Skinny belts that are too long can still work if you use this shortening technique. It’s nifty and one I’m sure you’ve seen before.

Wrap the long, dangling end around the part of the belt that’s on your waist and pull it through to create “a knotted effect”. Pull the knot tightly and the belt stays put all day.

If the ends of the belt are too short to knot, but long enough to dangle, use double sided tape or Velcro adhesives to keep the belt end in place. Having belts professionally shortened by a cobbler is another route to go. But if you’re short on time like I was last week, knotting works just fine.

Some jobs have a strict dress code (e.g. formal wear in the legal profession), require a uniform (e.g. the military), or involve special clothing (e.g. the crocs and scrubs worn by hospital staff). These work environments definitely simplify the daily dressing routine. Dress codes in other professions are often more lenient. This is especially true in creative industries like advertizing, fashion and interior design.

I’ve spent my career in these more flexible office environments, and I’m still often taken aback by some of the outfit choices that I see. While I can appreciate daring looks in the evening and on weekends, my belief is that modesty is the best policy in most work environments. Here are my guidelines on what is inappropriate at work: 

• Strappy and strapless tops: But sleeveless tops with built-up shoulders are fine. If you’re going to wear something strappy or strapless to work, keep it covered with a jacket or cardigan so that it acts as a layering piece instead of the focal point.
• Mini-skirts and short-shorts: Anything shorter than two to three inches above the kneecap is too short. Remember that skirts ride up when you sit down so do the “sit down test” before you commit to a shorter hemline. In some situations, you’ll get away with a shorter skirt if you pair it with leggings or opaque tights, especially if you’re petite.
• Super low necklines: Camisoles usually solve the cleavage issue, but not always. Bustier gals can’t help but sport a bit of cleavage with camisoles and that’s perfectly fine. Well endowed ladies look best in lower necklines which makes a spot of cleavage unavoidable.
• Overly tight clothing: Tailoring is superb but excessive clinging is not.
• See-through items: Wearing something sheer to work requires a bra and camisole. If you can’t make a see-through item opaque for work purposes, don’t wear it.

Unless your dress code enforces “the hose and closed-toe shoe rule”, I’m all for bare legs and pretty open-toed sandals in professional settings. In my mind there’s nothing immodest about revealing the lower leg and part of the foot. There’s a lot of subjectivity here though, and norms vary by industry, culture and geography. What are your views on modesty in the workplace and office appropriate attire?

I have been champing at the bit to write this post because “biker-inspired” jackets are one of my favourite edgy items of all time. For my style they are forever fashionable (at least until I’m 70). My wardrobe has not been without some sort of updated biker jacket since the ‘80’s.

Bikers are becoming increasingly popular and there are loads of styles to choose from this season. I absolutely adore the “tough edge” they add to a feminine ensemble. It’s unexpected and the contrast is simply delicious. The trick is finding the perfect biker jacket and pairing it with the right pieces.

Some tips on how to incorporate a biker-inspired jacket into your clothing mix:

• Keep the fit cropped and snug: You’re after a cheeky look and not a masculine one.
• Black is not the only option: Neutrals like brown, cream, ink blue and grey work just as well. I’ve had a red biker at some point and recently saw a style in eggplant that’s fabulous. 
• Leather is not the only option: Thick cotton twills, faux leathers, nylon and polyester blends can be just as effective and cheaper to purchase.
• Sport one biker item at a time: Leave off the biker boots, studded belt and do-rag when you sport a biker jacket. A bit of biker goes a long way.
• Keep the rest of the ensemble feminine: I like the look of a black biker jacket worn over a white knitted top, or white blouse. Add jeans, heels and Bob’s your uncle. One of my own favourite flop-proof outfits. Tartan, denim, floral and tweed skirts or soft pretty frocks also look great paired with bikers.
• Keep accessories to a minimum: Biker jackets make a huge statement, so choose your accessories wisely. Soft silk scarves add a pretty touch. My choice of accessory is usually some form on chunky pearl necklace (no surprises). The contrast of ultra-feminine, perfectly round, large white pearls against hardcore biker leather sends me into orbit. I LOVE that look.

Consider investing in a biker jacket if there’s an urban rock-chic element to your style. I’ll be posting flop-proof outfits on how to get the most mileage out of your biker as the season progresses. In the meantime, check out YLF forum members Tanya and Patience in their killer biker jackets. My heart skipped a beat when they posted their ensembles.

An assortment of biker-inspired jackets. I updated my biker jacket last year. It’s black with retro cracked patent and suede trim, belted at the waist. It happens to be my best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale purchase ever.

Scarves are a fabulous transitional accessory as your look moves from Summer to Autumn. I see scarves more than any other accessory whenever I’m in Europe. For me they are a wonderful colour vehicle and a way to keep warm in a chilly climate (I’m also never without one on a long flight).

Tying a square scarf “muffler style” is hot this season. But instead of tucking the ends under, it is key to leave them exposed on either side of the shoulder. I like the look and I’ve seen several women sport it successfully. The appearance is relaxed and makes quite a statement. It’s especially flattering on women with shorter necks because the cowl effect creates the illusion of a longer neckline.

The muffler style doesn’t look great on me because my giraffe neck needs shortening as opposed to elongation. The scarf also doesn’t stay put because there’s no knot tying involved, and I don’t like to fuss with my outfit during the day. So I’m sticking to the Euro loop. The scarf doesn’t move and I love the vertical appeal.

Give scarves a bash if you’re not in the habit of wearing them. They are practical in transitional weather and can bring new life to an unexciting outfit.

Scarves don’t need to be woolly. Cotton and linen scarves are an ideal option if you live in a warmer climate, or run hot quickly. They’ll give you an appropriate Autumn look without the warmth.