Find me on Facebook: Image & Color Services Fashion Angles & Queries (FAQ)! Help! I'm attending a wedding in the Caribbean, but I have no idea what to wear to all the weekend events. Do I go casual, dressy, somewhere in between? I need wardrobe ideas that won't make me look out of place and won't require me to bring 4 suitcases! Dianne's answer: "Most of the events at weekend weddings, especially when they are in unusual locations, are planned ahead, and you won't have to do a lot of guesswork. Start with where the wedding will take place: at a beachside wedding, you could wear a shorter, sexier dress in a hot new color like orange (if your coloring is warm) or a tropical pink (for a cooler complexion). Bring along key pieces like a sheer cropped shirt or capelet, a sarong or some equally flowing pants, and pick up one of the newest beaded necklaces that can be worn to many different events. Try to coordinate your color palette - turquoise and white is always beautiful for summer. Jeweled sandals (leave the heels at home), a beautiful swimsuit, and a classic pair of white shorts with a bright or tropical tee, and a silk shawl used as a sarong with a compatible silk tee will complete your weekend's worth of packing. Take along a cute straw or fabric bag, and you'll be beautifully dressed and not tired from lugging 4 suitcases!" My 20th class reunion is coming up and I want to stand out. Are sequined dresses ok, or too obvious? Dianne's answer: "I wouldn't go for all over sequins - it's more modern to take a dress in a jewel tone that flatters your skin tones (warm or cool) and then add show-stopping accessories that highlight your best features. Earrings for the woman with a long, slender neck; shoes for the fortunate femme with well-cared for feet; cuff bracelets for the lady with slender wrists and toned arms." I'm going to be graduating from college soon and want to lose a little weight before the ceremony, but just in case that doesn't work out - how do I camouflage a generous booty? Dianne's answer: "Skirts with volume are definately in, and you can wear that look, but keep the fabric in a lighter weight than a satin - do a silk or rayon that has a nice drape. Pick a skirt that gives some movement (nothing stiff) and work it with a top that has a little ease and isn't too tight on your upper body. Keep the stockings neutral and light, pair it with great shoes and fabulous jewelry near your face, and your generous hips will be much less noticeable." I've been invited to a christening and I've never been to one before - what on earth do I wear? What's 'too dressy' for this kind of occasion? Dianne's answer: "For occasions like this, you want to honor your hosts by wearing something that's very attractive, but is still considered proper. You could pair one of this seasons pretty skirts with a cap-sleeve blouse and a compatible jacket in a subtle print or floral; another great look would be a pretty chemise or shift dress with a nice jacket. Do keep in mind that you'll be standing throughout most of the ceremony, so pick shoes in a comfortable lower heel style and make sure you stand in them for a while to ensure comfort. A cute kitten-heeled pump or classic flats would be great." I'm going to an early summer cocktail party, but I'm a little sensitive about the shape and condition of my arms - how do I dress up without overexposing my less-than-toned arms? Dianne's answer: "A lightweight dress in one of today's fun prints or with a lower neckline will let you bare a little skin, but not feel self-conscious about your arms. Bring the focus to your face, neck and body with jeweled trim or sparkling accessories, and keep your sleeves at the three-quarter length (much dressier than short or cap sleeves). Make the dress fabric special - silk would be great! You'll be able to breeze through the party and make a great impression without worrying about your arms all night." This sounds a little strange but...I've been invited to a 'high tea' at a local hotel to benefit one of my favorite charities. What on earth does a modern woman wear to 'high tea'? It sounds so...intimidating! Dianne's answer: "First - relax! The old-guard rules about gloves and a hat don't apply any more, but dressing with respect for tradition is never out of style. This season's wonderful pants and a great jacket in a spring-appropriate shade that harmonizes with your personal coloring (cool / warm) would be great. You also need to consider if this event will be held in a particular person's honor - that changes the rules a bit. If it's a bridal shower or other event honoring a specific person, then take it up a notch in fabric, finish, and accessories. Otherwise, if it's an informal event, you can add your own interpretation to the 'rules'." Some well-to-do friends of mine are throwing a lavish bar mitzvah for their child - I don't want to retreat to 'safe' wedding-style attire, but there's also going to be a cocktail party later. What can I wear that will be suitable for temple in the morning and then the party afterwards? Dianne's answer: "Any time you are attending an event in a place of worship or for a religious observance, be sure to lean toward being respectful and dignified. There are some gorgeous floral jackets with dresses being created in luscious silks that are festive but still appropriate. A black-and-white floral jacket with a classic black dress would be terrific - and you could add a red, blue or other bright clutch to give a spark of color. Add classic black sling backs or pumps, and you'll be elegantly and appropriately dressed. This kind of outfit will make a graceful transition from day into night, and you'll have no worries about being overly revealing or too sparkly." The annual office picnic is coming up - we'll have a variety of sports and activities available and I'm at a total loss on what to wear. My usual weekend attire just doesn't seem quite right...help! Dianne's answer: "Picnics are generally laid-back, less formal events, but remember that this isn't family, it's a work-sponsored event and you'll be with your colleagues. Avoid the obvious no-nos like too-short-shorts and overly tight tee shirts, and go for a fun pair of Capri pants with a colorful belt (especially if you have a smallish waist), and a comfortably loose tank or tee shirt. Check out the schedule of events and plan your footwear so that you can participate in the events without causing crutch- or cast-requiring injuries: leave the cute sandals at home, and opt for sneakers or sport sandals in a compatible color." I worked very hard for a charity in my area, and now comes my reward: I'm attending the formal ball this summer, but what do I wear? I'm not really into black, and I need some alternatives. Is it ever appropriate to wear a shorter dress to a formal occasion? Dianne's answer: "This season has such pretty, feminine looks that you don't always have to retreat to the safe little black dress. Warmer weather usually means you can use lighter fabrics, so in summertime look for simple silhouettes, perhaps an ankle-length dress with silky layers, or a dress in an elegant fabric like taffeta, silk or slinky satin. Where length is concerned, you don't have to go long - short or knee-length dresses can be just as dressy, especially when paired with glamorous jewelry. Look for sparkly earrings, a chunky bracelet or embellished heels to put the final formal touches on your wonderful attire." Didn't see the answer to your question here? 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