With the stores transitioning clothing from sweaters and coats to light tops and dresses for Spring, it can be a little difficult trying to find something to wear for the weather now.

Here’s one idea on how to use the classic spring shirt dress (this cute Carissa Rose navy dress is based on bust size) for now and later:

Cold Weather

Navy and black together is a great combo for winter so simply adding black accessories is the way to go.  Add a skinny or wide black belt from your closet instead of the sash tie.  To keep warm, this J.Crew cashmere cardigan that ties in the front is the perfect companion to the collar of the shirt dress.  Wear some knee-high suede boots with black tights to finish the look.  The stylish boots are by La Canadienne and can withstand wind, sleet and snow — yay!

Warm Weather

The sleeve length on this dress is perfect as it’s long enough to hide any arm concerns yet it still keeps you cool and stylish on warm days. Add neutral browns and beige in your accessories to change the look. The stretch jute belt by Elegantly Waisted has leather detail and a cool antique brass closure is the perfect way to take this dress from simple to pulled-together.

Add a leather stud bracelet by Rebecca Minkoff and a triple-layer topaz necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane.  This is a great necklace to have in your wardrobe if you have any kind of topaz coloring in your eyes or hair.  The sandals are by Cynthia Vincent and go up to size 10.

With several months of winter ahead of us, nothing beats the warmth and comfortable style of a sweater dress. Add some color with a layering piece and add a couple of accessories to give it some flair.

Starburst Sweater Dress in oatmeal heather. I have seen this soft merino wool dress with dolman sleeves on and it is very chic. Hourglass and Inverted Triangle body types  would look best in this style.   It is also on sale!  Add an ivory color or a pair of fun colored DKNY Control Top Opaque Tights.

Gap Ultrafine turtleneck – this super soft layering piece can be worn layered underneath the dress. The new navy color adds a burst of color.

Nine West Truella – these are my favorite suede boots and I wear them frequently. These rock and the adjustable tie in the back will draw attention. Believe me – your friends will want the same pair.

For accessories try the Gorjana Bedford Messenger Bag. This leather bag would look stylish worn across your body. Try a Bop Basics Cashmere Fitted Cap in ivory – it adds a modish touch to complete the look.

Reader Wardrobe Challenge

I got myself last year this blazer from Nordstrom. I am a 40 year old STAHM with a 3 and 8 year old in Chicago. I would love to get more wear out of that blazer.

Wardrobe 911’s Outfit Prescription

The corduroy blazer is perfect for rectangles and those with a more casual lifestyle. As a SAHM, you should be putting this to good use!  Here we show a couple of ways to wear it this season:

Outfit #1

• Some bootcut jeans to show off the flare in your jacket.  Citizens of Humanity’s Amber style is perfect for the mom on the go.
• Add a slouchy but really not slouchy One Pocket Jersey Tee in gray.  I love mixing gray and olive together and then adding a complementary-hued scarf such as this lightweight one in a burnt sienna.
• For shoes, obviously booties would work great with the jeans but these Tory Burch snake print Reva flats work with everything and are extremely comfortable.

Outfit #2

• A super-flattering,  jersey dress by Velvet which is the perfect length for hip moms.  This can be worn with tights in the cooler months — just make sure you use a dryer sheet to rub your tights with so the dress doesn’t cling.
• Add a fun, statement piece like this horn necklace — it will certainly stand out so you don’t want to wear it if you tend to be a bit shy with attention.
• Make your outfit more urban hip by adding some Frye mid-calf Harness boots in tan.  They’d look great paired with warm slouchy socks or with heathered oatmeal or mink tights.

Brrr! We are even feeling the cold weather out here in California. This casual chic outfit is intended to keep you toasty.

• Juicy Couture Long Sleeve Ruffle Puffa Jacket –the removable faux fur trim on the hood is right on trend. The down and feather fill feels luxurious and you will never want to take it off. If you are looking for a more affordable winter jacket, try The North Face ‘Aconcagua’ Jacket (not shown).

• Ever Canico Reversible Sweater – you will get a lot of wear from this merino wool and cashmere blend sweater. I like the brown and black color combination to wear with the jacket, but I also love the reverse side. Check out the gray and black side of the sweater and see the fashionable contrast lining at the hem and sleeves. You are probably wondering if horizontal stripes look good on you. Just remember that thin stripes (not too thin!) are the most flattering as featured in this sweater. Wider stripes tend to cut your torso or make areas appear wider wherever the stripe is placed.

• Michael Stars Cashmere Blend Long Sleeve Cowl Neck (not shown) – this is great alternative if you prefer a solid color. This top is essential for your winter wardrobe! I really like the dark cabernet purple and creamy off-white colors.

