Dear FO Personal Stylist: Mama-To-Be Needs a Formal Summer Dress!

I am going to my husband’s brother’s wedding in August in Seattle. I will be just about 5 months pregnant at the wedding. Since you are a recently pregnant in heels fashionista, I need advice on what would look good and I’m pretty much OVER everything I’ve found at the maternity stores. I would like to wear something that’s not maternity but still looks flattering and chic. I am 5’11 and was pretty busty before I got pregnant, so as you can imagine I’m even bustier now!! The wedding is going to be pretty formal, so possible something long.

Thanks for your help!

Sarah A., Walnut Creek, CA

Dear Sarah,

First and foremost, congratulations! I’ve tried not to get all mommy blogger up in this joint, but I will say that I spit-up is currently my most worn accessory - and I could not be happier.

That being said, pregnancy (and unfortunately, post-pregnancy) can create a maelstrom of wardrobe issues. Like you, during my pregnancy I did not want to invest in a lot of pregnancy-specific items, and I certainly did not want to outfit myself in the cutesy-bland styles that seem to run rampant at some of the better known maternity retailers (more fashionista-friendly maternity collections can be found at ASOS, Unbuttoned and Topshop).

In looking for non-maternity styles that can be worn while pregnant, the elastic or smocked waist is your friend. Not only is it flexible enough to accommodate your expanding belly, but you’ll also appreciate the non-restrictive comfort. I found in my second trimester that I wanted to draw attention to the fact that I was pregnant (which my elastic waisted pieces did, since they can also kind of make you look pregnant when you’re not), as there was a transitional period where I kind of looked like I was pregnant but I also kind of looked like maybe I just had one too many tacos the night before.

Mixing in a few maternity basics is sort of unavoidable, especially since your pregnancy spans over the summer and winter months. My staples were a pair each of J Brand maternity jeans and jeggings (sadly, you’ll still need these after childbirth), Alternative Apparel tunics (one size up), maternity tights and maternity leggings (both with the built-in belly band). It’s also not a terrible idea to have one super-cute maternity dress for your third trimester - I got a black pointy-shouldered French Connection dress from ASOS last fall, and I wore the literal s*&^ out of it for every holiday party and occasion imaginable.

I think your idea of a long dress is perfect for a summer formal wedding - there is probably nothing more adorably chic than a baby bump in a maxi dress. I’ve included some of my favorite elastic waisted maxis below, avoiding any strapless shapes - the busty and pregnant situation is hard enough without trying to find a strapless bra. I’ve also thrown in one cute maternity dress thrown in for good measure. Good luck!

Martin Grant’s Striped Maxi Dress, $633 (orig. $2110)

Gianni Bini’s Helena One-Shoulder Maxi Dress, $108

Topshop Maternity’s Embroidered Midi Dress, $100

Topshop’s Nude Lemon Floral Print Maxi Dress, $150

Von Vonni’s Yellow Print Maxi Dress, $98

Matthew Williamson’s Printed Jersey Maxi Dress, $675

Topshop’s Multi Feather Print One Shoulder Maxi Dress, $140

Hale Bob’s Embellished Maxi Dress, $332

Tibi’s Printed Silk Maxi Dress, $220 (orig. $550)

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Dear FO Personal Stylist: WTF With Tunics?!

WTF with tunics? When I go clothes shopping I see all these tunics. They look like shit on me. I’m 5’7” 132 lbs, curvy, and the darn things rest on my hips and are very unflattering. Is there any way to make them look good on me or just pass? I look like a sack of potatoes.

Xxoo,

Robin D., Berkeley, CA

Dear Robin,

HAAAAAAAAA. It’s not so much that I’m laughing at you, as I’m laughing (or crying) with you. Tunics are great to wear when you’re pregnant. Tunics are also great for making you look pregnant. I say this as a fellow curvy girl and yes, as someone who was recently pregnant (and who doesn’t want to continue to appear to be so).

I’m a firm believer in the fact that certain styles will never be flattering on certain body types, but I’m also a firm believer that you should wear whatever the hell you want if it makes you happy. Bearing in mind that a lot of today’s contemporary tunics were designed for a post-, and not a pre-Rachel Zoe Nicole Richie, there are some basic guidelines that you can follow to find a tunic that will actually flatter your hourglass figure.

• Length is key. A too-long tunic can easily shorten your figure and make you look unnecessarily schlumpy. Aim for tunics that more or less hit just above your hipbones - it’s long enough to cover any potential problem areas while short enough to not create new ones.

• Pair with appropriate bottoms. If you opt for a blousier or less fitted tunic, you should wear something more fitted on your lower half, like jeggings or skinny jeans (leggings only if the tunic is on the longer side). Skirts tend to be a little problematic and awkward, unless you go for a shorter tunic and a slim pencil skirt.

