Q: A 40th birthday dress.
A: Love this hot pink statement. Also love: this La Ligne, this Alexis (in my closet – runs small), this La Double J, this unflinchingly fab Staud. Ultimate: anything Carolina Herrera, like the floral gown seen above.
Q: Stylish second trimester options that aren’t leggings.
A: Storq has some really great basics, like tank dresses and shirt dresses, that you can style a zillion ways, and I like the idea of a knit midi from Mango (maybe go up a size to accommodate bump) with booties/boots. I also had some sporadic good luck finding fun pieces from ASOS — love this cable knit dress. For warmer weather, love tunic/caftan dresses like this, this, or this, which could be worn post-baby. I’ve also seen many chic peas rocking the long patterned maxis from Thierry Colson and Julia Amory while with a bump.
Q: I am going on a yoga retreat in April in Cusco Peru. I will be hiking, shopping and of course yoga. What do I pack, help!
A: Wow – so fun! Looks like it will still be pretty chilly there. I would pack mainly athletic wear that can be layered in different ways:
THIS TANK AND MATCHING LEGGINGS
A FEW SPORTY MIDWEIGHT PULLOVERS – LOVE THIS AND THIS
LONG-SLEEVED TEES LIKE THIS AND THIS
EXTRA LEGGINGS FROM LULULEMON OR SPLITS59
A SWEATSHIRT LIKE THIS OR THIS
A PUFFER JACKET AND A WINDBREAKER (<<LOVE THIS ONE)
Q: Lightweight fitted black turtleneck sweater.
A: I think what you’re after is J. McLaughlin’s Arlette. It’s somewhere between a sweater and a top, with a fairly thick but breathable ribbed material. Love it. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with Theory.
Q: Soft loungewear for petites.
A: I am petite (5’0) and I live in this Relax set from Lake. It’s not too long (and I didn’t have the set hemmed). I also love my Gap vintage soft classic fit sweats (and matching sweatshirt), available in petite lengths. They have a delightful throwback fit that reminds me of something Lady Di might have worn from the gym.
Q: Travel clothes for the 15+ hour flight to Australia.
A: I like traveling in nap dresses layered over turtlenecks and finished with ballet flats and a cardigan in a neutral/versatile color, like this, this, or this, and I usually carry a wrap like this (or this would be goals) in my carry-on. For a longer flight like yours, I might pack a pair of slippers (that don’t take up too much space) to switch into at my seat because my feet are always cold on airplanes. The benefit of this kind of outfit is that you can remove layers if you’re toasty or add layers if you’re cold, and then all of the different components of your travel day outfit can be useful while you’re traveling (e.g., cardigan, turtleneck, ballet flats, wraps all can be used and styled differently/separately).
However — I must admit I have not done a long flight like yours ever. One of my friends who travels a lot more than I do has raved in the past about traveling in Jenni Kayne’s Marina set (pants, top — you can get the look for less with this set) and chic sneaks like these or these. Comfortable, pajama-like vibes but pulled together enough to wear in public.
Q: Leather jacket.
A: Personally love this quilted ladylike take on a leather jacket, but if you’re after the classic moto style, check out the options at All Saints! Reiss also has some streamlined, modern styles that remind me of the investment styles at The Row. And for more of the aviator vibe — you can’t go wrong with RL.
Q: Outfits to wear for my new job.
A: Sleek black pants to pair with chic knits (or this) and fashion-forward flats. I also like striped button-downs like this and this tucked into polished, dark denim (if permitted) and finished with ballet flats. I’m also a huge personal fan of shirtdresses — they feel so crisp and pulled-together. I am loving this, this, and this. And I also think a straight-cut dress like this with gold jewelry and simple flats would be elegant.
Q: Clothes for Palm Beach in February!
A: So fabulous. I shared some favorite resort picks here, but a few more recent finds:
THESE MULES TO WEAR WITH EVERYTHING
THE MOST PALM BEACH SWIMSUIT I EVER DID SEE
LEMLEM COVER UP (ON SALE!)
Q: I am graduating from law school in early June! What on earth does one wear to their own graduation??? I want to look grown up but not stuffy/professional. The ceremony is in Seattle and will be outside. I imagine I’ll need a dress for under the gown and another for a separate dinner with family. THANK YOU!
A: Wow – congratulations! I would personally treat myself to a sophisticated dress from Emilia Wickstead in a gorgeous floral — something that says “I’ve made it, but I’m still fun/fashionable/feminine.” Net-A-Porter has a bunch of spectacular options on sale — this, this, this. I feel like you’ll treasure it forever and find a lot of uses for a dress like that. A few other really pretty but grown-up options that also feel festive/right for the occasion, most of which are more reasonably priced:
Personally, I think you could wear all of those beneath your gown EXCEPT the ones that are maxi length (you don’t want to be tripping up onto the podium).
Q: Looking for a bridesmaid dress for a black tie wedding in Charlottesville in May (reception is outdoors, under a tent, so I think a full-on gown would be too formal). Bride is requesting that bridesmaids wear dresses that are midi or full length and primarily green, but is otherwise flexible! Have ordered a few options but haven’t found anything I’m in love with. Thank you in advance for any thoughts!!
A: A splurge, but this Cara Cara is spectacular and you will wear again. Also love this Ulla but I’m thinking it may be too informal for the setting/vibe — you might run it by the bride. This Reformation is darling, and how fab is this Alexis (50% off)?
Q: I am due with my first baby, a boy, in April and will be having my baby shower in early March in NYC. Struggling with the transitional season and of course bump (8 month!) friendly pieces. Theme for the shower is ocean/surf (my husband is a surfer) and I don’t want to be too “on theme” but would love something that would look put together with the blue/watercolor palette of the day.
A: Check out Mirth! They just launched a bunch of absolutely gorgeous painterly blue/green florals in caftan shapes that would work with bump. This is chic/different, and I love both this and this. Also love the idea of a Mi Golondrina dress for the occasion — festive, bump-accommodating, and happy. A shirt dress like this (size up one size and wear sash above bump) could also be chic. Congratulations — enjoy!