• 7 For All Mankind Straight Leg Jeans – a straight leg or skinny jean is easier to tuck in your boots and the dark wash and black boot create the illusion of a longer leg. A straight leg pant compliments all body types.

• Aquatalia by Marvin K Maddow Boot – this weatherproof boot is worth the investment. It will last at least a couple of seasons and keep you warm and dry.

• Leather Studded Handbag – this taupe bag will add a fashion statement. It is also functional since it has a detachable strap so you can either wear it across the body or carry it by the handle.

• UGG Australia Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves with ShearlingCuffs – these cashmere lined gloves will certainly keep your hands cozy. You may just have to add it to your wish list.

Start the New Year by looking your best! Don’t forget to take advantage of the holiday discount of 20% off all Wardrobe 911 Recipe Boxes (Hourglass, Rectangle, Triangle and Inverted Triangle). Just use coupon code GIFTW911 at checkout. Promotion is valid until 12/20/09. You can find out your body type by taking the body quiz.

“Carefree Casual”  is one of the most popular Wardrobe 911 style personalities and it is actually one of my favorite styles.  Most woman who wear this style like to portray an easy-going and comfortable look.  This may be your core-style if you don’t work in a  corporate environment. Or it could be your sub-style if  you occasionally integrate it .

Here is a Carefree Casual inspired outfit that  incorporates  fashion-forward and feminine sub-styles. The pencil skirt and flower belt buckle design show off your feminine side.

The belt buckles are artistically designed and handcrafted by Sarah Princess. There are various designs and they’re perfect for the carefree casual outfit and add a fashionable update to the most basic jeans and tees.

• Vince Cashmere Sweater – this cowl neckline flatters the hourglass, rectangle and inverted triangle body types. A belt is recommended with this top.
• Sarah Princess Purple Flower Art Belt Buckle – this is Sarah’s best seller and affordably priced! This belt should be worn low with this sweater.
• Habitual Shannon Skirt – a pencil skirt looks great on all body types and is a chic  alternative to jeans. For the colder months, wear the reversible design SPANX ‘Two-Timin’ Tights.
• Ugg Elsey Boots in Chestnut- the wedge heel gives the outfit a casual yet modern look.
• Chinese Laundry Hobo – the mustard color brings out the yellow in the belt buckle.

If you want to learn more about the six different personalities, they are featured in our Style Guide which was created for personal stylists to use in a client style consultation. (Although we’ve known a few non-stylists that have used for guiding their own style reinvention!)

Varying Heights

• Tory Burch ‘Stowe’ Mid-Calf Boot – super cute on, these are the perfect boot over a straight leg or skinny jean. If you’re on a budget, here are some other great alternatives: the Frye Harness12R or the Type Z Lancely, both at Zappos.com.
• Taryn Rose Blue Suede Doolan boot – another mid-calf boot that is super sleek and great for your foot. This also comes in a yummy camel color. Remember, you get 20% off if you enter WARDROBE at checkout.
• Bourne ‘Cameron’ Bootie - in taupe suede with a snakeskin-printed heel and accents. This looks great under pants or with tights and dresses.
• Hive and Honey over the knee boot in black suede. With a tiny bit of stud detail at top, this has a great wedge heel to make your legs look long.  (Also in brown.)

Knee High Boots

• Corso Como Salvadore riding boot in a dark chocolate. A flat boot that has some classic details. It also comes in black.
• Rockport Harmony Heights suede boot in Bamboo – I am in love! Seriously. I can picture this with ivory jeans and a yummy ivory cashmere sweater — cafe au lait all the way.
• Calvin Klein Liv 3″ heel leather boot – the dressy work version of a boot. It’s perfect for wearing with tights and dresses or skirts.
• Naturalizer Smooth black boot – Another great option for work. There are many pluses and one negative to this boot. On the negative side, it is not leather. On the plus side, it is animal friendly, comes in brown and black, has a plus-shaft option, goes to size 12 and is only $99.

All-Weather Boots

• La Canadienne  waterproofed black leather boot. Known for their great cold-weather boots, this style is great for stomping around in the snow or rain.
• Aquatalia by Marvin K ‘Xenia’ Weatherproof Boot. For the rain or mild slush, try this waterproof fabric coated sleek mid-calf boot. It’s so elegant that you can even get away wearing it in the sunshine sans snow.
• UGG Snowpeak boot in gray. With a warm sheepskin interior and waterproof quilted fabric and leather — your toes will stay toasty even on the most blistery days.

It’s cold out and you’re inside today working from home.  Along with having the right office supplies, here’s a cute outfit that is warm, soft and still keeps you stylish should you want to venture out for a dog walk or grab a bite to eat.

