I love all the maxi dresses that are in style right now. Most of them are spaghetti strapped or strapless… so I’m really excited about this one!

Cap Sleeve Maxi Dress at Calvin Klein on sale for $24.99

PLEASE HELP!

First off, I love your blog.  I am so happy to have finally found some like-minded women when it comes to being fashionable yet appropriate.  My husband says I dress like a frumpy housewife – which I am, by the way!  I am a 33yo mom to 5 little ones.  I barely have time to get THEM dressed and off to wherever they need to go, let alone worry about dressing myself!  I recently completed my first triathlon (and in the training process lost nearly 50 pounds and dropped from a size 14/16 to an 8/10!!). I am on the taller side (5ft 7in), but still with some mommy belly (hey, 5 pregnancies in 6 years will do that to you) and larger thighs/hips (mostly genetics, but also from biking).  Husband just came home from work and said we have a dinner with the boss coming up!  YIKES!!!  I have no clue what to wear.  This dinner will be with a bunch of new physicians and their spouses at the Department Chairman’s house.  It is probably business casual dress.  What do I wear?  Thanks for your help!

~GWN

GWN, congratulations on your first triathlon and getting in shape! I love hearing success stories like yours! I have put together a very casual outfit however, I stayed away from blue jeans to help it not be too casual. The boots I put in the outfit (for this outfit) would be worn under the jeans, however, they would look super cute paired over some skinny jeans! I love the blouse and the pop of color it will give this outfit. Have fun shopping for your new figure and I’m sure you will look amazing!

Women’s Sateen Roll-Sleeve Camp Shirt at Old Navy for $24.50

Funnel Neck Cardigan at Gap for $69.50

Trouser Dark Wash Jeans at Calvin Klein on sale for $44.75

Wanted Launch Boots at Piperlime for $80.00

LOVE THIS!  Our reader Mary P. just sent me the link to this dress and I think it is beautiful! Thanks Mary!

At Smart Bargains for $89.99.

Available in regular and plus size.

Highway Cuffed Bermuda Short at Calvin Klein Jeans for $44.99.

I love the empire waist and the embroidery at the bottom. Available in regular and plus size.

Embroidered Flutter Sleeve Top at Calvin Klein Jeans for $69.50.

I would totally rock these shoes with this top. (Would it be considered rocking them if they aren’t anything abnormal? hmm) Shoes: only $10.00! At Make Me Chic

So pretty. I love the gathering at the top.

High Waisted Pencil Skirt at Calvin Klein on sale for $41.30.

UPDATE: Now on sale for $29.50! Thank you Joni!

From our reader Katie G.

Alright, my friend Alisa just emailed you and asked for help with an outfit for her 10 year reunion. I’m in the same boat, can’t figure out what to wear.  After seeing those great outfits I thought I’d contact you ladies.  I’ll be going with Alisa so I’ve got to look just as good as her  I’m thinking dark trouser jeans (I’ve got a pair from Banana Republic) but don’t know what else to wear.  PLEASE HELP!!!

Hi Katie! Alright, I’ve made two outfits for you… the one on the left is less expensive, but super cute. And the one on the right, I wasn’t being price conscious at all! (I know, there are still sale items, but I don’t think I can really not be price conscious at all!) I couldn’t find any trouser jeans at Banana Republic or I would have put those in here! Both outfits can definitely be worn with heels. But  I don’t know if any one has noticed… if it’s not specified, I always go with flats. I love flats! Have fun at your reunion and you and Alisa are going to look amazing! You should definitely send us a picture afterward!

Peace, Natalie

Outfit on the Left:

V-neck Cardigan at Alloy on sale for $9.99

Charleston Trouser Twill at Alloy on sale for $19.99

Ruffle Blouse at Charlotte Russe for $16.99

Clevverr from Steve Madden on sale for $24.98

Motif from Steve Madden on sale for $29.95

Brass Cuff at Alloy for $14.90

Cicley Earring at Alloy for $12.90

Outfit on the Right:

Rinse Flare Jean at Calvin Klein on sale for $59.99

Tuxedo-front Solid Cotton Cami at JCrew on sale for $49.99

Cotton Cadeau Cardigan at JCrew on sale for $79.99

Crunchh from Steve Madden on sale for $29.98

Butterfly Floral Filigree Earrings at Charlotte Russe for $4.00

Filigree Rhinestone Bracelet at Charlotte Russe for $4.00

Hi there-
I love your ensembles and am looking for “Back to School” attire for ME as I am a teacher. I teach 10 year olds, so I don’t need crawl-on-the-floor friendly pieces. I find a lot of appropriate dresses and skirts, but have a hard time completing my looks with pants. I can wear denim trousers or jeans once a week, but need some cute alternatives. Also, comfy but fashionable shoes are a must. I’m on my feet all day. I don’t want to look like a “teacher” or like a college kid. I just want to look fabulous-please help!