• Beware the elasticized/drawstring waist, my friend. It seems like a good idea in theory, right? But in attempting to define and showcase your waist, you may be dealing with billowing fabric at your hips. Create a waist by belting the tunic at your natural waist.

• Don’t go with the flow. A lot of contemporary tunics offer a more flowy, boho shape that’s not going to do any favors to your curves. Look for more fitted silhouettes and structured fabrics.

• Add some color. Well-executed patterns or color-blocking can accentuate curves.

Below are some of my favorite figure friendly tunic picks. Good luck, and remember: tunics are by no means compulsory in today’s fashion world.

Baby Phat’s Mirror Detail Tunic Top, $43.10 (orig. $86.20)

Vionnet’s One Sleeve Belted Tunic, $695 (orig. $1390)

Rebecca Beeson’s Draped V Neck Tunic, $54

Vionnet’s Colorblock Wool Tunic, $950

Max Studio’s Twisted Tunic, $78

Alice Temperley’s Tribal Print Cotton Tunic, $110 (orig. $275)

Have a fashion emergency, or just looking for a helpful hint or two? Email Fashion Orbit’s Personal Stylist!

Dear FO Personal Stylist: Need the Perfect High School Reunion Dress

I have my 15 year high school class reunion coming up in September and am looking for a sexy but classy outfit or dress to wear.

The event is a private catered dinner at a local restaurant and then afterwords some are going to a local bar for drinks. Its not formal by any means but I want an outfit that shows that I’ve still got it after 15 years and 3 kids later lol.

Do you have any budget friendly suggestions?

Thanks,

Amanda H., Illinois

Dear Amanda,

Ticket to high school reunion? $75. Cash bar? $40. Still having it after 3 kids? Totally priceless!

Ordinarily I favor over-dressing above under-dressing, but the high school reunion presents a very particular pickle: you want to look amazing, but not like you’re trying too hard, and certainly not like you’re either a) a frumpy oldster, or b) someone who is still clinging to their youth by dressing like a 16 year old.

The goal is to look subtly (almost accidentally) hot, and the key is picking the right dress. Depending on the degree of formality of the dress you ultimately choose, you can either downplay it by keeping the accessories to a minimum, or, if it’s on the more casual end of the spectrum, you can dress it up with some well-chosen jewelry.

I’ve put together a few potential dresses to start the reunion ball rolling (editor’s note: Amanda mentioned in a subsequent email that she tended to like greens and blues, ombre, halters, and single-shouldered pieces). I think the decision to avoid the LBDs is a wise one, and I’m personally also a big fan of the one-shoulder silhouette. Most of the dresses I picked are well under $200, but I did throw a couple spendy ones in that I thought were worth including.

My personal favorites are the French Connection, Laila Azhar, High Tide, and Forever 21 dresses. Since the accessorizing is so contingent on what dress you ultimately select, please let me know if I can be of further help once you’ve chosen the foundation of your ensemble.

Most importantly, have a fabulous time at your reunion!

Blues and Greens

Nu Collective’s Drape Dress, $82.50 (originally $165)

French Connection’s Cara Dress, $69.99 (originally $98)

Black Halo’s Jackie O Dress, $345

BCBG’s Pleated Jersey Bubble Dress, $168 (originally $280)

Nicole Miller’s Shutter Pleated Dress, $312 (originally $520)

One-Shouldered

T-Bags’ One Shoulder Dress, $129.50 (originally $185)

Jessica McClintock’s One Shoulder Cocktail Dress, $138

A Common Thread’s One Shoulder Dress with Tie Waist, $214.20 (originally $306)

Laila Azhar’s One Shoulder Twist Dress, $381

High Tide Dress, $74.99

Prints

Curtsey’s Leaf Print Jersey Dolman Sleeve Dress, $89 (originally $148)

T-Bags’ Printed One Shoulder Dress, $135.80 (originally $194)

Anna Sui’s Beaded Chevron Dress, $187.50 (originally $375)

T-Bags’ One-Shoulder Grecian Dress, $134 (originally $224)

Halters

BCBG’s Laser Cut Satin Halter Dress , $129.90 (originally $198)

Nicole Miller’s Cowl-Neck Halter Dress, $190

Ombre

My Tribe’s Ombre Knit Dress, $62 (originally $78)

Simply Vera by Vera Wang’s Dip-Dye Dress, $53.99 (originally $78)

Antonio Melani’s Mirabella Dress, $179

Cheap Chic Options

Charlotte Russe’s Satin Tulip Dress, $29.99

Forever 21’s Delilah One Shoulder Dress, $19.80

Have a fashion emergency, or just looking for a helpful hint or two? Email Fashion Orbit’s Personal Stylist!

Dear FO Personal Stylist: Need An Outfit for Country Clubbing

Help! My boss’ wife has invited me to lunch at their country club. The majority of the dresses that I have are appropriate for dance clubs, not country clubs. I want to look presentable but I don’t want to splurge on a boring Sunday dress that I may never wear again.