Smitten Front Pocket Sweater – the fabric content is 79% nylon and viscose with only 5% wool and 16% angora so if you are allergic to wool , this could be a great option. The sleeves are perfect for someone who is broad shouldered and the pockets on front are not distracting.

Rich & Skinny Bootcut Legging Jeans – of course any jean would do but the Rich and Skinny jeans are so soft and comfy you will feel like you’re wearing your pajamas. I’m not kidding. In a mid-rise with a bootcut leg, these jeans are flattering for any body type.

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Slip-On – like slippers but with an edge. These are great for milling about the house. Of course, I’m all for the hip mid-calf boots and this Richmond style by Arturo Chiang certainly has appeal. Throw them on for your afternoon escape.

Because the outfit is dark, you want to add a bit of color. A red leather wrap bracelet by Marc Jacobs adds just the right amount of pop and it lays close to the wrist so no jangling or getting in the way of your keyboard.

The early fall season always brings some nice warm summery days. And with that, wearing something that works for the transitions are key.  Here we show some pieces that work individually for those Indian Summer days or that are easily layered together for a brisk Fall morning.

LAMade cotton voile tunic at an unreal price at BillionDollarBabes (hurry, it only lasts for 2 days.)  Cotton voile is the lightest, softest type of cotton made. Perfect for hot days layered over a simple tank, it makes a great transition to Fall when you layer it over a long-sleeve scoop-neck tee in a warm gray.

Pair it over these 7 for All Mankind high-waist jeans in the LA Dark wash.  Finally, the premium denim designers have heard our cry and the non-frumpy ‘high-waist’ jean is back.

Pull on some fab mid-calf boots by Vince Camuto in a dark slate. You can tuck your jeans in the boot for a on-trend look or wear them over the boot to create a long, lean leg line. For accesories, go for a pair of Kimberly Baker silver snowflake star earrings and a green convertible shopper by the Sak to punch it up.

The sweater dress is all throughout the stores this season and there’s something for everyone: some short, some knee length, some fitted and some drapey. Here we show two different styles and how to wear.

Cowl neck sweater dress by Rachel Pally. The dress comes in a black or berry color. This right-above-the-knee dress has blouson sleeves and follows the line of your curves. Pair it with:

• Agate pendant braided leather necklace
• Elegantly Waisted double belt in cognac adds some interest
• Ribbed wool tights in acorn paired with a yummy knee-high wedge BCBGirls tobacco suede boot

The Vince boyfriend sweater dress has cute pockets at the bottom and hits mid-thigh. It looks great on inverted triangles and even rectangles can wear because it floats over the tummy area. Because it is short, you want to wear a legging underneath. Try these thick and comfy Theory Stadium skinny pants – they provide more coverage than a legging and look super sleek.  Add some style with:

• Stormy blue and gray “Starry Nights” scarf
• Boots  look cute with this as well so try either a short ruched boot like Naturalizer’s black boot or go crazy with the over the knee boot trend with a Belle by Sigerson Morrison cuffed suede boot in gray.

The El Nino warnings have already started in the Pacific Ocean regions and so now’s the time to start hunkering down and make sure you’re ready for some wet weather this Fall and Winter.  Here’s an outfit that should keep you dry and comfortable on a bleak rainy day.

• Some “always skinny” black jeans.  Since you probably already have loads of dark wash jeans, get some in black. The skinny jean is super easy to wear underneath boots.
• Tunic turtleneck sweater. Perfect for over a skinny jean or legging, this sweater not only keeps your neck warm, it comes in a couple of other colors including a pretty, muted blue.
• Classic trenchcoat in gray. Prepare to spend a bit in this area — whether you go for the classic Burberry or a variation thereof as shown, you want this to last since you’ll wear it on an almost daily basis.
• Keep yourself warm with a wool/silk checkered blue ombre wrap and gray leather driving gloves.
• Other rain gear to have on hand: an automatic umbrella and a comfy, warm rainboot like this stylish Chooka Herringbone boot.

It’s Friday night and a few of you are getting together for some drinks and mayhem. If you’re a jeans girl, you want something simple, effortless and sexy. Here it is:

• Ella Moss Imogene halter top in a jeweled green. This top is perfect if you are small-busted, broad shouldered and want the tummy to be disguised. For a bra, wear a multi-plunge Wonderbra. The bra straps are detachable so that it can be strapless, backless, or you can add the straps in a variety of positions for one-shoulder, halter or wide necklines.
• Because the top is slightly floaty, you want to wear a denim pencil skirt or a slim jean. If you have hips, try the J Brand Scarlett Cigarette jean in black. It has an 8″ rise and a little more room in the hip area.
• Since evenings typically are cool, top it off with a motocross leather jacket. Leather jackets are once again big for Fall and I love the cropped and fitted styles.  This one has a beautiful mandarin collar which is super elegant on a long neck.  Make sure to pull your hair up and throw on some big, dangly earrings.
• For shoes, there are tons of options.  Perhaps a pair a strappy sandals or peeptoe booties.  I like the sleekness of these Ash Absolut platform suede booties in black — I’m wondering with such a name if you can store your Absolut Vodka in there .

