It isn’t unusual to be doubtful about a trend and then change our mind when we find the version that works for us and figure out how to wear it well. Sometimes it’s also a question of allowing our eyes to adapt to a particular look. Some trends never work for us because they don’t suit our body type or style preference, and that’s  fine too. They will work on someone else and we can appreciate them in that way.

That said, in the last seventeen years of my professional fashion life I have come across a few recurring trends that I don’t find flattering on anyone. Despite being the the number one frock in stores this season in all its bohemian and 70’s glory, relaxed maxi dresses is one of these trends.

Casual ankle length frocks worn with casual flats for either day or night just don’t work in my book. It’s too much fabric for daytime and the look swallows you up if you’re short. They also resemble nighties when worn at night and look odd when sported with dressy heels. However, if you have a bit of height, I love the look of a dressy ankle length gown or skirt for formal occasions matched with dressy high heels. I guess my challenge is that I find it hard to accept the ankle length frock as a casual thing. It’s not only hard to wear (knee-length dresses are infinitely more flattering) but it screams “formal”.

The question of casual maxi dress wearability keeps coming up on YLF now that it’s getting warmer and the style is everywhere in stores and on the street. So I went back to try the look AND had clients do the same, but my perspective has not changed. Nevertheless, if you like the way casual maxi dresses make you look and feel, I won’t hold it against you! I feel strongly about the guidelines that I evangelize, but this case feels more subjective than most.

The two maxi dresses on the left are casual and I just can’t get my head around the look. The two gowns on the right are evening formal and super dressy. I love that look.

My Spring 2009 wardrobe updates are complete and it’s onto Summer. I don’t need to stick to accessories this time round but Summers in Seattle are short which means that purchases will be minimal. In this neck of the woods, it makes more sense to save pennies for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale which is less than two months away.

One of my favourite looks is to mix retro 50’s and 60’s inspired pieces with modern style. So it was love at first sight when I saw this fun, ladylike sleeveless sheath. The frock is a little shorter than I usually wear which actually makes it more versatile since it double duties as a tunic. Fabulous.

I can wear this item in at least four different ways, dressed both up or down. From left to right (click on the pictures to see a larger view):

1. On its own as a frock: Add chunky pearls, a clutch and heeled metallic wedges and you’re good for a dressy occasion. Wearing a necklace with this type of roll neck collar is subtle but effective. It’s not completely visible when you look in the mirror, but noticeable from other angles to passersby.
2. Over leggings: I adore leggings and wonder why the look isn’t as popular in America when it’s around every street corner in Paris, London, Hong Kong and Israel. Refresh your memory on why leggings are fab and how to wear the look. I’m willing to bet you won’t be disappointed once you get your head around the trend. Much softer than denim, easy to wear and cheap as chips. What’s not to like.
3. With clamdiggers: I’ve taken off the pearls, added a floral pin, silver flats and a vegan tote. Dressed down, a little more casual but just as pulled together.
4. Layered over skinnies with a cropped cardigan: Blue or black straight leg, skinny and boot cut jeans would have worked equally well, but it’s about white jeans in Summer time so viola. Add a cropped cardigan, an interesting wristlet and low heels for a funky and physically warmer outfit (a good idea on a chilly Summers day).

This particular style and colour of tunic dress might not be for you, but simply substitute the item for one that is to your taste and apply the same formula. It’s a versatile piece that’s bound to give you more bang for your fashion buck.

If you’re looking for bedroom slipper-comfy, non-patent, run around shoes, the Me Too “Nadia” ballet flat might be your answer. It’s more casual than the “Swann” and just as great. The leather-and-rubber sole provides instant flexibility and the foam-cushioned interior is as soft as can be.

I usually bypass shoes with elasticized toplines because the elastic cuts into my skin after twenty minutes of walking. But Me Too footwear is generally comfortable, so I decided to give these a whirl. Sure enough, I did have to size up half a size, but the elastic is gentle on the foot. It will also keep the shoes from falling off your feet when they stretch out (a common problem with super soft leather).

I was sold and came home with a Summery silver pair to wear with leggings, white, blue, or grey jeans, clamdiggers and breezy frocks.

Unfortunately Me Toos do not have arch support or come in wide widths. But you could pop in an orthotic, or have the toe box stretched to solve these challenges. Thank you Me Too for once again providing my fussy feet with a fabulously fun 8-hour flat.

The Nadia looks similar to the Me Too “Garner”. There are more colours to choose from in the Garner, but I did not find them as comfortable. But if they work for you, they’ll make for another cozy and flop-proof ballet flat option.

A smile is not a tangible item but it’s certainly something that you wear. It costs nothing to give, but offers much in return.

When your smile is sincere, people smile back. The infectious act automatically makes you friendly, approachable and attractive. Obviously there are times when you don’t want to smile because you’re focused, serious, stressed or feeling blue. And that’s okay. A fake smile does not fly. It’s got to be from the heart.

Sometimes I am so enamored by a person’s smile that the rest of their style falls by the wayside. That’s pretty powerful. I like to smile (my prominent laughter lines are proof of that), and I like smiley people. Do you think that smiling increases your style quotient?