Metallic wedges, sandals and pumps are an easy “go to” option for warm weather dressing. They’re neutral, light in colour and very versatile. We’ve also talked about grey patent making a nice alternative to black and brown shoes in Autumn and Winter. But what I’m most into at the moment is dove grey, non-patent footwear. New, no shine and lots of edge.

This colour might look blah and boring at first glance but don’t let that put you off. It’s a pretty fabulous look once you know how to work it into an ensemble. Definitely not as cheerful as a bright colour, but super sophisticated and just as fun. Dove grey peds work well with a pair of white, cream, or light grey pair of pants, and any wash of denim. I also like to sport mine with leggings, black pinstriped slacks and a denim skirt. I’m totally hooked.

You won’t find many MATTE dove grey shoes around at the moment because stores are still on metallic and patent overload. If the trend does not make it to mainstream fashion, that’s fine too. It will stay fringe and I’ll enjoy it just as much.

I have the dove grey pumps with the white piping and they’re my favorite peds for Spring (the brand is called “Fly London” and their range is well worth a look). It’s nice to give my metallic wedges and patent flats a break and sport the matte look for a change.

The business casual dress code does not allow denim jeans because they’re thought to be too casual for corporate settings. While I agree that a pair of light wash jeans generally looks really casual, I wholeheartedly believe that a pair of dark wash jeans or trouser cut style can look business appropriate if the rest of the ensemble is dressy and uber-polished.

I often see women in ill-fitting khaki or corduroy pants with a T-shirt, cardigan and loafers walking around in business casual settings. To me, this particular ensemble choice is not only dated, but actually MORE casual than a lass spiffed out in a fab pair of jeans, button down shirt or knitted top, structured jacket, dressy shoes and statement handbag. It makes no sense. The smart casual dress code can look a whole lot more professional and stylish than a sloppy and passé business casual one.

The reason most corporate companies don’t allow jeans into their dress code (other than on casual Fridays) is that there’s room to abuse the privilege. The assumption is that before you know it you’ll have employees pitching up in worn out denim, sweatshirts and shoddy shoes. But a pair of unstylish casual pants worn in an unpolished way is just as bad.

So what’s the solution? Should denim be banned all together, or is there a way of convincing the powers-that-be that dressing up the right denim can be business appropriate, particularly in a less conservative corporate environment.

Atlanta based company PZI Jeans has just launched a unique collection of skinny jeans made for curvy women. PZI Jeans Co-Founder and Vice President, Claire Jason explains:

“The industry said curvy women should never wear skinny jeans or they would look like an ice cream cone, so many lines did not offer a skinny jean for curvy women. Initially we did not offer our customer the skinny jean either. But, our customers kept asking for the skinny jean. So we started researching, studied and developed the perfect Skinny Jean for curvy women,”

As a result, PZI Jeans has 10 different skinny jean fits and styles which are suited to women with waistlines, fuller hips and curvy bottoms. The fits are available in a variety of washes, sizes (4 to 16), and inseam lengths (30 to 38 inches). The jeans claim to be premium denim quality but at an affordable mainstream price of $69 to $79 . Promising!

I haven’t yet tested the product so I can’t vouch for the fit, but I like what I see. As someone who believes that the curvier lass can sport skinnies with style, I can’t wait to get one of these jeans onto a suitable client. But if you feel you fit the body type criteria for this brand, by all means have go. There are other denim silhouettes to choose from if skinny jeans aren’t your thing.

Note that PZI Jeans is an advertiser on YLF, but that didn’t factor into my decision to write this post. These skinnies for curvies really are a great idea.

Shapewear helps to flatten out our bodily lumps and bumps, and is effective for special occasions when we want to look our very best. But shapewear is also too hot, uncomfortable and time consuming to wear every day. Your alternative is to dress in ways that camouflage the “extra bits” around the midsection.

Here’s how:

1. Wear higher rise pants, jeans and skirts: This is probably one of the best ways to feel girdled and comfortable. Most of the time, the idea is that you wear tops over bottoms with higher rises, but sometimes you’ll get away with tucking a top into a high rise skirt and look quite svelte.
2. Wear a camisole: This offers a similar effect to shapewear with ten times the comfort.
3. Layer your clothing: It’s easy to conceal a midsection by layering a structured jacket, waistcoat or cardigan over a top because it draws attention away from the midriff. This strategy does require cooler weather, but it’s hands down the most effective.
4. Look for prints and texture: They have better “camouflaging capabilities” than tops with solid colours.
5. Select ruched tops: The effect of the folds is forgiving.
6. Select items that float away from the waistline: Think empire cuts (with or without gathers), banded tops and subtle trapeze silhouettes. Volume in the right place can be your friend.
7. Opt for woven tops: The rigidity of form fitting garments made of woven fabric will skim the contour of your body instead of clinging to it like jersey knit does.
8. Wear knitwear: Look for cotton, viscose and merino wool blends in fine gauge knitwear. Their thicker texture is less clingy than drapey jersey knit and therefore more flattering.
9. Wear dresses: Most fit-and-flares, some empire cuts, trapeze frocks and dresses with front and side ruching can work wonders to smooth out your silhouette, especially if printed.
10. Stand tall and be proud of your style: Good posture and confidence makes all clothing look better.

Do you have other strategies to share? Shapeless caftans and huge Muumuus don’t count. We want to see your cute shape in clothing.

Fit and flare dress layered with a cardigan, empire cut knitted mesh top and woven trapeze style blouse.

Knitted A-line voluminous top, ruched knitted mesh top and woven banded blouse.