No, they don’t. While I can’t argue that white or cream pants are practical (one wear and in the wash they go), they’re stylish regardless of your size. The important factors are the fit and the ensemble. Here are guidelines for choosing a perfect pair of white or cream pants:

• Choose a shaped waistband that’s lower in front than at the back. A wider waistband (about one and half inches) gives our bodies that extra bit of structure around the tummy area.
• Keep the front plain (no pleats) and the pockets off. Side entry pockets or any type of patch pocket tends to show through the front of light pants. Flatter fronts keep your fit smooth and streamlined underneath your tops.
• Make sure that white pants made of softer fabrications like viscose, silk, rayon and linen-blends are lined.
• Consider denim and thick cotton twills in white/cream. These fabrics don’t need to be lined and the classic “5-pocket styling” works well.
• Stick to boot cut leg openings as the most versatile and flattering option.

Striking contrast is key to creating a stylish ensemble with white pants. Match them up with a dark top and shoes and your look will pop.

All women can look incredible in the right pair of white pants. Get your head around the fact that white is a modern update on black, and that it doesn’t make you look fat.

Excellent white and denim pant silhouettes from Ann Taylor and Nordstrom.

There are timeless and of-the-moment items that are always good investments. You’ll be able to adapt the following items stylishly into your wardrobe regardless of your age, body type and fashion persona.

• tailored single-breasted knee length woolen coat
• trench coat
• structured black jacket
• crisp white collared shirt
• a little black dress
• a pair of perfectly fitting dark jeans 
• animal printed accessories (shoes, bags and scarves)
• a pair of black pumps or sling-backs 
• ballet flats 
• flat thong sandals 
• a classic designer handbag

The best wardrobes are built over time, so don’t feel rushed to acquire these items if don’t already have them. Make your selections carefully and you’ll enjoy them for a very long time.

Ballet flats by Giuseppe Zanotti (Zappos.com) and animal printed clutch by Alfani (Macy’s).

This is a frequently asked question on youlookfab. Unless you’re off to drinks, dinner or a party straight afterwards, casual attire is perfectly fine for the cinema. The possibilities are endless, but breaking outfits down by the bottoms is a good way to summarise your options. Here are three formulas that will work in the cool weather most of us are experiencing at the moment:

• Jeans – match denim up with a longer length T or collared shirt, cropped pinstripe jacket or cardigan, and fashion sneakers or flat boots. Finish the look off with a hand held satchel and string of pearls or boho beads.
• Casual pants – match combat pants or khakis with a collared shirt, sweater, military jacket or denim jacket and converse sneakers. Accessorize with a slouchy hobo or messenger bag.
• Skirt – match a denim, corduroy or cotton twill knee-length skirt with a turtle neck, tweed jacket and tall flat riding boots. Add a waist belt and oversized tote to the ensemble for a bit of extra oomph.

Sweats are not appropriate for anything other than lounging around and working out. If you do need to be smart casual after the movies, stick to the flop-proof outfit. And remember to layer with a camisole underneath and a trench on top for extra warmth. Voila! You are stylish for the movies or any other casual event.

Khakis and sneakers (Esprit), collared shirt and jacket (Gap), cropped hooded cardigan (Anthropologie) and Isabella Fiore messenger bag (Nordstrom).

Whether it’s elegant or edgy, knitted or woven, plain or printed – no wardrobe is complete without a few pretty girlie tops. If you’re not one for frills and flounces then simpler kimono cuts and tuxedo styles can be just as alluring. Their increasing popularity is due to their tremendous versatility. Girly tops are perfect paired with jeans for smart casual dressing; and slacks or a skirt for business casual attire. Add the drama with ultra-dressy separates and the right accessories, and your outfit is appropriate for any semi-formal occasion. Contrary to what you might think, girly tops are easy items to put together in outfits. Here’s how:

• Add the extra layer – pop a camisole or tank top underneath if it’s sheer; pop a cropped jacket over for a dressier look.
• Add the bottom – jeans (skinny, bootcut or flared), walk shorts, skirts and slacks can all be worn with girly tops. Choose jeans when you want to dress your top down, and slacks or a skirt for a more formal look.
• Add the accessory – keep your jewelry pieces to a minimum when you wear girly tops with lots of detail (like neckties, bows, multiple ruffles and bold prints). Dainty earrings and/or one longer length necklace is best. Cinching in your natural waist with a wide or skinny belt is another good option.

