Style Q&A
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 I have a really hard time finding clothes that don't accentuate my wide hips. Black seems to be the only color I can wear to slim my shape. Help!
--VANESSA T., NARRAGANSETT, RI
Black isn't the only color that helps even out your proportions. Bottoms in most solid colors, as well as vertical stripes, will help minimize your hips (be sure to avoid loud patterns and horizontal stripes, which will bring attention to your lower half). Also look for wide-Ieg trousers (very stylish right now) rather than pegleg pants. A wider leg will make the line from your hip to your ankle less extreme.
Another great look for fall is the jodhpur---depending on how the pants are cut, this style can also slim your hips. On top, try a blazer with broad shoulders to bring your upper half in proportion to your lower half. Also look for tops (in prints if you like) that cover your hips or hang below your waist (avoid tops that end at the waistline-this will accentuate your bottom half).
The invitation to my homecoming dance says "semiformal' What does this mean?
-- RUBY D., KISSIMMEE, FL
The term "semiformal" is very general and can mean different things to different people. But generally it suggests that for the occasion you should wear a nicer outfit than you'd wear on a casual date or to school-it never calls for a floor-Iength gown (in that case, the invitation would read "black tie"). This gives you a lot of options. Here are just a few ideas:
. A simple dress that you jazz up with special accessories (gloves, pins, a great necklace) can look sophisticated.
. Pants in a soft fabric (like silk or rayon) worn with a sheer shirt or a pretty sweater are suitable for semiformal occasions. These pants should be dressier than anything you would wear every day.
. A long or short skirt works with a special blouse (sheer, tuxedo-style, ruffled) or sweater (with a V-back or in soft angora).
. A blazer can look chic if it has a feminine shape and interesting details, like satin lapels or gold or rhinestone buttons.
I love accessories, but sometimes my friends say I wear too much. How do I know when I've gone into accessory overload?
--JOYCE M., PARTLAND, OR
Wearing a lot of accessories can be fun, and right now layering ethnic jewelry (multiple bracelets and necklaces, for instance) is very trendy. But if you're not careful with how you wear accessories, you can overdo it. The key for day to day is to layer on one type of jewelry at a time (like an armful of bracelets or several necklaces). Or you can wear just one very bold piece (like a pair of big earrings or a large pendant necklace). A third option is to wear a few small, discreet pieces at the same time so that the look is balanced and low-key.
How can I wear a uniform to school and still look like I'm up on the latest trends? Is there any way to make a plaid skirt and navy blazer look interesting?
--ROBIN H., UNION, NJ
Just because you wear a uniform doesn't me an you can't have a unique look of your own. Accessories can make a strong fashion statement. Hunt around thrift shops for great "antique" jewelry or scarves that will make your uniform look mare special (keeping in mind the individual restrictions of your school). Whether you 're going for an ethnic, western, or preppy look, a distinctive pair of earrings, a hot belt, or a super backpack can make all the difference to a basic wardrobe.
My friends and I moved off campus this year. We aren't happy with the furniture that's in the apartment, but we can't afford to buy anything new. Any ideas?
--DINA E., ALBANY, GA
It takes nothing more than a little imagination to make decorating on a college budget creative and fun. For instance, you can try draping some great patterned, lightweight spreads (batik or Indian prints work well), white sheets, or blankets over your sofa or chairs. Cover an old table with a funky tablecloth or a big scarf. Wrap or tie a piece of colorful fabric around same cushions, buy so me inexpensive cotton rugs, and add plenty of plants. These quick changes should give your apartment a great new style.
Source: Seventeen Magazine
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