Ask Mary Lou

Each month, Mary Lou answers (and we post!) a fashion question from one of our site visitors. If you have something you want to know to help pull together your wardrobe with style and confidence, ask away!

We also announce that the monthly question and answer is available to read in our free weekly Dressing Well "Tip of the Week!" You may want to subscribe if you haven't already done so.

Bookmark this page and return back soon to see if your question has been answered or check our question archives!

For September, 2004:

Q: Help!!! My husband and I have been invited to a garden party on a Sunday in September at 4:00pm. Can you guide me in choosing from my dressing choices. I'm completely in the dark!

A: : If it's sunny and hot, I'd wear a floral dress or skirt with some fall colors in it — nothing that screams summer even if it’s 90 degrees!

If it's cool — a twin set and skirt following the same color rules as above. A sheath dress and a shawl is another good choice. Although you wouldn’t be breaking any major fashion rules, I would stay away from the little black dress when an invitation clearly states the affair is a “garden party.”

In terms of footwear, dark sandals are okay through most of September as long as they cover most of your foot as opposed to a style such as a flipflop that looks good in the middle of summer. Slingbacks are a great fall shoe, too.

Bonus tip: Chocolate and dusty pinks are the rage this fall!