This poll investigates which type of white you prefer to wear in any size, shape or form. By “cream” I don’t mean tan or beige, but colours like ivory or off-white are included. When I say “white” I mean pure, bright white.

I have an assortment of white button downs, regularly wear a white watch, specs and sunglasses, sport white boots, leather jacket and handbag and have a white iPhone. On the other hand, I am the queen of cream footwear, pearls, belts and handbags, sport a cream trench and coat, and have several cream shirts and blouses.

Well ladies, I’m sitting this one out because batting for both Teams is not allowed. I wear both white and cream with great joy and they are equally represented in my wardrobe. I cannot pick one over the other.

Over to you. Are you Team White or Team Cream? Tell us why. You’ll sit out the game if you don’t sport either one, or if you can’t decide between the two.

My clients are generally fans of Karen Kane merchandise for several excellent reasons: The clothes drape well because the fabric is substantial. The silhouettes are clean cut and interesting. The fit is roomy, yet tailored. The workmanship is great. The items are machine washable and the prices aren’t sky high. What’s not to love?

I’m giving Karen Kane dresses a special shout out today, boldly stating that when you see one – try it on. Chances are pretty good that it will fit and flatter. They are also available in plus sizes and their lengths are generous, which is good news for taller gals.

Karen Kane designs lean towards modern classic, but don’t let that stop you from trying on her stuff if you’re a more arty, trendy and spunky dresser. Remember it’s HOW you style an item that gives it a unique and unexpected flavour. Not only the item itself. I can’t stress this point enough.

The dresses pictured here are easy styles that can be worn on their own or layered with cropped jackets, coats and cardigans. I particularly like the longer length handkerchief style on the right.

Add the appropriate footwear to make these dresses YOU. For some that means adding rugged flat boots, for others it’s mixing it up with trendy booties, flat oxfords, ballet flats, mary janes, stacked sandals or classic pumps.

In fact, all of the footwear options below can work with each of the dresses. Every combination creates a different ensemble vibe and taps into a different fashion persona. Some combinations are dressy, and others more casual. Scrunch up the sleeves or add leggings. Honestly, the sky is the limit when it comes to styling a fairly simple dress.

Which of the 16 combinations floats your boat?

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Low heeled and flat slingback pumps and peep toe pumps are popular for Spring and Summer 2011. Actually, I never stopped wearing my own two old pairs of wedged round toed sling back sandals. They still have good mileage and are very comfortable, so I’ll continue to wear them this year.

I like low heeled and flat slingbacks as long as the back strap is comfortable and does not cut into my flesh or slip down. I’ve found that a broader strap with an elasticated insert is the best option.

Much like normal pumps, low profile Spring slingbacks look great with just about anything – from leggings, tapered jeans and skirts, to dresses, trousers, bootcut jeans and shorts. They also make a nice alternative to ballet flats. And like ballet flats, they can be dressy. Versatile!

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I recently asked our forum members whether they dressed in a feminine way. This might seem like a straightforward question, but the responses were anything but. They came flooding in and reached much deeper than I had intended. Even the word “feminine” meant different things to different people.

The first sign that this was a complex issue actually came before I even posted on the forum. As I pondered the question I found myself second guessing my own answers.

Feminine means “pertaining to a woman or girl.” Hmmm. Well, I enjoy wearing stereotypically feminine wardrobe items like form fitting clothing, dresses, pencil skirts, low heels, bows, poufy sleeves, pink, sheer blouses, pearls, lace camisoles, flouncy tea length skirts and the occasional ruffle. I also like to carry a handbag, wear lipstick and define my waistline. Chanel and Valentino rock my fashion world. When I think about these aspects of my style, it’s clear that I dress in a feminine way.

Then I started thinking about the stereotypically non-feminine aspects of my style. I have very short hair and don’t wear earrings. I prefer flat footwear and sport short natural fingernails. Many of my favourite wardrobe items have a masculine or androgynous edge: jeans, button down shirts, blazers, flat oxfords, denim jackets, trench coats, oversized watches, biker jackets and flat boots. I adore classic gangster-like pinstripe suits, neck ties, cuff links, cravat style scarves and military styling. I like to surrender my waistline and wear unisex footwear like Converse sneakers and Dr. Marten boots. And on top of it all, I rather fancy looking strict and buttoned up.

Now here’s the interesting part. I still feel completely feminine when I wear boyish clothing and footwear, and that’s coming from someone who isn’t very curvy and doesn’t have a full bust. I attribute these feelings to two things. First, my manner is lady like and that ultimately makes me feel feminine no matter what I wear. For me, feminine dressing is more about an attitude and a state of mind, than it is about the specific items that I wear — I have a feminine attitude and act in a feminine way. So to a large extent for my style, feminine dressing comes from within.  Second, and more superficial, I still wear stereotypically feminine accessories and lipstick along with masculine clothing and footwear. This goes a long way to making me feel like a girly girl.

Having seen the richness of the responses of the forum it is clear to me that feminine dressing can mean very different things to different people. Just like there is no one way to look stylish, there is no one way to dress in a feminine way.

And it can be interpreted as a controversial question, tied into important topics like the empowerment of women and what it means to be a feminist. There was a time in my life when these broad topics were top of mind for me. As a sociology student in the late 80’s and early 90’s I was writing essays about the way stereotypical gender roles shape and affect society, while living through South Africa’s struggle against discrimination and oppression. But these days I’m much more focused on helping individuals look and feel their best. One of the privileges of living in a free society is that you feel free to enjoy simple things, like the lines of a beautiful dress.

What does feminine dressing mean to you? Does it mean wearing stereotypically feminine and romantic items, or is there more to it than that?