Natalie’s Outfit (for Natalie…):

Alright Natalie, I have a lot of stuff for you here! All of the tanks are meant to go under the cardigans below. I wanted to put a white tank on there… but it wouldn’t show up so that is where the peach tank comes in. (Imagine it white) I love mixing cardigans with tanks because it allows you to use more colors. Also I love when shoes can add a pop of color to your outfit. Those red shoes are awesome and would look good with ANY of those cardigans.  I am also showing you three pairs of slacks. None of which are jeans (obviously) but I think throwing a nice pair of slacks into the mix is nice too. However, any of these tops will pair great with trouser jeans.

Stretch Wool Bootcut Pants at Calvin Klein on sale for $49.00

Wide Waistband Pants at Calvin Klein on sale for $34.00

Classiques Entier® ‘Phantom Mélange’ Pants at Nordstrom on sale for $99.90

Classiques Entier® ‘Bella Lana’ Open Front Cardigan at Nordstrom on sale for $89.90

Susina® Raised Seam Cardigan (Juniors) at Nordstrom on sale for $28.90

Plenty by Tracy Reese Appliqué Cardigan at Nordstrom for $174.00

Toni Crochet Yoke Tank at Delias on sale for $22.50

Scattered Petals Tank at JCrew for $88.00

Textured Ruffle Blouse from Charlotte Russe now on sale for $8.99!

Tama from Steve Madden for $69.95

Me Too ‘Limit’ Ruffle Ballet Flat at Nordstrom on sale for $59.90

Jessica Simpson ‘Edison’ Flat at Nordstrom for $68.95

Emily’s outfits for Natalie:

Hi Natalie!  I’ve worked as a reading teacher at an elementary school before, so I know a little bit about how it is to wake up and have about 30 minutes to get yourself pulled together for a day on your feet.  Comfort is KEY!  My best advice is to buy the most comfortable slacks you can find (which for me are usually wide leg trousers), easy tops that you won’t have to fuss with, simple skirts, and comfortable dresses.  I would keep your clothes in simple colors so you can mix and match tops with your skirts and slacks, but use accessories to liven up your outfits.  Jewelry at Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe is so inexpensive and right on trend.  And, of course, a belt and/or a scarf is always a simple way to add interest and style.  Lastly, the shoes that I picked for you are both Born shoes.  I bought my first pair of red Born Mary-Jane flats in 2002 and then just replaced them with a new pair a few months ago.  I’d say seven years of wearing them everywhere is getting my money’s worth!  They are so comfortable and you’ll find yourself wearing them all the time.  I wear my red flats with everything!  And I would definitely invest in the boots for the days when you want to wear a skirt but you don’t want to shave your legs.  For that purpose alone, I’d say they’re worth it.  Have a great school year! clockwise from top left:

Khakis, Old Navy, $12.99-19.00 (a simple pair of slacks in tons of fun colors)

Trousers, Anthropologie, $118.00 (click the link to see the back of these super-cute trousers.  I love them!)

Pencil Skirt, Banana Republic, $59.50

Denim Pencil Skirt, Gap, $54.50

Red Dress, Shabby Apple, $62.00

Gray Jersey Dress, Old Navy, $24.50

Faux-Wrap Dress, Shabby Apple, $55.00

Pintuck Collared Dress, Shabby Apple, $78.00

Patterned Scarf, Fossil, $17.99

Fashion Belts (in red or gold), Old Navy, $14.50

Chiffon Blouse, Forever 21, $11.50

Ruffled Top, Forever 21, $17.80

Red Mary-Janes, Zappos, $98.95

Black Boots, Born, $170.00

Ashley’s Outfit:

Everything on here can be mixed and matched! The tops can be worn alone or with the belt, or better yet with the cardigan and the belt! The Chandelier earrings and ring will coordinate well with everything. Chandelier earrings are great because they instantly dress up any outfit, and they add a lot of style! Have fun shopping!!!

Love,  Ashley
Banded Cardigan at Mod Bod for $38.95.

Pencil Skirt at Mod Bod for $44.95.

Colored Denim Pencil Skirt at Gap for $54.50.

215 Martin Classic Grey Trouser Pant at Banana Republic for $98.00.

Dahlia Floral Chiffon Top at Forever 21 for $17.80.

Solid Ruffle Top on sale at Aeropostale for $19.99.

AK Ann Klein Flats on sale at Piperlime for $69.99.

BCBGIRLS Flats at Piperlime for $79.00

Stud Quad Braid Wide Belt at Forever 21 for $8.80.

Wrapped Faux Pearl Ring at Forever 21 for $4.80.

Filigree Chandelier Earrings at Charlotte Russe for $4.00. (Free Shipping!)