It’s your last chance to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Prices go back up on Monday 4 August. Remember to re-check sizes and items that were sold out before. Loads of items get returned throughout the sale period. Hope you enjoyed the sale as much as I did. My treasures are awaiting their Autumn debut.

About a month ago we talked about the jeans in our closet. My next questions are how often you wear the different silhouettes and why. I’ll go first:

• 40% straight-leg
• 40% skinny
• 20% bootcut

I like the sleek look and practical appeal of straight and skinny jeans. I can sport perfect pant lengths without committing to a particular heel height. I go from flats, to Converse sneakers, to two-inch heeled pumps in one day (this happens a lot). The hems don’t skim the surface of the ground which keeps my jeans dry when it rains. The sleek leg line gives me the versatility to wear fitted and voluminous tops in both tunic and shorter lengths. It’s an efficient denim wardrobe formula that works for my lifestyle and fashion persona.

Occasionally I haul out my bootcuts and thoroughly enjoy wearing them when I do. They are elegant and look especially chic with a heel. I don’t wear wide leg pants because they don’t feel right to me. Your turn!

The first flop-proof formula for Moms on the go went down well. Practical cropped pants took centre stage, which is often the preference for the busy stay-at-home-mother (SAHM). The second look is about the casual skirt. I expect this outfit to resonate less than the first one because skirts and dresses are generally less popular than pants.

The formula is similar to outfit #1. Here are the new elements:

• Knee length skirt: A-line shapes work well because they allow freedom of movement. Keep the length at the knee and stick to casual cotton fabrications, cotton blends, poly blends and denim. Remember the skirt rule: don’t buy a skirt unless you have a top to pair it with.
• Casual top: The advice to move away from basic T-shirts still applies, but with the skirt ensemble it is important to make sure the tops are short enough. The right length and fit of the top is key.
• Denim jacket: A fitted, cropped denim jacket is a fab addition to a non-denim casual skirt ensemble.

The rest of the formula is identical, but I will repeat it here for convenience:

• The best bra: Remember to refit annually or when your weight has changed significantly.
• Cropped cardigan: It’s often chilly in the morning, later at night, or in the air-conditioning. Adding a cropped cardi keeps the silhouette structured yet unfussy. It’s also easy to fold up and pop into a tote.
• Fab flats: casual ballet flats, thong sandals, strappy comfort sandals, gladiators, slip-on sneakers, espadrilles or low wedges will do the trick. Stay away from anything too clumpy. There’s nothing stopping you from wearing a bit of a heel if you can run around in them. You know I draw the line at flip flops unless you’re in the appropriate setting.
• Handbag: Keep it healthy and make the size and shape work for you. A flat tote is the obvious choice, but if you need both hands free to attend to little ones, a sling bag is the solution.
• Accessories: If you wear specs sort them out first because they are your most important accessory. If you wear a watch, that’s next. Go for something with personality. Choose between statement necklaces or earrings but don’t wear both at the same time.

Skirts are a cool option in hot weather and a great way to mix up your look. A-line skirt silhouettes are particularly good for pear shaped body types and often more flattering than walk shorts.

Above: non-denim skirt ensemble.
Below: denim skirt ensemble.

Remember the casual skirt formula when you’re stuck in a cropped-pants-rut. It makes a nice change. You might have orphan skirts lurking in your closet, so haul them out and give them a chance.

It was all over designer collections, but didn’t filter down to mainstream. And with good reason because the paper-bag-waist skirt is hard to wear. A super slim, non-curvy body type, plus height, a smallish chest and great gams are the prerequisites.

I don’t think a short person with the rest of the goods will pull off this look. The paper-bag waistband needs a long torso so that the impact of a defined waistline is achieved. If the paper-bag part rides up too high, it’s unflattering. It’s also essential to tuck in the top and look great in poufy, gathered skirts (another look that’s hard to pull off).

I like the look on a boyish silhouette because it adds curve, interest and shape. The dramatic nature of the style makes for great catwalk appeal, but it’s best left as fringe fashion. I just can’t see it taking off in the real world where most women are shorter and curvier.