Do you have any suggestions???

Thanks!

Lynne S., Sacramento, CA

Dear Lynne,

A country club lunch sounds so delightfully retro (or at least, delightfully pre-recession). On one hand, you could go the nouveau preppy route and Waldorf it out, but depending on your boss’ wife’s sense of irony, you may want to play it a bit safer.

Unless her country club has ultra-formal dress code rules, the good news is that as long as your dress hits the knees or thereabouts, you’re already off to a smashing start, and there’s virtually no semi-formal wardrobe emergency that a cardigan and nice jewelry can’t fix.

If you absolutely want to buy a new dress, there are plenty of cute and thrifty choices available at retailers like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe, and you won’t have to feel guilty if you never wear it again. Mix in some higher end pieces from your closet, and no one will be the wiser.

I’ve put together four potential ensembles for you. As always, they are ultimately meant to provide some inspiration to incorporate into your pre-existing wardrobe.

Potential Outfit #1

Outfit #1 is centered on a colorblock dress that retails under $30, paired with accessories that you probably already have in your closet: a simple black shrug/cropped jacket to conceal the dress’ spaghetti straps, and neutral peep toes. A nice piece of statement jewelry (in this case, a chunky onyx and coral necklace), pulls together and elevates the overall look.

The Items

• Forever 21’s Retro Colorblock Dress, $27.80
• White House | Black Market’s Supple Crop Shrug, $68
• Bounkit’s Onyx & White Coral Necklace, $690
• Bebe’s Kendra Snake Slingback Sandal, $159

Potential Outfit #2

Outfit #2 goes the Jenny Humphrey/UES punky princess route, with the sweetness of the bow dress being offset by the slouchy dolman shrug and cage heels. Mabe pearl earrings and an antique cameo brooch tie the ensemble together, for an overall look of dressy with an edge. Much like Outfit #1, we start with a very affordable dress and just add to it.

The Items

• Charlotte Russe’s Bow Tie Dress, $29.99
• Banana Republic’s Dolman Shrug Cardigan, $69
• Forever 21’s Donna Cage Sandals, $26.80
• Majorica’s White Mabe Pearl Earrings, $125
• Antique Victorian Coral Cameo Pin, $975

Potential Outfit #3

Outfit #3 offers an alternative to the dress and heels route. Since the high-waisted full skirt and frilly blouse are so feminine, the accessories should remain more low-key. I opted for a sleek feather headband, stud earrings, and metallic flat sandals.

The Items

• Charlotte Russe’s Pearl Flower Blouse, $22.99
• Emporio Armani’s Skirt With Diagonal Pleats, $357 (originally $595)
• Sergio Zelcer’s Web Flat Sandals, $141.95
• Cathy Waterman’s Star Flower Post Earrings, $1090
• Jennifer Ouellette’s Curved Feather Headband , $125

Potential Outfit #4

Outfit #4 is the least complicated ensemble of the bunch. But really, what says WASP more than a striped boatneck Tory Burch dress? Pyramid stud earrings and red cork heels add an appropriate amount of personality and contrast.

The Items

• Tory Burch’s Azure Dress, $198 (originally $495)
• Urban Outfitters’ Pyramid Stud Earrings, $16
• Christian Dior’s Starlet Peep Toe Pumps, $536 (originally $670)

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Dear FO Personal Stylist: Find Gwen’s Earrings!

I love all things Gwen Stefani, I love her music, but mostly her style. She has these gold stud earnings that she wears often in photos and they are on her L.A.M.B. website main picture. I love them because they are small and stylish but have a little bit of punk flair, my favorite style.

I have looked everywhere and searched the internet but have not been able to find ones that are similar. Can you help? You seem to have a great way of finding wonderful styles.

Thanks,

Allison C., San Francisco, CA

Dear Allison,

I have to agree with you: Gwen Stefani is one of the very few celebrities who has managed to successfully transition into fashion. L.A.M.B. has not only invoked Gwen’s enviable style, but transcended it. Remember these heels? And this jacket? And basically everything that she wears in this video? Drooooooooool. But I digress.

Gwen’s earrings in that photo are commonly referred to as pyramid studs, and they have a nice punky yet rich look (especially since they bring to mind Hermes’ Medor pieces, which are synonymous with the pyramid stud).

I am fairly certain that the particular earrings that Gwen is wearing are the work of Bing Bang/Anna Sheffield (she also does an amazing oversized version). Since it never hurts to have choices in fashion, I’ve also included a few other similar styles. Hopefully one of them is just what you’re looking for!

Bing Bang’s Vivienne Stud Earrings, $85

Bop Bijoux’s Pyramid Stud Earrings, $60

Urban Outfitters’ Pyramid Stud Earrings, $16

Lena Wald’s Small Spike Earrings, $242

Have a fashion emergency, or just looking for a helpful hint or two? Email Fashion Orbit’s Personal Stylist!