With leather jackets being the must-have outerwear piece of the season, we had to get the scoop on how women can incorporate this look into their wardrobe. Here, APART style guru Melissa Diner dishes on her favorite ways to wear leather (at any age).

Want more styling tips from APART? Check www.apartstyle.com.

Confession: Sometimes we get a glimpse of an upcoming trend and love it in theory (or how it looks on the model coming down the runway) but can’t always pull it off in the morning when it’s time to leave for work. So we turned to Rue La La stylist Maureen for easy styling solutions to this season’s most vexing trends.

Lingerie
The trick to mastering lingerie pieces is making it look like you’re not wearing a nightie in public. A couple of easy options: Wear a lacy camisole top under a blazer, or try a slip dress with opaque tights and a chunky sweater.

Fur (or faux fur)
A fun look for day or night: Wear a luxe fox collar or shrug over a casual T and jeans, or draped over a sweater dress with boots.

Socks with sandals
This has forever been a fashion no-no, but if done the right way, it can be adorable. First you want to make sure the sandal has some substance to it. A wooden chunky-heeled sandal paired with a thinner-to-medium textured scrunched sock is a great way to wear this trend (never wear an evening strappy sandal with socks).

Velvet
This is such a rich and lush fabric that it’s normally thought of for evening. But you can find gorgeous blazers in rich fall tones that would be perfect for daytime. Wear them with jeans and a T or a pretty silk blouse underneath for the office.

A cape
A wool cape in a neutral shade (camel, grey, or black) should become a staple in your fall wardrobe. Try wearing a shorter one over jeans for a toned-down, more casual look. Elbow-length gloves in leather or suede keep your arms nice and warm while looking fashion forward.

White tights
Trading black opaque tights for white can be a daunting trend for most. White tights tend to make legs look fuller, so it may not appeal to some. But if you want to be a little adventurous this fall, try white tights beneath soft knit sweater dresses and pair with a slouchy boot or bootie.

Sheers
These pieces are not for the faint of heart. If you’re not afraid to flaunt it, try a sheer dress with a shorter fitted mini beneath. A pretty satin bra would look stunning underneath a completely sheer blouse.

Knee-high socks
I love the look of knee-high socks peeking out of pair of distressed leather, calf-high boots. But if you want to embrace your inner schoolgirl, don them with heels and a skirt. But keep in mind the skirt length - you don’t want to wear a micro mini. For evening, you can wear a sheer knee-high pulled slightly over the knee with an evening shoe or bootie.

Over-the-knee boots
The trick here is to avoid looking dominatrix-y. Try a neutral grey-tone boot in a distressed leather and wear them with a knit dress or mini. To keep balance, pair your mini or dress with an oversized sweater or blazer and layer on opaque tights.

No matter what trend you’re trying to master, remember this: Style is all about taking risks. Just be sure to keep proportions in mind, and most importantly - have fun.

Office-appropriate attire is no longer limited to navy dresses and pinstripe suits, but it’s sometimes a fine line as to what flies in the workplace. Our Members shared vexing career clothing questions, and we’re turning to Deanna Grubbs, Director of Retail Merchandising at Johnston & Murphy, for answers on how to take on the work week in style.

Q. No one likes to iron! Is it possible to avoid ironing work clothes?
- Julie via twitter @Jkchavanne

A. Start by selecting fabrics that naturally have wrinkle-resistant properties - such as jersey, wool, and polyester - quite common in dresses and pants. If you prefer the look and feel of cotton, many brands offer styles that have been specially treated to be wrinkle-resistant. In our men’s apparel line, we have a selection of Easy Care shirts that can literally be taken right out of the dryer and worn wrinkle-free. Poly/cotton blends are more common in women’s shirts, and the blend naturally offers wrinkle resistance. And if you insist on 100% cotton, try hanging your clothes in the bathroom while showering to “steam” out the wrinkles. It’s not as good as a press job, but it’s better than nothing.

Q. Do you have to wear nylons to work?
- Michal via twitter @inkasrain

A. Bare legs are now acceptable in most every work environment. It’s more about the appropriate amount of leg to show versus whether it is covered or not. Keep dresses and skirts no more than a few inches above the knee. Tights and leggings (especially worn with boots) are good, stylish alternatives. If you’re in one of the few hold-out industries like law, accounting, or finance where it’s still in question, and especially if you work at a conservative firm, check into your corporate dress code policy.

