Style Q & A

Whenever I buy shoes, it seems only a matter of weeks before they look old and worn-out. Can you give me some tips to make my new fall shoes last longer? CHRIS T., WILMINGTON, DE

To keep your shoes looking new longer, try same of these suggestions: If they're made of a delicate fabric, spray fabric protector on the shoes to help prevent staining in case they get wet. There's also a suede protector spray available that keeps suede shoes supple. Always get toe and heel tips on new shoes-they keep the soles and heels from wearing out (replace tips as soon as they begin wearing down). Finally, try not to wear good shoes in the rain. It will make them look old fast.

I'm most comfortable when I'm wearing my favorite jeans to school, but I don't want to look sloppy. How can I dress up my jeans? ERIN N., HOUSTON, TX

One thing you can always depend on is the versatility of jeans. Try pairing them with a frilly white blouse (mixing denim with feminine pieces looks great). Or slip on a jeans-and-T-shirt combo, then dress it up with a classic blazer (pinstripe is a cool look for fall) and funky loafers.

Another way to jazz up your jeans is with belts. Loop a silk scarf around your waist, and tie it in a pretty bow; or go "couture" with a couple of jazzy chain belts.

Help! My dorm looks like a cube with tour white walls. What can I do? RITA C., PARAGOULD, AR

For an instant pick-me-up, try painting just one wall in your favorite color and or painting the window frames and baseboards a contrasting color. How about making a border around the top of the walls by pasting up a wallpaper trim or painting a design with stenciled cutouts: Enlarge your favorite photographs to poster size and frame them. Or make a photo collage using pictures of your friends. To display your accessories, tack fishnet to the wall and hang your earrings, bracelets, and necklaces from it! Remember: This is your room, so have fun with it.

How can I fit my new summer walking shorts into my back-to-school wardrobe? CYNTHIA B., SPRINGFIELD, MA

Yes, we've all had that happen to us.

We've just bought the greatest outfit. and suddenly it's the wrong season. Not to worry. Try wearing your shorts with a blazer or military jacket. When cooler temperatures arrive, layer your shorts over thick tights or woolly leggings.

Am I limited to wearing my new cowboy boots with jeans, or do they work with other clothes? LAURA K., SYRACUSE, NY

Cowboy boots are very hot this fall. Besides your jeans, you can wear them with wool trousers and cuffed khakis. They're also great with long skirts for a romantic, country look or with short skirts when you want to get funky.

I am seventeen years old and wear a size 16. I always have a hard time finding young, fashionable clothes to fit me. Do you have any suggestions? JULlA B., TAMPA, FL

Larger women are making it known that they want to be fashionable, too, and companies are responding with extensive lines of clothing for the full-figured woman. For jeans, we recommend Cherokee, Lee, Bonjour, and Sasson. If you want an exclusive, designer look, Christian de Castelnau makes some hot clothes in larger sizes. Look for his blanket-pattern sweaters and cool indigo knits-part of fall's big western trend. For great essentials like skirts, T-shirts, and sweaters in super fall colors, check out Venezia at Lane Bryant stores. And the For You catalog from Spiegel has casual and dressy looks as well as shoes and Iingerie.

Of course, you'lI need some hosiery to go with your hot new clothes. Try Hanes Fitting Pretty and L'eggs Just My Size. They come in nude and several other pretty shades. Remember, no matter what size you are, what's most important is how you put yourself together. According to Susan Jirovec, executive director of Plus Models (a modeling agency specializing in large-size models), the most common problem she finds in the girls that come to see her is overprocessed hair (from perms or coloring). She suggests a good, clean cut. Another common problem, says Susan, is posture.

"If a girI's tall, she usually slouches, and if she's large, she tends to have a large bust, which causes her to stand concave." Susan suggests dance classes as an effective way to improve posture--it's good for your figure, and it helps you develop grace and confidence.

This fall I'll be attending a new school that has a dress code. I won't be able to wear jeans, short shorts,.or short skirts. I like comfortable clothes. What can I do? RHONDA B., LINDENWOLD, NJ

Khaki pants are just as comfortable as jeans and will pass the dress code. And you don't have to wear short shorts to be comfortable or in style. Try cuffed walking shorts instead: These usually come just above the knee, and when worn with lights, they can be as warm as pants.

AIso, most skirts this fall will hit just above the knee, so you'll be right in style and meet the dress code. Go for comfortable fabrics, like cotton, wool jersey, and rayon gabardine (a soft, woven fabric), and you'll hardly miss your jeans!

I am a very creative high school student, and I want to be a fashion designer. Is there anything I can do now to get started on my career? KAREN J., BERKELEY, CA

The best way to become familiar with fashion is to get a part-time job after school at a local clothing store (working in retail can give you insight into why some clothes are popular and others are flops). You can call a local fashion school to see if they offer any night courses you would be eligible to take. AIso, keep your creative juices flowing by designing or modifying your own clothes. Add trimmings to pieces you already own, or buy thrift shop pieces and redesign them to fit your taste. Since you may change your mind about your career in the next few years, make sure you also concentrate on getting a good education and developing other interests.

Source: Seventeen Magazine