An elegant outfit? What is it?

[Anonymous]

I normally dress modestly but still fashionable. I will wear skinny jeans with a cardigan and a nice top, sometimes with a little bit of cleavage (I'm an A-B cup, so not much lol). I want to switch up my style and dress a little older and a little more elegant/sexy without looking slutty. Do you know how to do that? How much skin is too much?

[DishLady]

Trade in the skinny jeans for a trouser-cut, which looks more tailored and mature. You can also try a flowy A-line or a snug pencil skirt that hits just above the knee.

Your tops sound fine. If you want to look a little more formal/mature, trade the cardi for a blazer OR make sure the top has a standard short collar.

Wear a bit of heel. Nothing crazy, but a wedge or peeptoe are nice.

TOO MUCH SKIN: When your legs, arms and belly are bare, your chest's hanging out and we can see half-way down your back, it's TOO MUCH. I'd argue that if you pick two out of the four you're alright. If I'm showing arms and back, legs are covered in a snug pencil skirt. If I'm showing leg, I have a top with sleeves.

The point is that you don't need to put everything in the china shop on display. Try to leave something to the imagination. (Haven't had any complaints yet, and I'm pushing my way to 40, lol.)

TOO MUCH MAKEUP: I'll let you in on a secret. Make-up will ruin your hair and skin, making you look older than you actually are. Ironically, young girls waste their natural beauty covering themselves up with goop, then try regenerative creams when they reach 30. If you just moisturize, keep your skin clear of all the useless products, and don't eat greasy foods and soda, you'll maintain a "younger" face and body for life (or at least well into your 60s). I have to say that I only started using mascara and lipstick this year and only on days where I have a major presentation (b/c the lighting messes with you and makes you look pale). The rest of the time I'm just using cleanser/moisturizer and gloss. NOTE: I've been told by a few of my guy friends that most guys don't like kissing an overly made-up face anyhow. Why is the make-up industry making so much? Our insecurities pay their bills.

Go rock your new look. :-)

[Asker]

How much is too much leg? Where you'd need to cover your shoulders and such?

[DishLady]

Put your pinky on your knee and spread your hand up to where your thumb reaches. Two inches below that is "too much" leg in respectable circles. Anything shorter than that is considered...a band aid, not a skirt, lol.

[eurochick]

Too much skin- showing your midrift is not classy, same with tops that are too low cut.

[ltmcneill]

you can't look like a slut , its all in how you carry yourself.