Ask the Editor: Vol. III, No. 21

After weeks of unseasonably warm weather, the temperatures here are supposed to drop this weekend. And that means there is no more denying that fall is here and winter is coming.  So let’s answer a few reader questions as we all prepare for the change in seasons.

Hi there, Abra…

Do you still wear that long sweater from Free People?  I haven’t pulled the trigger on it because it felt like the kind of thing that I’d wear for a few months and never pick out again. 

Congratulations on the baby! Breanne

Do I still wear it? I think you mean, did I buy a new black one and a new ivory one so that I was prepared for another winter of consistency wear?  Because if that’s what you meant, then yes.  And since Backcountry has it for $20 less than everywhere else, I wish I had bought them there.

Bottom line, the slouchy, oversized tunic is the foundation of my winter casual wardrobe.  If I’m not at work, I’m wearing it.  If we have casual Friday, I’m wearing it.  The fit is a bit big, so I would size down.  Did I mention it’s also machine washable (lay flat to dry)? And if you need a less expensive sweater in a similar style, Amazon has it.

Belle,

I’m on the hunt for brown nail polish.  I’d like something that is more of a cafe au lait color, but darker.  I can’t find one that’s dark enough so that you can see it at a distance.  It winds up looking like my nails are dirty.  Have you seen anything?

Kelly

Another influencer I follow wears the color Bonfire Serenade from OPI.  It’s a darker taupe and looks great in the fall.  I also like this espresso color from Essie.

Hi Abra,

My firm is taking new headshots for everyone and I’m trying to decide what top to wear. I don’t think I want to go too formal, but I still need to look professional – I’m a transactional attorney.  Do I need a blazer?  I don’t want anything too trendy because my guess is I’ll be using this photo for a while (my last headshots are 10+ years old). I would love to hear your thoughts!

Thank you! -A

I would advise wearing a blazer.  And your instincts are right, that you don’t want anything too trendy.

First, if you can, I would ask the photographer what color the backdrop is.  If it’s a black backdrop, you don’t want to wear black.  If not, take your best guess based on the headshots your firm has used before.

Second, I would advise wearing a little bit of color. I would pair a navy blazer with a lighter blue top or a lighter blue blazer with a navy top.  You could also pair a dark purple blazer with a lighter top or pair ivory separates for an Olivia Pope-style look.

If these looks are feeling a little formal for you, a sheath dress in a bold color works as well.  I like this periwinkle dress.  Of course, cobalt is always a good choice.  Or if you’re feeling really bold, try this rusty red dress.

Beyond that, I always advise that you style your hair in your normal, every day style.  Sometimes, we try something new for headshots in an effort to gussy up our look, and it always feels a bit forced.  Same goes for makeup.  Just make sure your hair and makeup are done well, but in your usual style.  This way your headshots look like you and feel authentic.

Dear Abra:

It’s already cold here in Missouri, and I work on a medical campus where I need to walk outside to get from place to place.  I wear tights every day, even under pants.  Do you know if someone makes warm tights? I’ve tried thicker tights, but they’re only marginally warmer.  Can you help?

Dr. Doesn’t Know It All

Yes, you can try fleece lined tights or tights made of a warmer fabric, like wool.  Fleece is an insulator, so even a thin layer can prevent heat loss.  So these Nordstrom fleece-lined tights are worth a glance.  Wolford also makes wool tights, and Natori makes a cashmere pair.  Plus size?  Try these Berkshire tights.

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