Style SOS

Q. Prom is coming up soon at my school and I am completely unprepared. I have a scar above my chest, so it's been hard for me to find a dress that isn't a V-neck or sweetheart style. I prefer dresses that aren't floor-length or maxi dresses, but aren't super short. Do you have any ideas for dresses that are inexpensive, too?

Q.  Next month, I'll be going to a new public school that has a uniform code. I'm in need of the required navy blue or khaki bottoms that would fit my size 17 and 5'2" body. Can you help?
-Back to School Blues

A.  Usually school uniform bottoms consist of classic-fit slacks, skirts, capris, skorts, and knee-length shorts. Look at your school's uniform dress code to see what styles they allow. JCPenney has uniform pants for petite-sized juniors (which come in the size 17 short), and Aeropostale has a uniform shop on their website that has a nice selection of uniform favorites in the extended sizes 00-17/18 short, regular, and long that will have you looking cool for back-to-school.
1. Arizona Favorite Schoolgirl Twill, $40 at jcp.com
2. Hailey Skinny Flare Pant, $29.99 (on sale) at aeropostale.com
3. Twill Uniform Skirt, $16.99 (on sale) at aeropostale.com
4. Solid Bermuda Short, $24.99 (on sale) at aeropostale.com

Q.  How do I dress up a pair of jeans for summer?
-Denim Dazed

A.  Accessories are the key to giving denim that dressed up glam look. Pair your favorite jeans with a gorgeous cami, then add some fab jewelry. Also, switch from your everyday summer tote and flip-flops to a clutch and a pair of dressier peep-toe heels. The overall look is dressy enough for a date in the evening, while you stay comfy and cool.

1. Jami Rodriguez Cougar Agate Necklace, $98 at maxandchloe.com
2. Gallery Design Graduated Bead Necklace, $32 at dillards.com
3. Carol Dauplaise Leaf Bangle Bracelet, $8.50 at dillards.com
4. Tildon Tie Front Tank, $38 at nordstrom.com
5. I.N. San Francisco Satin Bow Camisole, $20.40 at dillards.com
6. !iT JEANS Hottie Stretch Jeans, $68 at nordstrom.com
7. Elissa Bloom Pink Heart Clutch, $92 at ebags.com
8. BCBGirls "Cally" Peep Toe Wedge, $78.95 at endless.com
9. Nine West "Vaserlin" Peep Toe Pump, $89.95 at endless.com

Q.  I have a romper in a natural cream color and would love to know what would be a fun way to wear it. What would go with it to make it a cute outfit?
-Ritzy Romper

A.  A natural-colored romper can be transformed into a fabulous outfit with just a few fun pieces. Personalize your look with an ultra-cute top, colorful wedges, and an optional belt. Plus, don't be afraid to mix several colors or prints into this look; they all give the neutral romper a playful vibe.


1. Abby Safari Romper, $34.50 at delias.com
2. Bubble Sleeve Stripe Top, $9.99 (sale) at wetseal.com
3. Vox Humana Lightbulb T-Shirt, $36 at karmaloop.com
4. Stripe Owl Hoodie, $42.50 at alloy.com
5. Franco Sarto "Baby" Wedge Sandal, $89.95 at endless.com
6. Franco Sarto "Comedy" Espadrille, $79.95 at endless.com
7. Loop Design Bambi Duffle Bag, $55 at karmaloop.com
8. Vineyard Vines Zebra Fish O-Ring Belt, $41 at zappos.com

Q.  My boyfriend gave me a Claddagh ring for my birthday. Which direction should I wear the ring, or does it make a difference?
-Ring Leader

A.  The Irish Claddagh ring has the design of two hands holding a heart with a crown on top of it. The heart symbolizes love, the hands signify friendship, and the crown represents loyalty. There are two ways to wear it: If the heart points out (away from you), that means you're available. If the heart points in (toward you), it means you have a boyfriend. In your case, wear the ring so the heart points toward you and admire the ring from all angles.



