Ask Mary Lou Archives

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 Dressing Well "Tip of the Month!" 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!

Here are some of the past questions:

I'm male and work in a conservative business environment. Suits and ties are mandatory Monday through Friday, even in the summer. I am scheduled to attend an off-site "business casual" meeting for three days this month. I am told that jackets are not required and the setting will be informal, with maybe a round of golf the last day. Can you help me figure out what to wear?

• What do I wear on a cruise?


• My outerwear storage areas are a disaster. I am tripping over the kids boots to get to my winter coat in the morning and I can never find my gloves, scarves and sunglasses when I need them. Any suggestions?


• What do I do about pilling on a sweater?


• What color pumps do I wear with a beige wool sheath?


• What about beige shoes and purses after Labor Day?


• I'm male and work in a conservative business environment. I am scheduled to attend an off-site "business casual" meeting for three days this month. Can you help me figure out what to wear?


• Do you have any insights into what makes certain casual pant choices too casual for the office?


• Pantyhose vs. Bare Legs in Warm Weather??


• What are the rules (for men and women) for buttoning a three-button jacket?


• I am looking to give my hair a lift to help me get through the rest of the winter. Any tips for adding color this time of year?


• My waist line is thicker than ever! Even though I weigh the same as I did last year, many of the tops and sweaters I used to love wearing this time of year now seem to be calling unflattering attention to my bulges. Are there some tricks to wearing them in a more flattering way?


• I am always cold in my office. Is it appropriate to wear ponchos, shawls and wraps while I am working at my desk?


• My 25th high school reunion is the Saturday after Thanksgiving and I really want to look sharp. The invitation says that we should wear "business casual." What exactly would be appropriate?


• I have a beautiful solid navy tweed suit jacket that doesn’t have a matching bottom. What color pants/skirt should I wear it with to the office?


• What should I wear for "business casual"?


• I live in the Northeast. When can I start wearing linen clothes?


• I live in the Northeast where it may continue to be cold for a while. What steps can I take now to get my closets ready for spring? I’m psychologically done with winter!


• Everyday when I get the mail I feel like I am killing trees! How can I use catalogs effectively while also cutting back on the volume arriving at my door daily?


• My outerwear storage areas are a disaster. I am tripping over the kids boots to get to my winter coat in the morning and I can never find my gloves, scarves and sunglasses when I need them. Any suggestions?


• Is it appropriate to wear strappy, high-heel black sandals with my holiday outfits here in the Northeast? If it’s okay, what kind of hosiery is the best option?


• I have recently lost weight and trimmed down two sizes. I need to build a new wardrobe. What are the basics pieces to start with?


• How do I stay warm in the bitterly cold winter without wearing a coat that makes me look frumpy?


• For women, when wearing "business casual" (nice pants and a button-down, but no jacket), is it necessary to tuck in the shirt?


• I am looking for ways to cut back on my spending. Any suggestions for significantly cutting back my monthly dry cleaning bill?


• I am the mother of the groom. What color do I wear?


• What color is good for nude hose?


• I am always cold in my office. Is it appropriate to wear ponchos, shawls and wraps while I am working at my desk?


• Where can I purchase a great fitting men's dress shirt?


• What color nail polish is appropriate for the office?


• Do you have any good strategies for shopping the summer sale racks?


• What color and length of trench coat works best?


• Can I pair a leopard print clutch with leopard sandals?


• Can you help me create a workout wardrobe to complement my New Year’s resolution to get (and stay!) in shape?


• What about chocolate brown for the holidays?


• Are "stadium shorts" appropriate for work?


• What do I wear on a long, overnight flight to Europe?


• Any advice for buying maternity clothes on a budget?


• Shoes to wear with light grey slacks?


• I'm long-waisted, but shirts are short. Is this OK?


• Not great legs...what to do.


• Short on coat storage space?


• Help! I have too many clothes.


• Uncertain about interview attire?


• How many buttons should be buttoned on a jacket?


• How do I describe the attire for women when I identify the attire for men to be jackets with collared shirts but no tie?


• What kind of hosiery can I wear with skirts now that won’t look too heavy or dated but will still give me some coverage?


• What do I buy and wear when I'm losing weight and changing careers?


• Is it appropriate to wear strappy black sandals with my holiday outfits?


• What does "business casual" mean for a 20th Reunion?


• How do therapists (and others!) start to build a professional wardrobe?


• What do I wear to a fall "garden party"?


• Any summer sales strategies you can suggest?


• How can I look curvier but still be conservative?


• Won't capris make my legs appear shorter?


• What should my skirt length be with these new, shorter trench coats?


• What shoes should I wear in the summer with khakis and jeans?


• I love red. How do I wear it with more confidence and pizzazz, especially at work?


• What style suit jacket is best for a petite woman?


• How do I get from a daytime office job to a much dressier evening affair during the week without going home first to change?


• When should I put my capri pants away?


• Is it more fashionably correct when wearing a sweater around the shoulders to have the buttons facing out or in toward the back?


• What kinds of shoes (height, style, etc.) do I wear with what kinds of pants (tapered, full leg, cropped, dressy)?


• Can I wear black shoes with light-colored suits?


• I am 5' 2" and a little full-bodied. I have a full bust and a short waist. What is the best length blazer to wear?


• Do you have any suggestions about sale items now that will be a wise purchase for next winter?


• Is it possible to look good at the gym while one's body is still under construction?


• May I wear strappy sandals with my holiday outfit? With what color hose?


• What hose and shoes will coordinate with a wedding outfit?


• May I wear embroidered jackets to work?


• I've never worn a suit, but should I wear one for the interview?


• How do I build a wardrobe using capsule dressing?


• What should I wear for a job interview in the dog days of summer?
• What may I wear with black matte jersey slacks to go from a bridal shower to a graduation party?


• What is toile?


• Could you give me any tips on what colors would be appropriate in the "not-quite-Spring" months?


• In wearing different black garments at the same time, do the shades of black need to match?


• When I wear khaki pants and black shoes, what color socks should I wear?


• Any suggestions on hanging sweaters so I can see them?


• May I still wear capri pants in the fall?


• Should I be wearing black hose in the summer?


• What do I pack for a spring vacation in the Caribbean?


• What do I wear to an afternoon tea party?


• Can you recommend any must-have casual pieces for a ski vacation?


• I fell in love with some chocolate brown ankle boots, but how do I incorporate them into my wardrobe?


• Is it too early to start wearing sweaters?


• What do I wear on a sales call when the customer works in a casual dress environment?


• Do you see a return to more formal attire in the workplace anytime soon?


• What do "business casual", "smart casual", "sport casual" and "dressy casual" really mean?


• What's the best blazer for the petite, full-figured woman?


• What is your professional opinion about jeans?


• Ideas about European fashion?


• How can I organize my scarves?


• Coordinating buttons and suits?


• What about skirt length with low heeled shoes?


• What can I wear with khakis?


• Summer Business Casual for Men


• What are the best coverup strategies for the pool?


• Necklace with a boatneck top


• Defining the fabric tencel


• When may I start wearing linen clothes?


• How do I keep my knit separates and dresses from stretching?


• Accessorizing stresses me out! Is there a simple accessory that is foolproof


• Are dresses appropriate to wear to the office?


• Can I create a slimming layered look?


• Casual Friday and Customers?


• What about short skirts?


• What color hose do I wear now?


• How many pairs of shoes do I need?


• How can I look professional and polished in my winter boots?


• Itchy Wool Pants


• May I Wear Velvet to Work?


• First Job Jitters