Ask Hope Robertson

Style - Ask Hope Robertson

Hope! My fiancé recently told me she feels like I'm a child because she needs to dress me. Almost everyday before I leave for work, she forces me to change clothes. Do you recommend anything I could have in my closet so I can pass her dress code check?

Oh dear me. Well, at least your girl's got style, right?

If I could only recommend three essentials for your closet, I'd send you straight to J.Crew (or Banana Republic). I'm a firm believer that every man should own at least one - emphasis on the at least one - cashmere sweater. V-neck works best because you can style it for work and weekend. For work, wear a buttondown shirt underneath in a coordinating or contrasting colour, and pair with dress pants. For weekending, wear your favourite t-shirt underneath and sport the sweater with jeans and sneakers.

Second, I'd tell you to buy a few banker stripe shirts (if you don't already own one). J.Crew's secret wash button-down banker stripe shirt has a tailored fit and soft feel, so it's not only practical, it's comfortable too. Buy in blue and pink (if that's budget-friendly. Trust me, your GF will thank you for it).

Last (but not least), every man should own a good pair of slim-lined khakis. Before you speak up — shut up. Slim-lined doesn't mean tapered or skinny. In fact, it means just the opposite. Slim-lined khakis in a crisp cotton twill (like J.Crew's regular fit chinos) are completely classic and totally refined. You can wear them in an office casual environment, and you can wear them when you're off-duty. Win-win, my friend. If your budget affords it, buy them in khaki and grey.

As far as your shoes go, you need a classic pair of slip-on loafers in both black and brown. Italian leather will last forever. Casual shoes can mean Jack Purcell® sneakers, Sperry Top-Sider® boat shoes, or MacAlister boots.

Enough? I hope so. Don't dread getting dressed — it should be one of the most fun parts of your day! AND, be thankful you have a fiancé who cares about your appearance.

_{V-neck cashmere sweater, $79.99 and up, J.Crew}

_{Secret wash button-down banker stripe shirt, $59.50, J.Crew}

_{Essential chino in regular fit, $39.99 and up, J.Crew}

Style - Ask Hope Robertson

Hi Hope! I'm getting married next October in Tennessee and am shopping for my wedding gown. I've put away about $400 for it. We don't really have a theme, but the flowers will be a mix of daisies, violets, and pink baby roses. I know I want something classic and nothing over the top. I have a pretty athletic build, about 5'4", blonde hair, blue eyes.

Congrats on your impending nuptials.

Choosing your wedding gown is a pretty big deal (duh). You definitely want a dress that's both memorable and unique, so my suggestion is to forego anything strapless. Without exaggeration, every one of my girlfriends who's been married in the last four years has worn a strapless gown. While each one was beautiful, after a while every strapless dress starts to look the same. And since you've got an athletic build, some kind of strap or upper accoutrement will help to accentuate your figure.

There are so many bridal gowns out there, but here a few from David's Bridal that I really hope you love.

I'm loving this satin and organza number (L). Both frilly and feminine, it features subtle spaghetti straps and a pleated v-neckline. A satin band sits at the natural waist, and several tier layers flow out into a A-line skirt. The back is ballerina-style, and dips midway. Gorgeous, right? It's available in both white and ivory, depending on your skin tone.

Another dress that caught my eye is this Galina one-shoulder gown (C). Contemporary but still classy, I love the flower details on the shoulder. They turn into triple spaghetti straps in back and add a bold touch to a gown that's elegant and ethereal. Love, love, love! The one-shouldered style will definitely show off your shoulders. Again, this gown is available in both white and ivory.

If you're looking for something with lace details, check this trumpet-style gown with lace cap-sleeves (R). The lace segues into a keyhole back, and is complemented by a beaded sash. Definitely conjures up images of classic Hollywood beauties like Greta Garbo or Grace Kelly, non? While it would put you a little over budget, if you can save a little more this gown would be worth it. It's also available in white and ivory.