1. Sterling Silver Claddagh Ring, $12.99 at limogesjewelry.com
2. 10 Karat Yellow Gold Claddagh Ring, $149.50 at amazon.com
3. 14K Gold Peridot Claddagh Ring, $215 at macys.com

Q.  I bought a red-orange dress from Wet Seal and would like to know what color of accessories would go with it. I want a color that makes the dress more summery and tropical. What are your suggestions?
-Tropical Teen


A.  In this case, opposite colors attract. The complementary color of red-orange is teal/turquoise. Look for shoes, bags, and jewelry that are dark turquoise or teal in color to wear with your dress. This color combination evokes feelings of a fun, relaxed tropical setting and will give your look a summery vibe.


1. Josefina's Faux Turquoise Necklace, $45 at emitations.com
2. Wood Morocco Ring, $14 at freepeople.com
3. Ettika Lace Hamsa Bracelet, $75 at maxandchloe.com
4. Report Footwear "Villa" Slip-On, $55.97 (sale) at endless.com
5. Steven by Steve Madden "Bizo" Slingback, $93 at zappos.com
6. Pink Studio "Tahiti" Sandal, $60 at piperlime.com
7. Betseyville by Betsey Johnson "Mile High Club" Bowler, $110 at nordstrom.com

Q.  I love the new styles in men's sneakers (especially the ones from Converse and Creative Recreation), but I don't know what size to get. What size would I need if I wear a size 9 in women's shoes?
-Shoe Sizer

A.  To convert women's to men's shoe sizes, the general formula is to simply subtract two sizes from your women's shoe size to approximate the size you'd wear in men's shoes. So, if you wear a size 9 in women's shoes, you'll most likely wear a size 7 in men's shoes. If you're still not certain the shoes will fit, head to the men's shoe department and try them on.



1. Converse Men's All Star Sci Fi Hi, $46.99 at shoes.com
2. Converse Men's All Star 60's Tie Dye Ox, $46.99 at shoes.com
3. Creative Recreation Dicoco Sneaker, $105 at karmaloop.com
4. Creative Recreation Cesario Lo Sneaker, $85 at karmaloop.com

Q.  My friend and I are going to Myrtle Beach for vacation, and I'd like to take along a summery bag that takes me from beach to boardwalk. What do you recommend?
-Beach Bound

A.  Straw bags are must-haves for summer! These fun, flirty bags with a casual vibe are also sturdy and roomy. Straw totes and beach bags are perfect for poolside, on the beach boardwalk, or a day on the town shopping for souvenirs.




1. Global Elements Straw Beach Bag, $20 (sale) at ebags.com
2. Striped Straw Tote, $38 at ardenb.com
3. Medium Straw Beach Bag, $45 at jcrew.com
4. Straw Studios Wheatstraw Nautical Tote, $50 at ebags.com
5. Guess Tiffany Small Bucket Bag, $67.50 at dillards.com
6. Tory Burch Tory Straw Tote, $250 at bloomingdales.com   

Q.  I own a white cotton sundress and would like to know what necklace I could wear with it that would make my olive green eyes stand out. Do you have any affordable suggestions?
-Glamour Eyes

A.  Wearing your eye color is a super-easy way to instantly make your eyes stand out. In a mirror, look at all of the individual colors in your olive green eyes (you may see varying shades of olive green, sage green, and maybe even a touch of honey-brown). Choose one of these colors and wear it near your face for instant pop.

Beauty Tip: When it comes to eye makeup, opposites attract. For your olive green eyes, try amethyst or plum eye shadows and eyeliners for an amazing impact.



1. Wood Heart Necklace, $6 at wetseal.com
2. Boho Coil Necklace Pendant, $14.99 at target.com
3. M. Haskell Multi-strand Torsade Necklace, $25 at dillards.com
4. Agate Necklace with Charm, $38 at urbanoutfitters.com