when paired with this season's IT-heel, the lace up laser cut stiletto.



Sierra Printed Dress, Rachel Zoe, $350
Frayed Structured Jacket, Zara, $90
Darling Finger Bracelet, Maria Black, $185
Leaf Headband, ASOS, $19
Studded Lace-Up Leather Sandals, Alaia, $2915








GLAM EVENING WEDDING
The leather detailing of this printed dress gives it an ultra luxe vibe making it easy to pair with a chic evening jacket, glamorous cage booties and python clutch. (PS, there is a front side slit, so your shoes will definitely get noticed!)



Carrigan Leather Strap Maxi Dress, Rachel Zoe, $595
Silk Crepe Jacket, Temperley, $1355
Cut Crystal Drop Earrings, Rachel Zoe, $95
Smooth Ring Set, Made, $67
Python Arc Clutch, Nina Ricci, $1800








ROMANTIC BEACH WEDDING
If the ceremony is on a beach, a gorgeous halter maxi dress will show off your tanned shoulders and its breezy silhouette will be easy to navigate on the sand. Don't forget a lightweight cardigan to keep warm after the sunset.



Tish Printed Silk Maxi Dress, Rachel Zoe, $550
Lace & Silk-Blend Cardigan, Lanvin, $2660
Bjioux Heart Ring, La Terre D'Or, $560
Alfresco Macramé Sandals, Stuart Weitzman, $335
Gold Chain Necklace, Zara, $20

10 Plus-Size Fashion Myths

1. HORIZONTAL STRIPES WON'T MAKE YOU LOOK WIDE
The key here is finding the right width. Thicker lines are best on curvy women because they're proportional with bigger figures. Look for ones that are around two inches wide (very thin, close-set stripes have an enlarging effect).

                                                          Thread & Butter, $94 (XL–3X)




2. STILETTOS ARE NOT ONLY FOR STICK FIGURES
Patently untrue. Stilettos elongate everyone's legs, but note: Ankle straps can be tricky since they interrupt the line of your limbs. If you really want legs for days, go for a monochromatic look with matching tights and shoes.

Suede ankle boots, Elie Tahari, $595

3. LEGGINGS? A GREAT IDEA
Find ones that have stylish details like leather accents so that you don't seem too casual. Balance your proportions by pairing with a loose top that hits at the mid to upper thigh.

           Polyester-rayon leggings with faux-leather trim, Jennifer Hudson Collection, $62 (XL–3X)


4. LOUD PRINTS WON'T CALL ATTENTION TO YOUR SIZE
All black gets boring fast! When wearing bold patterns, opt for ones in a larger scale, such as the brushstrokes on this dress. When prints get too tiny, they emphasize the dimensions of your body simply because there are so many of them. One thousand teeny flowers aren't better than 100 larger ones.

                                     Cotton jersey dress, Rachel Pally White Label; $264 (1X–3X)


5. BOYFRIEND JEANS WON'T HIDE YOUR CURVES
They may not be formfitting, but these are flattering. For a more structured effect, add a blazer.

                                              Denim jeans, James Jeans, $224 (14–26)


6. DON'T AVOID BRIGHT COLORS
Rebel Wilson in ABS by Allen Schwartz
No shades are off-limits! I love vibrant hues. But if top-to-bottom color gets a little overwhelming, mix in metallic accessories the way Rebel Wilson does here. This will break things up without having to resort to fallback black.

7. SWEATS ARE NOT SLOPPY
Not all sweats make you look like a slob. In fact, this season is filled with unexpectedly stylish ones. It's my favorite fall piece, and it proves you can be comfy and trendy at the same time.

                      Polyester-rayon sweatshirt with sequined sleeves, T Bags Los Angeles, $220 (1X–3X)


8. OVERSIZE SHIRTS ARE NOT FRUMPY
Just as with leggings, the trick to wearing this type of top is balance. Team it with pants that hug your hips and are slim through the ankle, and you'll be perfectly put together.

                                               Polyester blouse, Lane Bryant, $45 (14–28)


9. MINISKIRTS WON'T REVEAL TOO MUCH
Minis are fabulous—just cover up a bit more above the waist. Try one with a cute long-sleeve sweater or a moto jacket. Not totally at ease with your legs? This is the perfect season to experiment with tights and ankle boots (heeled or flat).

                  Polyester lace skirt with faux-leather trim, Jessica Simpson Collection, $59 (1X–3X)


10. DRESSES DON'T NEED TO EMPHASIZE YOUR WAIST
Some argue shifts are too shapeless, but I don't think you have to emphasize your waist all the time—it's so limiting. Choose a fun design and show off your legs by selecting a hemline that hits at the knee or higher so that you'll still feel sexy.

                                                      Jersey dress, ASOS Curve, $42 (14–24)

Look Your Best This Spring...

THE BEST SHOE-AND-PANT COMBOS FOR YOUR SHAPE

IF YOU'RE ATHLETIC...
Tap your sporty side with drawstring trousers (an upgrade from sweats), like Allison Williams'. They're not only comfortable, but the waist-cinching band encourages curves. Counter a too-athletic aesthetic with ladylike nude pumps.

SHOP THE LOOK:
Pants: Community, $75; aritzia.com
Pumps: Kate Spade, $298; piperlime.com








IF YOU'RE CURVY...
Let Christina Hendricks be your go-to muse and select high-waisted wide-leg pants (ideally with a crease down the center) to create a longer, leaner look. As for shoes, opt for a clean, classic pump, or a chunky high-heel sandal. Teeny-tiny straps can seem disproportionate.

SHOP THE LOOK:
Pants: NYDJ, $130; neimanmarcus.com
Pumps: Aldo, $80; aldoshoes.com







IF YOU'RE PETITE...
Look for ankle-grazing bottoms that are fit and tailored to your frame. Try to avoid dark ankle-strap shoes—the strap can cut off your legs, making you appear shorter. The goal is to lengthen. Reese Witherspoon opted for leopard print pumps, which built height and added interest to her look.

SHOP THE LOOK:
Pants: Rebecca Taylor, $178; rebeccataylor.com
Pumps: Loft, $80







IF YOU'RE TALL...
Most cuts work for your height! Experiment with wide-leg flares or skinnies, or try rolling the hems. You can embrace your stature with heels, or you can select hip menswear-inspired flats, like Miranda Kerr's two-tone brogues.

SHOP THE LOOK:
Pants: River Island, $70; riverisland.com
Brogues: Adieu, $720; matchesfashion.com