Friday Q&A - Too Old For The Mini

Q: Can a 40 something woman in good shape wear a mini skirt or dress? I am afraid of looking like a teenager, but I see a ton of cute styles this season that I would really love to buy, so any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

A. A pressing question on the minds of many women over the age of 30 - the age in which most of us retire our legs to a life of hiding beneath knee length skirts and dresses. In my opinion, there are three questions to ask yourself to determine the answer. First, are your legs attractive? Saggy knees and cottage cheese thighs do not belong in a mini. Second, does the look fit your style, personality and the rest of your wardrobe? And third, are you comfortable wearing short skirts and dresses? If your answer is yes to all of these, keep reading for tips on the best way to wear a mini at your age. If you answered no to any of these, put the mini back on the rack.

How To Wear A Mini

1. Keep it Sophisticated

Shop for mini’s no less than two to three inches above the top of the knee (unless you have really great legs and want to show them off). Avoid tight fitting denim and leather. Please, no ruffles or sequined embellishments. Never wear a mini skirt to work!

2. Proportion is Key

Volume on top will counterbalance the shorter length to provide an appealing look. Billowy, sheer fabric, larger sleeved tops work well with mini skirts. A short shift dress looks great with tights and ballet flats as does a short skirt with a turtle neck and knee high flat boots. Never pair a tank top, low cut top or sexy stiletto heels with the mini at your age - you’ll just end up looking trampy.

3. Consider Wearability

The mini may look and feel great while standing in front of the mirror because it exudes a sense of liberation and youth. So move around and sit down before you make a decision. If you are not comfortable sitting or walking in it, then what’s the point? The trapeze and babydoll style mini dresses are feminine and cute, but can look too young - in a bad sort of way - on older women. I agree that some can pull it off nicely, but do you really want to look like you are trying to re-live your teens or twenties.

So what do our readers think about this dilemma? How do you feel about older women wearing short skirts? I am still trying to find an appropriate place to wear my electric blue tights and black mini dress. Some day, I tell you...some day I will.

Friday Q&A - Work Attire

Q: I am a 23 year old who likes to wear trendy clothing but I also have job as a law firm secretary and find that sometimes my choices aren’t appropriate. Most of the time I stare blankly into my closet and don’t have a thing to wear. I don’t have a ton of money to spend on a new wardrobe and I was wondering if you could give me some advice.

A: You need to build a base wardrobe with a few classic, timeless pieces. Then, you can mix color, accessories and trendier silhouettes with these basics to maintain your style. February is a great time to shop for pants, blazers and skirts because many stores mark down Winter apparel in preparation for Spring arrivals. You will find good quality pieces at up to 70% off.

Here is a list of my suggestions to get you started:

1. Basic trousers - Two pair, with a flat waist and straight or slight bootcut leg. Black should be your first choice, then brown and gray. Gabardine Dress Pant by Atelier and Daria Straight Leg trouser by BCBG.

2. Wool A-line skirt - A feminine and thigh concealing favorite that looks great with fitted jackets and tops. Try the Wool Pintuck Skirt by J Crew.

3. Slim or pencil skirt - A sleek skirt to pair with trendier tops and blouses especially if they are voluminous. Try this Pencil Skirt from Banana Republic.

4. Dresses - Wrap, sheath or shirtdress are classic styles to invest in and you have an instant outfit. Try a Sheath Dress from Banana Republic. Or satisfy your trendier side with this Boatneck Dress from Tulle.

5. Jackets - A nice, fitted blazer to dress up a pair of pants or skirt. Find one in black and another that compliments your solid basics like the BCBG Marilyn Jacket.

6. Blouses - White button down and another color that you like.

7. Turtlenecks - Cashmere, silk blend or merino wool in neutral colors like the Cullen Ruched Silk Cashmere Turtleneck.

Never underestimate dressing well in your professional environment - it speaks volumes about your credibility and personality. My list may seem boring or too “old” and conservative, but I guarantee you will always find something that matches your trendier selections while maintaining a polished, look. Shop sale racks at Nordstroms, Nieman Marcus, Banana Republic or J Crew to find these classic pieces with good quality. Also, one of my favorite clothing lines, BCBG Max Azria, has trendier classic pieces and a 70% off sale online.

Friday Q&A - Wearing Polka Dots

Q: Can I wear Polka Dots this season, or are they considered "out"?

