A fashion-disaster friend

Dear Dr. Dana,

I have a friend who’s really likes to step into shortshorts, paired with heels and it doesn’t look flattering on her. I want to tell her without hurting her feelings.

She’s a little bit on the heavy side but she has great legs. Any outfit you can suggest so that I can steer her toward the right direction?

Gigi

Dear Gigi,

There is a fine hair line between being trendy and going overboard with a look that will give it a cheap bent—and I think it would be your friend’s benefit that you tell her in an honest but kind way.

I would suggest that the two of you make it a fun project and give each other a make-over along with a trusted female relative who has a good fashion sense, and who can be the mediator and advisor for both of you.

Some options for your friend are wearing mini skirts and mini dresses that are not too short. She can also try Bermuda shorts that are in style (and still above the knee) and if she wants to wear shorter shorts, there are those that are still chic but not super short. It’s a bit more tailored rather than funky. She can still wear high heels but look for more sophisticated with youthful styles, like platforms and wedge heels, although flats (both ballet styles and sandals) are great with shorts and minis.

As for tops, depending on where she is headed, she can wear tailored blouses, draped jersey tops, tees or soft, layered knits.

Very truly yours, Dr. Dana R. Sesante