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)