RUE LA LA STYLIST MAUREEN TACKLES THIS SEASON’S BIGGEST QUESTIONS

One of Rue La La’s very own stylists, Maureen, dishes on how to wear this season’s must-haves.

Q. How can I look fun and flirty but not silly at age 40?  – Julie C.
A. Just because you’re 40 doesn’t mean you can’t be cute and flirty! But when you reach a certain age, some of the sexier trends can look like you’re trying too hard, so err on the side of caution when dipping into trends like leopard or leather shorts. Why not try a fitted, skinny cigarette pant paired with a pretty, tucked-in blouse? That look can be very flirty yet sophisticated. Or, try a rich jewel-tone feminine skirt with a cashmere top. And heels always add a touch of fun and confidence to any outfit.

Q. Leopard print is everywhere, but how can I wear it and not go overboard? – Elisabeth V.
A. The thought of wearing an entire leopard dress might scare most women. But there are other ways to rock leopard. Try accessories - a leopard handbag or skinny belt is a nice addition to a neutral outfit in grey, taupe, or black. Or if you’re feeling slightly braver, a classic-cut pencil skirt in leopard paired with a black cardigan is a nice way to wear this trend.

Q. Can knee-high boots be worn to the work area? Or are those more for the weekend? – Lourdes Q.
A. I would say that knee-high boots are appropriate for many offices, but what style depends on your office dress codes. If you work in a more creative type of office, try a distressed leather boot in gray or brown. If you work in a more conservative environment, a sleeker, more polished knee-high boot in black will work nicely with a black skirt or dress.

Q. Can I wear a short black dress to a Friday night wedding this weekend?? I always feel I need to wear light colors to a summer wedding… – Mary F.
A. A black dress to a summer wedding is always a perfect choice. Just make sure the material of your dress is appropriate. If you have a daytime wedding, a shift in linen or light cotton would work. Make sure your accessories aren’t evening. Avoid sequins or anything too glittery for day. As for evening, the little black dress will work in almost any fabric (except of course a heavy wool). A bare leg and a great sandal will make the black dress look more summery. Don’t forget a pedicure, too!

Q. What will be the hottest color and trend for autumn/winter?? – Shari D.
A. It seems that jewel tones were popping up all over the fall runways. Try colors that are intense with rich tones like amethyst, ruby, sapphire, and emerald. If you shy away from brighter colors, you’ll be happy to know that neutrals like camel and grey are huge for fall 2010. Also, wearing monochromatic colors head to toe is another color trend. Try a dress in red with matching tights and lipstick. Being matchy-matchy is also on-trend for fall.

Q. I love that lace is in, I personally love to wear it on nights and weekends, but how can I incorporate it into my work wardrobe without it looking too lingerie-ish? – Anna K.
A. I think lace is a nice addition to your work wardrobe. Try a lace top or blouse under a blazer or cardigan. The hint of lace is the perfect subtle touch for the office. Even a lace skirt with opaque tights and more casual oversized sweater would be a refreshing change for your fall wardrobe.

Q. I LOVE the idea of jeggings! But I’ve never bought any due to the face that I have no idea what size I would wear! I would love it if you guys could tell me the best way to determine my size/fit, if they run small, big, etc. – Amanda T.
A. Jeggings normally should run true to size. But don’t forget they are a straighter, skinnier fit, so sometimes that means going up a size so it sits comfortably on the waist without digging in and causing the dreaded muffin top. But also keep in mind that most jeggings have Lycra in them and are more stretchy than regular jeans and therefore have more give to them.

Q. I just bought a Valentino lace tote, but what in the world can I wear it with without feeling like I’ll be wearing black every day? – Olga C.
A. Mixing textures and patterns is a big trend for fall 2010. So embrace the combination of lace and wool or lace and tweed. It’s fresh and fashionable. Your lace tote would look great with a lush camel coat. Or try a chunky wool oversized sweater in grey. Another nice combination would be the femininity of the lace tote mixed with a menswear Harris Tweed blazer.

Q. What can I wear over-the-knee boots with so that they don’t make me look like a streetwalker? – Rebecca D.
A. The trick is to balance the look with a more casual and less-fitted outfit. Opaque ribbed tights in grey with a cute wool mini and a chunky sweater would complement an over-the-knee boot in a distressed leather.

Q. Am I just wishful thinking, or are glittery shoes “in” this fall? – Brittany B.
A. Gold and glitter are very much a trend this fall. If you love glittery shoes, wear ‘em! You could try the sock and shoe trend that is big for fall as well by wearing a thin sock with them.

