No, they don’t. While I can’t argue that white or cream pants are practical (one wear and in the wash they go), they’re stylish regardless of your size. The important factors are the fit and the ensemble. Here are guidelines for choosing a perfect pair of white or cream pants:

• Choose a shaped waistband that’s lower in front than at the back. A wider waistband (about one and half inches) gives our bodies that extra bit of structure around the tummy area.
• Keep the front plain (no pleats) and the pockets off. Side entry pockets or any type of patch pocket tends to show through the front of light pants. Flatter fronts keep your fit smooth and streamlined underneath your tops.
• Make sure that white pants made of softer fabrications like viscose, silk, rayon and linen-blends are lined.
• Consider denim and thick cotton twills in white/cream. These fabrics don’t need to be lined and the classic “5-pocket styling” works well.
• Stick to boot cut leg openings as the most versatile and flattering option.

Striking contrast is key to creating a stylish ensemble with white pants. Match them up with a dark top and shoes and your look will pop.

All women can look incredible in the right pair of white pants. Get your head around the fact that white is a modern update on black, and that it doesn’t make you look fat.

Excellent white and denim pant silhouettes from Ann Taylor and Nordstrom.

Not at all. By adding the appropriate layer on top,  you can wear those little dresses and still feel warm. Here are some useful “cover-up” options: 

• Shrugs need to be cropped and snug.
• Cardigans are best cropped at the waist. Longer styles can look frumpy.
• Bolero jackets can be fitted or trapeze (A-line) in silhouette depending on the style of the dress. A-line dress styles look best with short fitted bolero jackets; while straighter sheath dress styles can be matched with either. 
• Denim jackets are a casual and urban choice (especially when the wash is dark). Proportions are most flattering when the jacket is short and fitted.

Thanks to my trusty cardigans and denim jacket, I’m out of my jeans and into a dress. The extra layer also works wonders if you tend to feel exposed showing so much skin. A flirty femimine frock is always fab.

Shrug (Ann Taylor), cropped cardigan (Banana Republic) and cropped bolero (Nordstrom).

Injecting the right amount of “right now” is important because being stylish is somehow a mixture of looking both timeless and “of-the-moment”.

Here is my list of Spring and Summer “must haves”:

• Day dress – it’s a “dress season” ladies. Get out of those jeans and wear casual dresses during the day for a more of-the-moment look. Dresses don’t need to be “dressy” items saved for weddings and formal occasions. Sport the right type of dress during the day and feel fabulously feminine.
• Cropped jacket – keep them unlined, lightweight, fitted and shorter in length and you’ll add that sophisticated element to an ensemble.
• Polka dots – there is a size and mood of polka dot for everyone. Think dresses, skirts, blousy tops and shoes when it comes to spots.
• Walk shorts – sport knee-length cropped pants as a more flattering option to leg-shortening capris. 
• Patent shoes – you won’t go wrong buying patent. It’s going to be around for at least another season.
• Something bright – whether it’s yellow, cobalt, green, coral, orange, purple or pink, make sure you have an item of clothing in a cheerful hue to brighten up your day. If you’re more of a neutral type of gal, accessorize with a bright instead.
• Anything red – the colour is in a class of it’s own. Red is forever beautiful and worth the investment.
• Silver shoes – it’s the metal of the moment because it’s versatile, futuristic and a good summer neutral.
• Wedges – it’s possible to feel fashionable and grounded in this season’s wedge sandals.

For the more adventurous fashionista, there’s Lucite, a day clutch, voluminous blouses, trapeze jackets, wide–legged pants, waist belts, head bands, platform shoes and lots of hippie chic. Remember to purchase white items when you shop because summer is all about white (not black). And don’t be afraid to try something new. You might be pleasantly surprised once you’ve adapted a current trend to suit your age, body type, lifestyle and budget.

It’s not too late to shop for Spring, and you’ll hit bargains along the way. Two months left to purchase warm weather clothing. Ready, set, shop, shop, shop!

Patent yellow tote (Nordstrom), red canvas carry all (Anthropologie), floral flats (Bakers) and silver wedges (Bakers).

Uber cheap and chic Swedish chain store H&M considers the U.S. “a key expansion market”. Rumour has it that the European favourite might occupy either the old Barney’s retail  space on 5th avenue or the current Kenneth Cole space on 6th avenue in downtown Seattle. H&M spokesperson Lisa Sandberg downplayed the gossip in the East Bay Business Journal (“Stylish H&M eyes Seattle“, May 4, 2007):

“There is nothing signed in Seattle or Washington state. We are not announcing any leases at this point.”

But she did also confirm that the company has been looking for sites in the area.

“Our real estate department is out scouting the country for the best locations.”

Edgy and urban Seattle would warmly welcome H&M’s fashion-forward and affordable merchandise, giving stores like Old Navy, the Gap and the Nordstrom’s B. P. department a run for their money. My fingers are crossed that H&M keeps it’s stylish eyes on Seattle.