Although it may be 100 degrees out (unless you live below the equator), it’s time to start thinking about your Fall wardrobe. The best way to go about planning your wardrobe takes three steps:

Step 1:  Pull out your Fall wardrobe and review what you have.  You want to love everything you have so that you wear them – why bother spending the money if you don’t?   Create an inventory list of the items in your closet that you will wear this coming season.

Step 2:  Determine where the gaps are.  You may have some well-worn favorites that need replacing.  Or you may discover that you are completely top-deprived (3 tops to 1 bottom is a good ratio.)  Perhaps your closet is ALL black and you’re tired of it.  Whatever the case may be, what message about yourself do you want to be communicating this season? Write down the obvious gaps on your shopping list and then start thinking about your ’style plan’ for the Fall.

Step 3:  Collect and clip/bookmark inspiration for colors and styles (this site is a good start!)  Most fall fashions don’t hit stores full-force until September so you may just want to marinate a bit.  Right now, start your shopping list so that you won’t waste your time or money when you find yourself in a store or online shopping.   If you find something now that is on your list, you’ll be best served to get it.  I’ve always found that whenever I needed to replace a particular item that I’ve loved, it was long-gone if I decided to wait for it to go on sale — Murphy’s Law but I no longer take those chances.

Here’s some Fall color and style inspiration to get your creative juices flowing:

• Purple stone necklace – from blue-violet to red-violet there is a purple that works for everyone. This color looks good on so many people! If you’re shy about color, try a necklace.
• Calvin Klein wrap coat – This shawl collar wrap coat is a timeless classic and will be a popular style for Fall.
• Dark wash skinny jean – The skinny jean is here to stay! They are perfect for tucking into your boots on a cold day. Besides dark wash, you may want to consider getting them in black denim.
• Plaid wool coat – purple and plaid are making a huge comeback this fall. If you already have the classic overcoat, you may want to consider adding something fun like this one by Kenneth Cole.
• Crossbody bag in grape – adding color with your handbag is a great idea for Fall. Rich colors such as purple, teal and green are worthy of consideration.
• Black riding boot with silver grommets. Always a timeless investment, the riding boot has staying power and perfect for hip moms and gals.

When you review your closet for fall, what gaps do you find?

This outfit is perfect for hip women over 40 who need an outfit for one or all of following:

• Wear something cute to go with the riding boot trend
• Wear something casual yet comfortable (and non-wrinkly) for travel to a big city
• Wear something for going out shopping that is easy to pull on and off in the dressing room
• Wear something for the afternoon mom-taxi duty

The jersey skirt and top are the same color so you can wear them together to create a long, lean body line.  They look great on all body types — if the top is too cleavage-baring for you, simply add a black tank underneath.  Pull your outfit together with a beautiful colored cardigan like the one shown and pair with a simple cross-body bag to keep your hands free.

Outfit as shown:

• Cotton jersey twist top, Velvet
• Gored jersey knit skirt, Velvet
• Clean-lined cardigan, Elie Tahari (limited sizes at Bluefly)
• Black Riding Boot, Franco Sarto
• Slouchy cross-body bag, Lucky
• Gray stained glass necklace

A Reader Asks:
I have two pairs of high boots that I’m trying to figure out how to wear. The hitch is, I’m plus sized and I’m trying to find a way to wear them where my hips don’t look absolutely huge! Help please?! Thanks!

Wardrobe 911’s Style Prescription:

The key to wearing boots is ensuring that width and proportion of the boot balances with your outfit.  For example, if you wear a pull-on fabric boot which is tight around your calves over jeans, you would look like a drumstick.  No one, no matter their size, looks good in that.  The focus is to create a long, lean look.

Since you’re concerned about your hips, look for jeans and pants that have a wider leg so that they drop straight from your hip instead of going in at the top part of your thigh.  This means you wear your boots underneath the jeans — a bit of the detail still peeks out which is fun.  If you’re dying to try the “jeans in boots” look, my recommendation is to find some capri jeans that fit you nicely in the hip area or grab your favorite pair of boot-cut pants and crop them right at the calf.  They are much easier to tuck into a knee-high boot and won’t bulk up! Wear a cute cross-front top that skims the tummy with a structured casual fleece jacket and your look becomes casual chic.

Knee-high boots also look great with flared-skirt dresses such as this criss-cross dress from Kiyonna or a fun skirt that hits below the knee like this leather trim version.
Wear a great earring to pull it all together.