You won’t look back once you’ve got the hang of putting together outfits with girly tops. They’ve become a staple in my wardrobe because they make me feel feminine, well groomed and put together.

Girly tops come in all sorts of silhouettes, colours and fabrications. Anthropologie, Bebe and Nordstrom have a wonderful selection this season.

Vintage and peasant silhouettes from Anthropologie.

Frilly and flouncy options with woven prints from Bebe and Nordstrom add drama.

Simpler knitted options from Nordstrom.

La Redoute is a mainstream French catalogue that sells everything from swimwear to shoes for ladies and gents. Their goods have only recently become available in the USA with their warehouse located in Massachusetts. Their clothing and accessories are chic, different and highly affordable. I was particularly impressed with their selection of jackets, coats and boots this season. Although I do not advocate shopping online unless you know exactly what you are getting – it might be worth it if you fancy a bit of convenient and inexpensive French flair in your wardrobe. Unlike traditional European stores, their return policy is good and comparable to standard online shopping sites here in America.

Wool pea coat ($49), faux fur coat ($49) and tweed raglan blazer ($64) from La Redoute.

Women are fortunate when it comes to dressing for warm summer weddings and occasions – breezy dresses and open toe sandals without hose is perfectly acceptable attire. Gents, on the other hand are expected to swelter in shirt, tie, jacket, socks and closed shoes unless otherwise stated on the invitation. Are there cooler dressing options for men for formal occasions? This has been a frequent “Ask Angie“ over the last few weeks.

Unfortunately, if the dress code is formal, men will still have to bring a dinner jacket, and wear socks with dressy shoes. They can, however, drop the tie:

• The Prada look: An ultra trendy look of black pants, black pinstripe shirt, black jacket and no tie. Alternatively, try an iridescent navy, brown or burgundy shirt instead of a black pinstripe one. As long as the ensembles’ palette is dark and monochromatic, they’ll look formal enough. Tom Cruise often wears this look on the red carpet. It’s a super look for formal evening functions.
• The light suit and bright shirt: A tan suit with any brightly coloured shirt usually works best for this look. It’s always festive to wear a bright colour in summer which makes this ensemble especially suitable.

Dressy collared shirts will allow gents to look formal enough without ties. With a spot of luck there will be air conditioning as well.

The Prada look from Nordstrom, and Light suit with bright shirt from Macy’s, both formal, but without ties.

Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) is one of Europe’s most successful fashion chain stores. This Swedish based company operates in more than 22 countries and has started successfully tapping the US market on the East Coast and California. It targets the ultra-hip consumer by offering cheap, cutting edge fashion for men, women and children. They have recently branched out their merchandise mix to include maternity and plus sizes. Germany is currently their biggest market (30% of sales), Sweden is a close second and the UK third.

Their philosophy: “to offer unbeatable value by providing fashion forward clothing at the best possible price” 

H&M markets their desirable brand to high-end fashion consumers despite their discount fashion price points. You will often find an H&M located right next to a designer brand. In 2004, H&M stores offered an exclusive collection by Karl Lagerfeld (Chanel) which sold out worldwide within one hour.  In 2005, the success was repeated by Stella McCartney (Chloe). This year, stores will offer exclusive ranges designed and marketed by Madonna. 

Most of the merchandise offered at H&M is very young, but there always seems to be a super selection of basics and classics that defy age. Unlike Zara, elegance and sophistication are not their goals. Their aim is to offer the funky urbanite limitless creative options.  Don’t expect to hold onto your H&M  purchase for years – at budget prices, their clothes are not made to last.

My wardrobe is not complete without my playful H&M pieces. If its cutting edge trends at budget prices that you are after – H&M is the shop for you.

French, Italian, British and American designers dominate the catwalk scene; but it’s the Spanish that are best at interpreting these trends and turning them into commercial fashion for retail. Let me introduce you to one of the most successful retail chains in the world – Zara. This Spanish chain store is part of the Inditex group – one of the largest fashion retail groups worldwide. Almost 86% of their staff are women with women occupying 54% of the executive, technical and managerial positions.