Q. Can jeans work at the office? How, and what do you pair them with?
- Meredith via twitter @mgendreau

A. This is also dependent on your specific dress code policy. Outside of a written policy, it has definitely become more acceptable to wear jeans at the office. The key is to keep the look polished. It looks sharp when the denim is a dark, uniform wash and has a tailored or trouser-like fit. Pair it with a blazer (for both men and women) or some type of jacket or cardigan. Layers add interest, as do accessories like fun jewelry or scarves. Heels work great to round out the look and still be professional.

Q. How do you deal with the fact that it’s warm outside, yet icy cold in your average office?
- Lainey via twitter @seriouslyrad

A. Layering is key. Pair cardigans, blazers, or even a denim jacket with short sleeve or sleeveless tops. An oversized scarf or wrap is also a great option, like our pleated scarf from the spring collection. These are great to keep in your office in neutral colors like black and ivory.

Q. Any suggestions for when you wake up and nothing seems to fit?
- Abby via twitter @Supershopgal

A. These are the days when I go for a relaxed dress, preferably empire waist or A-line. Another good option is a long shirt or dress paired with leggings. Fabrics like jersey are good because they are generally more full and flowing. Avoid anything too fitted. And try to wear black - we all know its slimming effect. Another good option: Layer with a longer cardigan or jacket. Great shoes or jewelry also draw attention away from your figure or clothing and toward other parts of your body.

Q. How can you avoid looking like you’re wearing the same thing over and over?
- Katherine via twitter @WhiteySox

A. Accessories and layering are keys to making the same wardrobe items look different. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns, colors, and materials. You often look more stylish and fresh when things don’t really match. Belts are great over cardigans or to change the looked of a belted pant. Styles like our Skinny Snake Print or Tortoise Patent Belt or Wide Woven Belt offer fun texture and color while looking very professional. Try different shoes, maybe a metallic, snake, or tortoise patent for a different look. It’s also nice to try a natural leather or cognac style with black or navy to freshen it up. Jewelry or scarves are inexpensive ways to completely change the look of an outfit.

Q. What shoes are cute but functional?
- Cera via twitter @cerasmith & Bonnie via Facebook

A. Flats are perfect, and they are very trendy right now, which means there are plenty of great options in the market. Big trends are novelty materials like metallics, exotic prints like snake or croc, and animal prints. Studs, jewels, and cutouts also dress up a flat. Another great option is a style with a wedge heel or a chunky mid-heel. Both provide comfort and stability with a little lift, which is functional and flattering. Finally, if you are a die-hard heel-wearer, platforms are the way to go. These are very hot right now, so there are lots of great options from pumps to peep-toes to strappy sandals. They look higher than they actually are, making them more appropriate for all-day wear. Try to find styles with added cushioning in the ball area of the foot and rubber on the fore-part of the outsole. All of our Johnston & Murphy women’s shoes have these features.

Q. How short is too short (for skirts)? How high is too high (for heels)?
- Catherine via Facebook

A. For an office environment, keep skirts no more than a few inches above the knee (this also happens to be the most flattering length for most body types). You have a little more leeway with heel heights. Four inches is probably the maximum that most people can wear and walk in comfortably all day. Most importantly, stick with whatever heel height you feel the most comfortable in.

Q. I can never find good dress pants for work….suggestions?
- Rory via Facebook

A. Lightweight, tropical wools are a great material choice for both men and women. For men, stores like Brooks Brothers, Jos. A. Banks, and Banana Republic all have nice options. Department stores also have a good selection of styles from their private label brands. For women, also look for lightweight wools or polyester/synthetic options from stores like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor (triacetate fabric), J.Crew, and even Express (the Editor pant offers a professional look). If you want to make an investment, Theory pants are some of the best in the market.

Q. It’s been so hot lately that I hate having to wear a jacket to meetings. If you have a client/prospecting meeting, is it appropriate to not wear a jacket to the meeting? For example, if I wore a sleeveless dress or slacks paired with a dressy blouse with capped sleeves and left out the jacket, would that be “business” enough?
- Jennifer via Facebook

A. As long as the rest of your outfit is professional, you shouldn’t have to wear a jacket. A dressy blouse with capped sleeves or a shirt dress or wrap dress are perfect. You can also try a lightweight cardigan over a tank paired with pants or a skirt for a lighter look.

