How to Wear a Denim Skirt (when you're over 30)

Q: I recently bought a denim pencil skirt that fits me just perfectly, but now I have no idea what to wear it with. I don't want to look older than I am (I'm in my late 30s), but I still want to be comfortable, casual, and appropriate. How can I do that?

A: Denim pencil skirts are a great thing to have when you want to look put-together and sophisticated, yet casual. Something to remember is that you don't want to wear one with a plain tee shirt or tank top; those are much too casual to be worn with a tailored pencil skirt. Try pairing it with a blazer (in a fun color to avoid looking like you're headed for work) instead. Here's a step-by-step guide to how you can put together an easy, age-appropriate, go-anywhere outfit:

1. Start with the right skirt (although we're sure you've already found it). Make sure it's fitted through the hips, then comfortably tapers as it reaches the knees. It should be about knee-length -- anything longer isn't flattering at all, and anything shorter should be left for the teenagers (same goes for the ripped-up, destroyed styles).
2. Pair it with a simple, fitted blazer without distracting patterns, buttons, and other unnecessary extras. We like it in a bold color (but not neon) to show off your fun side.
3. Bring another punch of color with a roomy floral or patterned blouse to wear underneath. Keep it untucked and cinch your natural waist with a neutral colored belt (we think a skinny one would work better). This keeps the top from looking too big under the blazer. Plus, it makes you look more polished.
4. You don't need to obsess over accessories, especially if you'll be going out a lot and don't have much time on your hands. Just wear a neutral-colored pair of shoes -- no stilettos or knee-high boots for you. We suggest a sandal or pump with sturdy heels and a classic shape. Add a large tote that holds everything and you're set.

How do you wear a denim skirt? Share in your comments!

What to Wear for Summer Work in Arizona

Q: I'm 19 years old, and I'm planning on becoming a paleontologist. I have a three-week long summer internship in Arizona where we'll be digging up fossils and studying them, and I need help on what to wear. I need something that'll keep me cool at the site, and something else that's stylish for going out with friends. Help!

Outfit Idea #1-- Relaxing After Work

Tops: You'll want to pack lots of white shirts to keep you cool under the scorching sun, and make sure they're lightweight and made of a soft/thin fabric such as cotton. You can accessorize a simple white top in so many ways, the possibilities are endless. Try to get ones with 1/2 or 3/4 sleeves and a clean, simple shape. Tuck in your shirts whenever possible (unless they're a flowy blouse/ tunic) for a more casual chic look.

Bottoms: Cropped pants or shorts are your best choice, but make sure they're not too long and not too short. Bermudas are classic, so choose a simple one that's about knee-length, and shorts should not come close to exposing those little white pockets. Mid-thigh is probably the highest you want to go. Remember, you want to look stylish, not trashy. Like tops, your pants should be made of a lightweight fabric that's comfortable. If you choose denim, go for a lighter wash.

Shoes: It's all about comfort (and looks, of course). We recommend packing tons of flats and flat sandals for your walking pleasure. Flats, to us, are the most comfortable shoe, so wear one that's versatile and in a solid color (just about any color is fine). When it comes to sandals, everything is in the details. What's "in" now? Lots of straps, braids, embellishments, jewels, etc. A neutral color (like brown, tan, or beige) would work great because it adds to the casual, laid-back style-- plus, it makes your legs look longer.

Accessories: When roaming around town, your bag should be small and easy to carry, but also versatile and functional. Shoulderbags with long straps are a great choice. Make sure it's not too bulky, and that it can carry your essentials (such as your cell phone, wallet, make-up, and maybe a bottle of water). A neutral would be best because they go with almost anything. But, a pop of color doesn't hurt. Belt your bottoms with a bright hue (we chose a sophisticated red) to make your whole outfit look more polished. Another tip? Always keep a pair of sunglasses in hand when you're in a hot, sunny area.

Outfit Idea #2-- Having Fun With Friends

A cute and casual way to hang out with friends after long hours of work is in a young and fresh sundress. We love the crisp white with the multi-colored floral details-- that way, your accessories can be almost any color and not look strange. Pair it with a light denim jacket in a classic shape to contrast the femininity of the dress (denim jackets are actually back in style). As for footwear, keep it comfy with a pair of bright yellow ballet flats (yellow is the 'it' color of the season!), and we love shades of blue with yellow, so we chose a nice teal handbag to finish off the outfit. You don't want to carry a huge bag after a whole day of digging, so choose a small one. With all this simplicity, you can even add some bold statement earrings to draw attention to your face.

