I had so many great questions come in over the past two weeks for the Saturday Scoop Q&A that I decided to turn them into a full blog post instead of squeezing everything into this week’s Substack newsletter. From finding flattering styles for midlife bodies to solving tricky layering dilemmas and accessory pairings, I’m answering a bunch of reader-submitted questions that cover everything from fit frustrations to summer style solutions. There are a lot, so let’s get right to it!
Your Summer Style Questions, Answered!
Q: What socks to wear with sneakers?
A: This is a little hard to answer without knowing what kind of sneakers we’re talking about—and what you’re wearing them with—but I’m going to assume you mean fashion sneakers worn with casual looks like jeans, shorts, or t-shirt dresses.
The most fashion-forward look right now is to pair low-profile sneakers with a quarter sock. For a sportier vibe, you can try a varsity-style sock, and for something more feminine, the BOMBAS Ruffle Rib Quarter Socks are a fun option.
photo credit: Anthropologie
That said, it’s still perfectly fine to go with no-show socks. When I scroll through the sneakers at EVEREVE, I still see plenty styled that way. Over at Anthropologie, though, more are styled with visible quarter socks.
Like most things in fashion, the key is to stay true to your personal style while staying open to trying new things—so you don’t get stuck in a rut. Personally, I’m not feeling the quarter sock look just yet, but that doesn’t mean I won’t get there eventually!
Q: My dermatologist says I’m “sun-allergic” which is a real medical diagnosis. What this means is I develop a rash when my skin is exposed to the sun. Wearing sunscreen doesn’t prevent the rashes from developing. So I wear lots of long-sleeved linen blouses. Both buttoned and unbuttoned over tanks. I also wear UPF shirts (aka “rash guards” in some circles) and I’m always looking for ideas to help me be fashionable within this constraint. Thanks for any advice!
A: Wow, that sounds incredibly limiting—but it sounds like you’re already handling it really well. Thankfully, there are so many long-sleeved linen and UPF options these days. To keep things stylish, try looking for on-trend silhouettes and interesting details in those lightweight, breathable fabrics.
photo credit: Athleta
Mix textures and proportions, and play with fresh color combos—monochromatic looks are especially chic and on trend right now! And don’t underestimate the power of accessories. A wide-brim hat, stylish sunglasses, or a woven tote can instantly make your outfit feel more intentional. Even swapping basic flip-flops for a strappy sandal or sleek sneaker can elevate the whole look.
Q: What is the best way to clean leather bags? I have a white leather purse with a blueish stain on it (maybe from blue jeans?) and a brown purse with a dark stain. I’d love to rescue both!
A: Ugh, I hate it when that happens. I haven’t personally tried to remove these kinds of stains, but I’ve read good things about leather cleaners like Leather Honey or Cadillac Boot & Shoe Leather Cleaner for denim transfer and general surface stains. Just be sure to test on a small, inconspicuous area first and use a soft cloth—scrubbing can damage the leather.
As for the brown bag with the dark stain, it may depend on the type of leather. Some leathers are more porous and harder to clean, so if the stain doesn’t lift with gentle cleaning, it might be worth taking it to a professional. And if you do rescue them, applying a leather protectant can help prevent future stains.
Q: I am over 55, like to dress a little current, but nothing too over-the-top. I have a big belly. I work out but age and having been previously heavier, and three C-sections, have all added up to a big belly. I would like ways to camouflage that a little bit more. Suggestions?
A: This is such a common issue with women our age, you’re definitely not alone. Knowing your body type and how to dress it is the first step in tackling this (or really any fit issue we face). And just to note—a bigger belly doesn’t automatically mean you’re an apple shape! There’s lots of body type advice out there; I personally learned a lot from Adore Your Wardrobe and Everyday Style School.
photo credit: Chicos
A few general tips that might help: Look for tops that skim rather than cling, and try larger prints to provide some distraction. V-necks, curved hems, and ruched or twist-front styles can also be really flattering. When it comes to pants and jeans, finding the right rise is key—often a higher rise helps smooth the midsection, but it depends on your vertical proportions. One other trick that works well for many women is adding a third piece, like an open cardigan or lightweight jacket, to break up the midsection and create vertical lines.