In addition to your dress, I hope you keep accessories in mind. Whether you want to throw in a dash of colour - perhaps in keeping with the old adage "something blue" - in the form of a pashmina, dramatic jewelry/hair accessories, or shoes, remember to really personalize your look. This is your day, so celebrate you!

_{Satin and organza gown, $299, David's Bridal}

_{Chiffon one-shouldered gown, $399, David's Bridal}

_{Cap-sleeve lace gown, $599, David's Bridal}

Style - Ask Hope Robertson

Hope: I moved to Hawaii last summer, and am finding it particularly hard to dress stylish when the uniform for everyday is shorts, t-shirt, and flip-flops. What can I do to dress up my doomed-to-be-casual blah wardrobe?

I've got a few suggestions for you. Assuming your budget isn't bottomless, purchase some classic, key pieces that will act as the base for your fabulous wardrobe, and incorporate your current collection in.

1. The LRD (Little Red Dress): Hawaii's hot, so doesn't it make perfect sense to spice things up even more with this ruched convertible dress from Victoria's Secret? The greatest part about this LRD isn't just the colour - this convertible dress is at least 10 dresses in 1! Style it halter, tube, v-neck, one-shouldered - your options with this dress are almost endless. Bang for your buck right here. (Red convertible dress, $88, Victoria's Secret)

2. The silk shirt: It's an essential shirt for any woman living in a tropical climate. I love this animal-inspired print from Banana Republic. A ruffle overlay adds a feminine touch to a graphic print. This is a piece you can dress up or down - wear it with jeans or dress pants. And the best part? It's on sale! (Ruffle printed blouse, $69.50 $44.99, Banana Republic)

3. The classic blouse: Camp-style this blouse is fitted with two front pockets and cuff sleeves, this cotton/spandex blend blouse is sure to keep you cool and chic. It's available in several colours. (Camp shirt, $28, Victoria's Secret)

4. The pleated short: Shorts don't have to be casual. These VS cuffed shorts are figure-flattering and wear well for work and play. The hook-and-eye closure is easy, and the seasonless stretch is wrinkle-resistant and keeps it shape. Whether you pair them with a simple tank or tee, or one of the blouses shown above, you can't go wrong with these shorts. Buy them in heather grey and wear year-round. (Pleated short in seasonless stretch, $49.50, Victoria's Secret)

5. The tulip skirt: Again, this classic number can be worn to work, and for after-hours fun. The shape is classic, but BR adds a trendy edge with a peek-a-boo black belt. I especially love the crinkle texture and metallic sheen. It's a cotton blend as well, so you're sure to stay cool - and look cute. (Crinkled belted skirt, $59.99, Banana Republic)

6. The cropped pant: A working woman's go-to bottom, these cropped pants from VS are super stylish (and all over the Fall 2010 runways). Available in heather grey, black, and camel, I vote you purchase these pants in black. These pants are the same fabric as the aforementioned shorts, so they'll definitely hold their shape throughout your workday, and evening. They've got angled side pockets and back besom pockets, which are totally flattering. (Cropped pants, $49.50, Victoria's Secret)

7. Strappy sandals: Snatch some strappy sandals - 1 pair with a serious heel, 1 pair flat (think gladiator-style). Rotate between the two. Both can dress up or down. (Strappy platform sandal, $68.95, Zappos / Wrap sandal, $55, Victoria's Secret)

Style - Ask Hope Robertson

Hope: What is the one beauty product you couldn't live without?

I'm so glad you asked. The reality of it is, that my pick isn't really a 'beauty' product. It's more like one of those daily essentials that you don't really give a lot of thought of, but you'd really miss it if you didn't have it.

The one product I couldn't do without is my Carmex lip balm. And not just any Carmex will do - it's got to be the original Carmex in the tube. None of that cherry-flavoured nonsense. Carmex soothes and moisturizes my lips, adds a natural sheen, and I re-apply about a ba-zillion times per day (not that I'm counting or anything).

Another great thing about my favourite lip balm? It's not tested on animals. Love.

_{Carmex tube ez-on applicator, about $2, CVS}