Slide summer dresses into cool weather
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: How do I extend my summer wardrobe pieces into fall without looking silly? — D.S.
Dear D.S.: Consider adding a lighter-weight blazer or other fitted jacket, including a cropped tight black “leather” motorcycle jacket, over a sleeveless dress or top. Even a cropped cardigan. Add tights (textured or plain) with dresses that you wore with bare legs in the warmer weather (being careful not towear anything too heavy with a lightweight dress).
It’s OK to pair a lighterweight blouse with slightly heavier trousers, and many women feel comfortable wearing boots, even yearround. A hard look in a fulllength mirror will let you know if this boots idea is a good look for you. (More on that in a future column.)
And while we’re on the topic of seasonal dressing, that business about not wearing white after Labor Day is passe. White’s fine throughout the year.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I’ve never had particularly heavy upper arms, but I’ve developed unsightly chicken wing flaps as I’ve aged. I just can’t decide whether to ignore them and wear whatever sleeveless garment I want or make the effort to keep them covered. Keeping them covered all the time is a nuisance in the very warm climate where I live. Your thoughts on wing flaps — hidden or visible? — C.K.
Dear C.K.: Aging brings wisdom … and body flaws. It’s gravity, and it’s not pretty. And no amount of diet or exercise can truly change that. Sure it would be ideal for you to wear sleeves to cover the problem, but when it’s hot out there, come on! Who is going to do that? My advice: Do your best.
At some point, many women I know swear off sleeveless and, at the very least, wear short sleeves. Others buy light cotton shirts with 3⁄ sleeves or 4 long sleeves they roll up to the elbow. I constantly hear from readers that they can’t find dresses or tops that aren’t sleeveless, no matter what the season. So, so true.
Clothing makers don’t get it, and it’s infuriating. Go into any store, winter or summer, and you’ll find racks of sleeveless tops and dresses and only a handful with sleeves of any sort. This was painfully obvious when I shopped with a friend who was willing to spend big bucks for a dress that would cover her lessthanarms. She searched for weeks before finding one! When will designers catch on? Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I’ve seen more and moremen buttoning both of their front buttons on suits. During the Olympics, the most notable was Bob Costas. Nowthat I paymore attention to it, I’ve seen other men do this. Personally, I like it because it prevents seeing that ridiculous little triangle of shirt, tie, belt and belly! Is this still a social faux pas? — GeorgeK.
Dear George: If it’s good enough for Bob Costas, how can it possibly be a fashion don’t! Feel free to button up. Lots of men don’t button one, much less two, buttons on their jackets because the jackets don’t fit properly and they can’t button them. Or, they’re lazy. The silly triangle you mention is not a good look, but many men don’t care.
Dear Answer Angel
Ellen: I see more and more “BB” and “CC” creams in stores and am clueless. Could you please let me know what that means and what they are for? — Edwina J.
Dear Edwina: You’re not the only one mystified by this. I just introduced a friend to the BB cream I use, and she didn’t know what the stuff is either.
BB (and CC) cream is just another name for tinted moisturizer — a lighter option than the thicker, more coverage “foundation.” The one I like best at the moment is Maybelline’s Dream Fresh BB 8-in-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector. If you care, the eight “benefits” are listed on the back of the tube, but the one I particularly like is the SPF 30 sunscreen. Buy it at drugstores for under $9 for1 ounce.
Reader Pat D. finds most tinted moisturizers don’t give her the coverage she wants but recommends Boots No. 7 Dual Action Tinted Moisturizer, which, she says, “provides more coverage without the heaviness of a foundation. Plus it hasSPF15.” You can find it at Walgreens ( www.walgreens. for $10.49 for 1.69 ounces. And Melissa C. says, “Maybelline Fit Me! foundation stick (Walgreens, $8.99) is easy peasy with great finish and even easier and less messy than BB creams.”
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Any suggestions for comfortable and very warm pajamas? Winter or summer, I’m always cold at night. Nightgowns ride up, fleece that is like the texture of a cotton ball is an uncomfortable fabric, and tight shirts are not what Iwant to sleep in. But I also don’t want to be teased by my family when I am in ugly pajamas. — Chilly Sleeper
Dear Chilly: Why not sweats — a sweatshirt and sweatpants? Send questions, rants, tips, favorite finds to answer angelellen@gmail.com.