Q. What type of legwear will be in style this fall and winter (i.e, opaque tights, sheer pantyhose, tights with patterns, etc.)? – Michelle M.
A. A variety of legwear is a huge trend for fall and winter. Socks with sandals are big. Opaque tights in grays, blacks, and even white are looks spotted on fall runways. Sheer black hose looks great for evening looks. We love the look of a thicker scrunched sock peeking out of an ankle boot. Ribbed tights in a variety of colors like grey, burgundy, and camel are also a fresh look for fall.

Got more vexing style questions? Post them here or on our facebook page and we’ll get you some stylish answers.

As a personal shopper and stylist, it’s no secret that I love fashion. And for me, there’s nothing more exciting than finding that holy grail – something that can seamlessly transition between seasons with a few simple changes. Here are my go-to pieces to buy and wear now – and keep handy for fall.

LEOPARD WEDGES
Wear it now: With denim boyfriend jeans, a tank (I like the look of an army green tank), and an arm of bangles.
Wear later: Keep your summer look, just add a blazer and trade summer bangles for a light scarf instead.
Why I love it: Leopard is everywhere this fall, so adding a touch of the print can instantly update your wardrobe, and with leopard, a little goes a long way.

WIDE LEG PANTS
Wear it now: Because the pants are loose, go with a more fitted top, and if you are comfortable with your arms (not everyone is) go with a tank. A belt will break up the tight top and wide bottoms, and make the look so polished.
Wear it later: Keep the belt, but trade your tank for a super-soft cashmere top – and layer on a jacket.
Why I love it: Wide leg pants are universally flattering. Who doesn’t want their legs to look longer and leaner? They are one of the pieces in your closet that should be tailored to perfection and they can create a new illusion for you body.

WHITE BUTTON-DOWN
Wear it now: Look cool and crisp by pairing with a camel skirt (which will also be huge for fall). Add gold jewelry, a classic tote, and sunglasses.
Wear it later: Keep the skirt and add a pair of tights, or switch to wool trousers and a belt. Keep the gold jewelry, tote, and sunglasses.
Why I love it: This is a piece every woman should own. It can be paired with almost anything in your closet and as long as it’s clean and pressed, it will make your look pulled together. It can be the most conservative piece in your wardrobe or one of the sexiest. It’s all about how you style it.

3/4-SLEEVE BLAZER
Wear it now: To instantly pull together any look, throw over your favorite summer dress, or pair with a tank and denim shorts or a skirt. Make sure the jacket is tailored perfectly – when it comes to jackets, fit is everything.
Wear it later: Pair with jeans or trousers, but stay away from wide leg because you can end up looking boxy. If you do choose to wear wide leg pants, belt the blazer to emphasize your waist.
Why I love it: For me, this is a definite must-have. If you can, invest in black, charcoal, and white versions. I usually suggest spending less on staple pieces and more on bags, shoes, and other accessories, but this is an exception. Jackets should be of good quality with an expensive fabric so they last. Spend the time (and an extra few bucks) to have it tailored, and you will find yourself wearing it a few times a week. Totally worth it.

JEAN JACKET
Wear it now: With just about anything! It’s the quintessential summer jacket. Right now I’m wearing mine over a romper.
Wear it later: Layer over a short or longsleeve shirt, and just make sure your bottoms aren’t denim! Some designers pulled off the denim-on-denim look in their Spring 2010 collections on the runway, but for the most part I wouldn’t recommend it for everyday wear.
Why I love it: Denim is everywhere this summer, and this piece can easily transition into fall. Chances are it will keep coming back in style, so don’t toss it come winter. If you have an old jean jacket that looks dated, try cutting off the sleeves and making it into a vest.

BLACK SKIRT
Wear it now: I love to jazz up the classic black skirt with a trend, like a tank in a neon shade.
Wear it later: Black skirts are universal, so most longsleeve shirts or sweaters will work. The mini length is going to be huge for fall, but since it’s short, pair with tights and ballet flats.
Why I love it: Another staple, and a piece you should hold on to since it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. You can create a trendy look around the skirt, and black has a tendency to make legs look thinner.

SILK BLOUSE (in a blush color)
Wear it now: With your little black skirt! Just add a pair of flats and jewelry - très chic.
Wear it later: Switch the black skirt for black jeans or trousers, and a pair of booties or heels (this color looks amazing with black!).
Why I love it: Tons of designers showed blouses on their runways for spring and fall, but it’s important to know how to wear them. A silk blush-colored blouse with black on the bottom is flattering on just about everyone and is suitable for most occasions. It can be your “go-to” outfit for summer and fall.