“Zara offers the latest trends in international fashion in an environment of thought-out design”.  You’ll find these stores in the main commercial areas of cities across Europe, America and Asia. Zara offers women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and accessories at affordable prices. Their clothing is not meant to last forever and some describe it as “throw-away fashion”, but who wants to pay the earth for a fashion fad? That said, I have classics in my closet from Zara that are at least 3 years old and going strong.

Their enormous success can be attributed to many factors. What stands out for the consumer is the exclusivity of their product. They never offer more then 10 items in the same style, which can drive you crazy if they don’t have your size, but will prevent you from looking like someone else when you walk down the street. There isn’t another retailer that offers the same level of trendy fashion with the elegance and sophistication that Zara does. Their designs and colour direction are always a cut above the rest, but without burning a hole in your wallet. If you are a regular size and passionate about fashion – you need to shop here. It’s one of my very favourite places to buy up a storm.

Zara stores are predominantly located in Europe, Asia and South America. There are Zara stores in many American cities, but for those of you in the Pacific Northwest – Vancouver, Canada is your best bet.

When packing for travel, I always plan my footwear carefully. This is especially true for trips that require a great deal of walking. My days of being uncomfortable for the sake of being on the cutting edge of fashion are over. I am now, forever more, kind to my feet. But, we need to be kind to our feet with style.

Wearing socks and athletic shoes with jeans is unsightly and it’s even worse with shorts!  Is there such a thing as a comfortable yet stylish walking shoe? Absolutely. There are many fashionable and practical alternatives to the work-out sneaker:

• For jeans and casual pants, wear a “fashion sneaker”. Don’t wear thick colourful socks with these – opt for discreet ankle socks instead. If your pants are at the correct length (see perfect pant lengths please), you shouldn’t be revealing your socks – even when you sit or cross your legs.
• For walk shorts and skirts, wear a “dainty fashion sneaker”. It’s best to keep your sneaker looking more like a ballet shoe when you expose your legs. There are some super retro options at PF Flyers; otherwise any department store will stock what you are looking for.
• Pop in an insole. I like to get air foam insoles for extra comfort. They are available at any drugstore for a couple of dollars.
• Find a comfortable thong sandal. If you can wear thong sandals, try a cushioned version for walking if you don’t require arch support. I am more comfortable in these than in walking sandals with ankle straps. Ankle straps eventually chafe – throngs somehow seem more forgiving.

Fabulous feet deserve to fashionable and comfortable. Have a look at the dainty fashion sneaker options below – perfect for when you need to be light and quick on your feet.

PF Flyers has the nice dainty Lo Fi (and an online store).

Fashion sneakers from Nordstrom.

Most of us know when clothing and accessories match each other, and when they don’t. It’s less clear to us when clothing and accessories don’t match, but they do “work”. Mismatching stylishly is at the heart of retro European style. Designers and stylists do it frequently (albeit a bit over the top at times). Done correctly, mismatching will increase your style quotient. Done distastefully, it can be disastrous.

Here are a few tangible ways to mismatch with style:

• Don’t match your shoes with your bag – throw in a bright green bag with your silver shoes, jeans and layered tops.
• Don’t match your shoes with your outfit – instead of wearing a perfectly matching pair of black sling backs with your white slacks, black top and gold bag, throw in a pair of bright yellow or purple heels instead. Don’t worry about repeating that colour anywhere else – it works.
• Mix patterns – different printed items of clothing work well together if the fabrics and colours are similar. Next time you think of putting a plain white top with your multi colored skirt, try making a subtle floral blouse in the same colours work instead.
• Mismatch your last layer – whether it’s a jacket, cardigan or extra t-shirt, try adding an extra colour into the mix of your outfit with the last layer that you put on (e.g. light brown bottoms worn with a darker brown and cream knit top would welcome a red jacket, bronze shoes and green bag).
• Colours that clash can work – wear red shoes with your pink dress, pop a purple top over an emerald green one, mix burgundy with orange and chartreuse – beautiful!

Think out of the box about how to mix and match the clothes in your wardrobe, but make sure that you don’t mismatch too many items at once. There will always have to be something pulling your look together – sometimes it can be the colour of your hair, or a single accessory.

Having a go at “mismatching” items that work prevents me from getting bored with the clothing in my wardrobe!