And here’s a tip I swear by: take mirror selfies to compare outfits. It’s much easier to see what’s working (or not) in a photo than just in the mirror!
Q: Is it still in style to put a belt on a dress that has a loose cut such as a t-shirt dress to give more definition to your waist. If so would you go with a wide or narrow belt?
A: At the moment, sleek and unfussy styles are most current(for example, I don’t see any belted t-shirt dresses on EVEREVE or Anthropologie—the two sites I often check to get a feel for what’s trending). That said, dresses with built-in waist definition are still very much in style, so I feel like belting a t-shirt dress can absolutely look stylish, if you want to add shape or define your waist. I’d say try it and see how you feel in it, and just make sure your shoes and accessories are current to keep the overall look modern.
photo credit: Banana Republic
When choosing between a wide or narrow belt, it’s important to consider your body type and proportions. If you’re shorter-waisted, a wide belt might feel overwhelming, while if you’re longer through the torso, it can help create balance.
In general, a narrow belt gives a more subtle, everyday feel, while a wider belt makes more of a statement and pairs well with oversized or longer dresses. Try a few options and see what feels best—it’s a simple styling tweak that can really transform the look of a dress. (I kind of like the look of the rope belt over the poplin shirt dress, pictured above.)
Q: Would love a vacation capsule-for a trip but also to just streamline my closet! I’m a 42 year old SAHM who loves spending time w the kids in summer. Any clothing tips for summers w kids would be great. Casual / easy to move around / comfortable clothing and shoes would be amazing. I do a lot of birks and shorts and tanks which I guess is timeless – but weaving in current stuff could be fun too.
A: I hear ya—casual, easy, and comfortable is my jam too! It sounds like you’re already working with a great base (Birks, shorts, tanks = timeless summer staples). To keep things feeling fresh, you might try mixing in a gauze button-up, a linen-blend set, or a tank dress with fun accessories.
I recently put together a Summer Vacation Capsule that you might find helpful, and my What I Wore Lately posts are full of everyday summer looks that are mom-life approved.
Q: I was wondering if you have a short sleeve short jacket , is it ok for your shirt tail to hang below the jacket hem?
A: It’s definitely okay, but it’s not as popular a look as it once was. A more modern approach is to tuck in the shirt underneath—but I’ll be honest, that doesn’t always work for me. I often do a front tuck and let the back hem show beneath the jacket, which feels like a good middle ground.
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Ultimately, it depends on your body type, vertical proportions, and the overall balance of the outfit. My best advice is to try it both ways and see what works best for you. (And don’t forget the mirror selfie trick—it really helps!)
Q: You share how pants, jeans and top styles can look dated and tired but I’m wondering about tired and outdated shorts. I typically wear jean shorts (4 or 5 inseam, cuffed, some with a bit of distressing, others not) that I’ve worn on repeat for a few seasons. What guidelines do you have for ensuring shorts are not tired and dated looking/out of style?
A: Yes, it’s always a good idea to re-evaluate pieces you’ve been wearing for a while, and trending shorts styles have definitely shifted over the past few seasons.
My best tip is to check the websites that align most with your personal style and see what types of shorts are featured on their front pages or styled in their lookbooks. For me, EVEREVE is usually a good reference point—they tend to carry mostly current styles, and I connect with their aesthetic more than any other retailer these days.
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Side note: I don’t recommend using department stores for this, as they often keep older styles around if they’re still selling—but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re on trend. If you prefer shopping those sites, just stick to what’s showing up in the New Arrivals section.
And just as important—pay attention to how the shorts are styled. Even if the shorts themselves are current, pairing them with an outdated top or shoe can still make the overall outfit feel tired. I hope that helps! (Also, I just did an Instagram Reel with a bunch of simple shorts-and-top outfits—you might like to take a peek at that! And here are the links to everything I’m wearing in that.)