Outfit Idea #3-- On the Job

Last but not least, here are some tips on what to wear when you're actually working at the excavation site. We suggest some comfy cropped cargo pants in a light color like cream, tan, khaki, or brown. Please avoid the ones with dozens of pockets all over and bunches of unneccesary tie straps. Wear your pants with a simple fitted white tee (tucked in), then throw on a bold scarf in a thin fabric (e.g. chiffon). Don't go too bright (no hot pink and neon yellow), but feel free to go for exotic patterns and cool colors like coral, navy, teal, or red. If you like, you can also add a chic neutral colored belt to pull everything together. About bags, you should probably get a backpack style so that you won't have an annoying handbag on your shoulder the whole time. It's not the smartest choice to bring an expensive leather piece to the desert, so choose one made of a durable fabric, and check to see if it'll fit all of your tools, snacks, etc. Now, your work group will probably tell you what type of shoes to wear while working, and even though they may not be very fashionable, remember to follow all rules and instructions!

Oh, here's a little hair advice for your whole trip: loose ponytails and slightly messy chignons are always a DO for sunny places like Arizona. And another easy hair trend is small braids. Wrap one around your head with a simple updo for a goddess-like glamour, or let one hang loose at the side. These will make any outfit look even better. Best of luck on your internship!

Family Reunion: Dresses for Petites Over 40

Q: My family is having another reunion, and I don't know what to wear. I've lost 30 lbs. since the last one, so I would like to show off my new look, but I'm a petite woman, and it's hard to find flattering dresses. What can I wear to an outdoor family get-together? By the way, I'm over 40, so this is a challenge.

A: Congratulations on your weight loss! You're right, this is a challenge, but not something we can't handle. As a petite, you should look for dresses that hit at or right above the knee; anything lower than that will "cut your legs in half" and make you look even shorter. Tapered/straight skirts or A-line skirts will flatter you most, and be sure they are high-waisted or have an empire waist, because they will elongate your legs. Wrap dresses would also work well. Another tip? It's best to wear a dress with a higher neckline for a taller look (no plunging tops for you). As for your age, you should stay away from strapless dresses, and ones that are way too short (think 5 inches above your knee).

Remember to pay attention to details. Vertical buttons, seam lines, pleats, etc. will definitely flatter your body. Also, when it comes to patterns, keep them simple or small-- don't wear loud, oversized prints, because they'll overwhelm your petite frame. Stay away from big horizontal lines, too-loose or stiff pieces, and too many embellishments and details. Another thing to remember when choosing your dress: make sure the bottom hem isn't too busy and the skirt isn't extremely full. And when belting a dress, make it a neutral color (brown, black, cream) and wear it above your natural waistline for a more flattering style.

If it gets a little chilly outside, pick a jacket/coat that's simple and above the knee, just like the dress. Try to get one that's cropped or has an empire waist. Any lapels should be narrow and short (ending above your natural waistline). Same with belts on the jacket-- they should be above the waistline. This keeps you looking taller. So just remember: keep things simple and short. Here are 7 of our favorite age-appropriate dresses for petites, whatever your budget (and you don't have to wear these just once):

Our Under $50 Choices:

Ruffle Woven Wrap Dress $27.80 at Forever 21

Women's Tie-Waist Shirtdress $29.50 at Old Navy

Sleeveless Pocket Front Dress $42.75 at ASOS

Our Over $50 Choices:

Petite Silk/Cotton Floral Dress SALE $84.99 at Banana Republic

Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Stretch Satin Dress $118.00 at Nordstrom

Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Sleeveless Ruffle Wrap Dress $148.00 at Nordstrom

Donna Ricco Ruffle Neck Silk Dress $158.00 at Nordstrom

Tory Burch Patricia Silk Twill Dress $475.00 at Nordstrom

Perfect Weekend Outfits for Women 40+

We understand that women over the age of 40 don't often favor the young trends of skinny jeans, neon tanks, and animal prints, so here are three classic weekend outfits just for you. We've done this by using pieces with clean lines & classic colors, creating looks that are casual yet sophisticated.

Outdoor Dining

Silk Georgette Pleated Top SALE $69.50 at J Crew

Cotton Floral-Print Full Skirt SALE $24.99 at Banana Republic

This neutral combination is perfect for going out to lunch on a warm summer day.

Too dull for you? Brighten it up with a nice pair of sandals, and feminine accessories such as bracelets and a belt (not too chunky) in complementary colors. If you don't like these pieces, pair any sleeveless (silk) blouse with a knee-length skirt in a sophisticated pattern/print.

Backyard BBQ

Piped Blouse SALE $24.99 at Gap
Mid-Rise Boot Cut Jeans SALE $49.99 at Gap

Wear this ensemble and you'll be backyard barbeque-ready. This outfit is perfectly porportioned, with a classic bright-over-dark silhouette.

Out and About

Washed Chambray Perfect Shirt $78.00 at J Crew
Stripe Cotton Popover $68.00 at J Crew
Low-Rise Boot Cut White Jeans SALE $44.99 at Gap

This set is a great twist on a classic weekend outfit. Swap out your old blue jeans for crisp white ones, and wear a shirt with an unusual design or fabric instead of your average button-down. This is suitable for almost any occasion, from strolling along the beach to hanging out at a friend's outdoor party. Choose the striped top for a nautical look, and try the chambray shirt for something a little more put-together. As for accessories, keep it minimal; just add, perhaps, a bold necklace, for a feminine touch.