Q. I’m relocating from Portland, OR to Tampa, FL and will be taking on a fairly high-profile management position. My wardrobe has been completely “Portlanized” over the past few years. Think, black, grey, and navy with lots of pants and “sensible” shoes. What are some easy ways to inject some Florida color into my wardrobe while still remaining professional?
- Meghann via Facebook

A. You have two things going for you: You have a great starting point with a base of neutrals, and you’re going to another relatively casual market. Try a new selection of tops to go with your basic pants. Look for fun patterns and colors with feminine detailing like ruffles or dressy fabrics like silk. These will instantly update your look. As we move into fall, use cardigans or light jackets to wear with these same blouses and pants. Bright colors like rich greens, olives, dark berries, burgundies, purples, rusty oranges and yellows are forecasted to be strong in fall. All of these work well with your neutral base. Add a few peep-toe pumps to your wardrobe for a professional option that is appropriate for the Florida climate.

Q. Can you advise people on alternate yet appropriate interviewing attire? As a recruiter I feel awful having people wear full-on suits to interview on 98 degree days (especially men who tend to sweat more).
- Melenee via Facebook

A. The key words to keep in mind are “tailored” and “polished.” Professional doesn’t mean a suit these days. It means a well put-together outfit. For men, it can be a nice-looking shirt and dress slacks or a suit with an updated shirt sans tie. But guys need to pay attention to the details too – polished shoes, matching belt, and socks. Details make a difference. For women, use cardigans or novelty jackets to create a light, more interesting professional look. Dresses or skirts are other good options in the summer heat.

Our Johnston & Murphy Boutique opens Thursday, July 22 at 11AM ET.

We love your style questions. From what’s appropriate, to what’s “in,” to what you’re just dying to pull off – your queries get us thinking, and searching for the best answers. This time we turned to Misty Huber, stylist and co-founder of StyleSalt.com and DIYbeautiful.com. Here’s her chic, practical say:

Q. I never know if it’s okay to tuck tops into pants anymore. A few years ago my teenage daughter told me absolutely no tucking in.
A. It’s definitely okay! Tucking in your tops is an easy way to define your waist and create an hourglass figure. The trick to pulling it off is to make sure you have a great-fitting pair of pants that lay flat across your stomach and flatter your derriere without bulging, pinching, or pulling. Choose a substantial fabric. Thin fabrics aren’t as forgiving and can show the excess fabric where you’ve tucked in your top.

Q. I am looking for the perfect work/play black leather purse. What brands do you recommend I look at?
A. Look for bags that are structured enough for the office, but with fun, going-out details. This season I love Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Q. I have to wear the famous little black dress for work events, and that’s often! Who has the hottest styles this season?
A. Little black dresses are one investment piece you know will carry you through several seasons, but it’s exciting too when designers get the inspiration to tweak an already gorgeous staple. Among my favorites this season: Milly and Haute Hippie.

Q. Help! I am a 41 year old single mom of two teenage boys (can’t believe I said it out loud). I want to be stylish and sexy without dressing too young for the office and when I go out. What are some basics? I am a slender 4-6.
A. If you’re slender, you want to bring out your curves and emphasize your waist with skirts, tucked-in blouses, and dresses. Dark denim is a fantastic choice because it’s on-trend and flatters every figure (and is very age appropriate). You can still do bold colors as long as they’re not of the fluorescent family, along with sophisticated neutrals and feminine prints.

Q. I need a new black blazer. I like the length of boyfriend jackets because I can wear skinny jeans or leggings while covering my derriere. Is that too fall/winter-ish?
A. Where basic blazers are concerned, there are many options that look like a million bucks and usually cost less than $100. Skinny jeans and leggings are both still options for spring, but you should also consider wearing blazers with cropped pants, skirts, and even shorts as spring starts and temperatures start to rise.

Q. I saw the Galliano preview and am mesmerized by his ability to mix patterns that you’d never think would go together. I would love to do that but are there any rules so I don’t end up looking like a hot mess??
A. The idea is to not come too close to matching color tones – you don’t want it to look as if you were trying to make them work together, but were off base – or colorblind. If you’re shopping online, open two windows and look at the patterns next to each other. Go with your first reaction as to whether they clash, or if they bring out the best in each other. The combinations you are drawn to may surprise you: mod prints mixed with florals, or a batik print paired with stripes.

Member Questions - Answered

Spring is a tricky time in the world of fashion. So when our Members wrote in with their most vexing fashion questions, we went to a stylish source for answers. Stylist Alison Lee offered up her insider insights. (And if your question isn’t answered here stay tuned – there’s more to come!)

