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.

There’s nothing quite like a late summer concert. The days are still long, the air still warm, and the amplifiers still cranked to 11. Whether you’re hitting up a free show on the Brooklyn waterfront or taking in a set at The Fillmore, we believe in looking backstage fresh. Who knows, you might be called on stage for a guest appearance.

Luckily, the solution to the concert fashion quandary is a quick fix. We’re loving the rocker appeal of William Rast, the clothing company founded by Justin Timberlake and Tracy Ayala. This is the look of the world-tour, lifestyle-premium denim (that looks better unwashed, after several consecutive days of wear), tailored leather jackets (preferably in the iconic black of the Ramones), and essential graphic Ts. Of all pieces, the graphic T is most emblematic of the anti-hero vibe that comes from being under the bright lights and elusively answering questions from interviewers. It has sass and attitude, and is not afraid of being in your face. It is the definition of swagger.

If an indie rock concert is in the plans, try black jeans and a form-fitting T for admiring looks from the Williamsburg set. Complement the dark denim with a simple canvas sneaker or a mid-height boot. The fit of the denim for guys should be a bit looser than skinny jeans, but not overly baggy – you want to be noticed, but not in the “look at that guy in the wide-leg jeans circa 1996” kind of way. Boyfriend jeans on women send a “not trying to impress” vibe.

At a hip-hop or electronica show jeggings look right on women, and the stretch factor makes it easier to move. On guys, a lighter shade of denim in distressed cuts is a sure shot – we prefer a slightly roomier fit (for easy dancing). Pair them with plain white Ts or a subdued graphic shirt that is more urban swagger than rocker moodiness. Sneakers, preferably high-tops, amp up the funkiness.

Regardless of genre or cultural scene, William Rast lends itself to the musically inclined. Either from the front row, the lawn seats, or up in the box (for the arena shows), experience summer tunes in style. Channel your inner rocker, rapper, or DJ. Kick out the jams.