Q: My husband has finally agreed that he needs some nicer shoes to wear out. I’m specifically referring to the lace up, leather (sneaker look) shoes with cream soles. Can you recommend some that Paul likes (you too) maybe in the $150-200 range?
A: Sure! The Cole Haan GrandPro is a classic, I especially like the perforated details on this pair. And Ecco has a nice pair that will be in the #NSale this year, love that Cognac. Paul really likes Allen Edmonds, but they may be more than you want to spend. They have some on sale, though.
Q: Would you have suggestions for some elbow length tees and blouses? Could be solids or patterns.
A: Yes, they’re actually trending right now, so it’s a good time to stock up! I rounded up a bunch of options for you right HERE:
Q: Would love suggestions for a wedding guest dress for the last weekend of August. Wedding is at a country club, 4:30 pm. “Cocktail attire. Mini, midi or maxi dresses for the girls.”
A: That’s quite a broad range… without knowing your personal style or body type or price point preference, I’m not sure how helpful I can be, but here are some pretty summer wedding-appropriate cocktail dresses:
Q: I was doing some online shopping at LOFT and Ann Taylor and am noticing a lot of bubble hem tops. I’m not a fan of extra bulk around the middle and am curious about your thoughts on those.
Also, where do you recommend shopping for blouses/tops for work/business casual? I am looking for simple styles…i.e. not a lot of ruffles, or oversized styles, etc.
A: Yes, bubble hem tops can definitely be tricky to wear—especially if you don’t want to add extra volume around the middle. That said, they can be a fun change if styled well. The key is to look for versions that aren’t too voluminous, and make sure the band hits at a good spot on your body, while keeping the overall proportions of the outfit in mind. If you like the look, it’s worth trying a few styles to see if one feels right on you.
As for work tops that are not oversized with lots of ruffles… the struggle is real. I don’t need work wear, but I like to wear more business-casual blouses and tops to church and out to dinner, and finding simpler styles is a challenge right now. I found a few you might like:
Q: Could you please suggest some handbag/clutch options to coordinate with the Dolce Vita Mylee Heels sandal you reviewed. I purchased the light tan color. Would you also have some recommendations for handbag/cluch options to coordinate with a similar sandal in black?
A: Sure! You don’t have to match exactly, but if you like that look, this Kate Spade bag is a nice option—it comes in both black and taupe. This Marc Jacobs one is great too, in either camel or black, though it may be smaller than what you’re looking for. The Rebecca Minkoff East West Crossbody in Blushing or Black is another good one.
Q: Thanks for all your work and your great summary of the upcoming Nordstrom sale offerings! I would love to branch out from my straight leg jeans and try a pair of flares such as the Paige Laurel Canyon High Waist Flare Jeans. However, I normally wear petites. If I were to purchase these jeans, would getting them hemmed (approximately 3 inches) totally ruin the flare, i.e., would the proportions be off? Would I be better off to buy flares with a raw edge? Or do I just skip the anniversary sale and find a pair if flares in a petite size?
A: If you need to remove more than 2 inches from the length of a pair of flares, it’s usually best to find a petite option. Cutting that much off can definitely compromise the silhouette, since you’ll lose the gradual flare and the proportions can end up looking off.
Some full-length flares aren’t quite as long as the PAIGE Laurel Canyon—for example, the MOTHER Weekender is slightly shorter and may work better for petites (especially if you wear them with a bit of a heel). MOTHER also offers some petite styles (look for “Lil” in the style name), as does PAIGE, but unfortunately, to my knowledge, those petite versions aren’t included in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
If you’re set on trying flares, it may be worth waiting and investing in a petite pair that doesn’t require major alterations—especially if you want to preserve the shape and line of the leg.
Phew! I think I got them all—if I missed yours, it was definitely an oversight, so feel free to resend. And don’t miss my Saturday Substack for a roundup of the best weekend sales and a recap of the week’s blog posts, in case you missed anything!
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