A: Polka dots are a timeless print and really never go "out" of style. While it's true that designers sometimes need to give this print a rest in their seasonal line up, there is no reason why you have to follow suit. If the print is part of your personal style and you wear it well, moderation is the key. Pick one piece of clothing or accessory and go for it. I am partial to smaller polka dot prints and black and white as the larger prints can look childish or comical. I personally love it when a woman bucks the trends and wears what she likes, especially if she looks stunning. Besides, when everyone else is wearing the latest cookie cutter trend, you will have maintained your personal style despite what the magazines and stylists have to say!

A Brief History of the Polka Dot
The origin of the polka dot pattern may be left to our imagination as there isn't a single factual source. Possibly influenced by the Polish polka dance as it was done in a circular motion, it has been around since the 1880s. The polka dot inspired Walt Disney's Minnie Mouse and it was set into fashionable motion by "I Love Lucy" dresses and the "Isty Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" in the 1950s. The polka dot print has been a part of our pop culture and fashion landscape for over a half century. Andy Warhol used tiny polka dots in his paintings during the 1960s. Julia Roberts portrayed the classically prim effect of the polka dot dress during the 1980s in Pretty Woman and the Pipettes revived the polka dot trend for Britain around 2006 wearing their big, bold prints on stage.
The Pipettes - photo courtesy of daniel arnold on flickr

Happiness, innocence and femininity best describe the polka dot in my mind. If this fits your outlook and style, then you may want to give the polka dot a second glance. Check out Polka Dots in Fashion for an interesting look into the world of the dots.

Friday Q&A - Help For Beanpoles

Q: I visited your site recently and noticed you had a section on how to dress well for your body type. It was nice to see that resource and I was hoping you could give me some advice. I am naturally thin and have been all of my life. I eat and don't excercise much and I feel as if women resent me sometimes. Like I have nothing to worry about because I look good in anything. Maybe so, but I don't feel good in half of the things I wear and really need some help. Any suggestions to downplay a beanpole body type? Thanks...Meghan

A: Yes it is true that I don't get a lot of questions regarding this dilemma, but I can understand it all the same. With the obesity epidemic and everyone trying hard to lose weight, it must be tough being the thin one. It seems it is not your fault and just like women who want to camouflage big hips or chunky thighs, you want to camouflage your skinny. Lucky for you because your frame lends itself to an array of silhouettes many women only dream of wearing (we don't really hate you, we're just really jealous). You want to look for clothing with volume, print and fussy details. Here are some ideas:

1. Fabric

Choose structured fabrics that add form to your figure rather than clingy or light fabrics that show your figure. Shiny fabrics reflect light and can make you appear larger, and matte and darker fabrics will make you appear slimmer.
Tressa snakeskin taffeta skirt Not only do you have the volume of this skirt working for you, the snakeskin pattern and metallic fabric is substantial.
Alexis Cotton Top The trapeze style silhouette and stiff cotton fabric add dimension to a thin upper body.

2. Bold Prints and Color

Large, colorful prints can make big women look bigger. But in your case, they can be your best friend.
Purple Tie Die Dress A great style for women with "boyish" figures - slimmer hips and wider shoulders.
Severine Sweater The bold zig-zag print against the white background really stands out and bulks up the bust and hip area.

3. Volume

No, I'm not saying you have to wear a tent, but experiment with the trapeze style silhouette and full or pleated skirts. High waisted, wide legged trouser pants also work well (unless you have a short torso, then opt for a lower style). Leggings are your worst enemy unless you have thick legs, otherwise layer them under a skirt or tunic, or wear with high boots. Sweater dresses are thicker and naturally add volume.
Biaz Jersey Dress Trapeze styling and full lantern sleeves add volume.
Audrey Dress The wider neckline, empire waist and fuller skirt help to camouflage your lack of curves.
Drifter Triad Sweater
A voluminous, feminine silhouette contrasts this urban print zip-up.

4. Fussy Details

Ruffles and puff sleeves, and ruching oh my! If you want to make an area appear larger, go for the embellishments and have some fun. In my opinion, ruffles and voluminous sleeves look stellar on thin women when they just don't seem right on bigger gals.
Red Puff Sleeve Tee
Adds volume to the bust and shoulder area via the ruffles and puff sleeves.
Gatsby Blouse Large ruffles from the collar to waist and front pleating add dimension.
Thomasina Shirtdress The ruffled collar and waist add volume to the torso. The puff sleeves and wide neck balance the look.

We would love to help with your styling dilemma - just drop us a question at customer@ladylanguage.com and we will be sure to answer it. We will also feature one question each Friday here on our blog (and any pictures you may want to send as well!). And we promise to someday widen our blog so the pictures and text aren't squished!!