Q: This spring the gladiator sandals are embellished and longer than ever! What do you think about knee-high gladiator sandals? Better in glossy patent or matte leather?
A: Gladiator sandals are better kept at an ankle cut for the upcoming season, but I have a pair of knee-high gladiators that will definitely be worn with some cutoffs and a white tee. If you’re looking for the perfect sandals to invest in for this spring, opt for espadrilles, cuff sandals (flat sandals with a huge cuff that wraps around your ankles), or peep-toes with sky-high heels with a fun, flirty floral print.

Q: I live in NYC and need a new pair of everyday jeans. My had-them-forever button fly halogens have finally died. Do you know of any easy wear, straight-ish leg, med or dark blue jean that comes in a long length so I can wear with flats or low heels, and are not too expensive!???
A: The perfect pair of jeans makes your behind look fantastic, elongates your legs, and prevents muffin top. If you’re looking for a snug fit, go for skinny jeans or jeggings (jean leggings). If you’re looking for casual, try a boyfriend fit. Remember – the fit is key! Some guidelines: If you’re conscious about the width of your legs, select a wash that has a slight fade in the front to slenderize the legs. Jeans are an investment. They can last a very, very long time, so splurging on the perfect pair shouldn’t make you feel guilty.

Q: It has been suggested to me (by my wife) that my wardrobe full of pleated pants are out-dated. Is that true? I have always thought they look more interesting than flat fronted pants.
A. Pleated pants for men are out, but pleated pants for women are in. Just hang in there – fashion always recycles itself, so store your favorites – the ones you’ll be calling “vintage” when they come in style again. As for now, invest in some new suiting or pants – just the basics to start: black, navy and gray.

Q: Spring may be coming, but I’m not ready to put away my boots. Can you wear boots in the spring? For how long, and what kinds?
A: I know you’re married to your boots. What woman isn’t? However, it’s inevitable that our thigh-highs need to go back in its appropriate shoebox for the warm months. The good news? Spring boots do exist! You’ll be seeing prairie boots everywhere in fashion spreads and on every trendy celeb on the streets. They look adorable paired with a distressed denim skirt, a flouncy sundress, or a pair of shorts.

Q: What are some of the options for business-casual wear? Something that is appropriate for a non-fashionable office, but is not dreadfully boring.
A: There are so many options out there to spruce up your work wardrobe. Just find yourself the perfect high-waisted pencil skirt, a nice pair of black slacks, flattering knits, button-downs and you’re ready to go. Add into your work wardrobe some colors and subtle prints to wear under a blazer for a little extra pop.

Q: Can you give tips on accessories? I am terrified of wearing them. I’m not sure how to pair necklaces, rings etc and what necklines are good for what lengths of chain etc…
A: I absolutely love this question. It wasn’t until I started experimenting with different types of necklaces, bangles, rings and bracelets that I found accessories are vital to completing a look. I opt for my lucite bubble necklace when my mood calls for something fun to balance out my “ready-for-business” blazer, silk tank, and slacks. When I want to add detail to a casual look – perhaps a fitted tank and a pair of skinnies, I’ll wear my wrap-around leather bracelet. A good investment piece is a bangle, which can be worn alone or stacked up to five or six pieces on the wrist. Collect them one by one.

Q: How do I wear headbands without looking like a 12 yr old?
A: I love headbands. The days I sport one with a big bow, I make sure my outfit that day is more business than casual. The days I wear my diamond-studded headband, you can spot me wearing a trendy little black dress or even a baby doll. Just make sure that you avoid mixing the bow headband with a baby doll – it’s all about balance.

Q: I’d like advice on investment pieces you can wear for years to come, ranging from accessories to clothing.
A: I would invest in the following: blazer, high-waisted skirt, a chic winter coat, knee-high boots, cashmere cardigan, the perfect jeans, bangles, and a pearl necklace.

Q: Is it tacky to have shoes and bags match these days?
A: Honestly, I was never a matchy-matchy person. I love mixing pattern on pattern, black with navy, different shades of grays, and now, it’s a trend that is catching on. It’s personal preference. If you feel and look fabulous, that’s the ultimate reason you should wear your matching bag with shoes.

Got style questions? We can relate. So we thought we’d give you a forum for answers. Send in your most vexing fashion problems - just write them in the comments section below. We’ll go to some of our favorite experts for the answers and report back. (Added bonus: We’re guessing our Members will have some fabulous insights, too.)