A & E

Question: At my work, the dress code is extremely flexible. Employees wear anything from classic pantsuits and pumps to capris and flip-flops. My fall-winter wardrobe staples consist of A-line skirts (above and below the knee) and slacks in neutral colors teamed with sweater sets. Or, I wear blouses or turtlenecks with a jacket. Which hemline length is more appropriate this season -- above or below the knee?

Answer: This fall, shorter skirt lengths are back in vogue. But that doesn't mean below-the-knee skirts are out of favor. You can wear both lengths and still look stylish.

However, keep in mind that really short skirts are not appropriate office wear. Save those for evenings and weekends.

For that matter, capri pants are essentially casual wear. They only work in the office if dressed up with closed shoes and a tailored shirt or jacket. As for flip-flops, they're a definite no-no -- unless you work in a surf shop.

For the outdoor look, boots, socks are a kick

Q: I like trying new trends and accessories, so long as they don't make me look silly. I've noticed other women wearing tights or knee socks with calf-length boots. I often wear a feminine Frye-type boot or dressy calf-high boot on cold winter days. Would it be in fashion to have knee socks or thigh socks matching my sweater peeking out from the top of my boots? Or is that look too young for me? (I'm in my early 30s.) I don't care for tights or pantyhose.

A: Having your socks show above your boot tops is a fun, casual, outdoorsy look. But if you're wearing your boots with a dressy outfit, I'd keep the socks hidden.

The age factor is a non-issue. Both looks work, whether you're in your 30s or 60s.

Lost and found

Lost: Anita is looking for a discontinued cologne, Lady in Red, which previously she found in Walmart, CVS and other drugstores.

Linda is trying to locate a company that builds shoes and sandals from an orthotic mold.

Karen wonders if anyone knows where she can find her L'Oreal lipstick in her favorite shade, Cling Cherry. Gloria is also looking for a L'Oreal product: Pure Zone Astringent, a toner.

Found: Good news for Debbie, who is looking for a flat, white shoe in size 14 for her daughter to wear with her wedding dress. Vivian suggests a white-satin flat by Colorful Creations (Style No. 835, $36.45) from ShoeBuy.com.

The reader looking for cotton, button-front blouses can find a selection at Bealls department stores.

• Most Read
• Most E-mailed
• Latest News