As I reflect on my wardrobe of last year I think I need to up the footwear game for 2014 and step away from the pleather leggings. I know you’re a classic dresser but do you have any new years resolutions in fashion? –Bronwyn Dear Bronwyn: I find your question to be a double-barreled one, and it’s causing me to …

This year I’m forgoing the usual night on the town on December 31st and going to the cottage instead. How can I bring some pizzazz into my New Year’s Eve ensemble without looking out of place in nature? –Gillian Dear Gillian:   Lucky you! My idea of heaven is a cozy New Year’s Eve in cottage country, especially after this …

Out and about doing last minute shopping, lots of sales have already started. In your experience, what should I buy now, and what is worth waiting for further reductions on? — Sandy   Dear Sandy: As tempting as so many of the sales are right now, my rule of thumb is to usually wait until right after Christmas for the …

Dear Jeanne, I’m undertaking a minor holiday miracle this month: attending multiple cocktail parties on a single night. Do you have advice for how I can keep my makeup looking fresh, my shoes from killing me and bring hostess gifts, too? Francine     Dear Francine:   Amazingly enough, this is one miracle that many of us manage to perform …

Dear Jeanne, What are you giving your dear friends and family this holiday season? What are you buying for yourself? And what are you hoping to receive? Martina Dear Martina— While much of my holiday shopping for family and friends is done last minute, there are a few fun gifts I manage to stash away throughout the year. I usually …

Dear Jeanne, Is there anything that downgrades a cute holiday party look more than a too-casual coat? What should I look for when buying evening outerwear, and where can I find an inexpensive option? Margaux     Dear Margaux— Your particular fashion dilemma is making me smile—especially since you’re posing the question about outerwear at this particular time of year. …

November 14 Dear Jeanne, My father treasures his novelty ties and wears them regularly to work and parties. How can I coax him gently but firmly onto the chic side? Grace   Dear Grace:   As much as his “novelty ties” may irk you—and believe me, I know how ridiculous some of these attention-getting cravats can be—you’ve got to applaud …

Hi Jeanne, Last year I started a job at in financial services and wear a gorgeous suit daily. Problem is, so does everyone else. How can I add signature layer to my favourite Scandinavian two-button suit? Jeremy       Dear Jeremy—   First of all, lucky you! I know some men may find it imposing, or even daunting, but …

Dear Jeanne, I’m on the hunt for a cashmere sweater but know not all cashmere is created equal. How do I tell high-quality from a low? And where should I start my shopping? Hannah   Dear Hannah:   Like all those of us who have the luxury of ever wearing cashmere, I can understand why you’re hooked. Nothing is cozier, …

Dear Jeanne, I desperately need a haircut but my hairdresser is booked up until next month. How do you make a haircut last a few weeks longer? Carrie     Dear Carrie:   While getting a great haircut when you feel you need it is always important for the style psyche, maybe you can use this opportunity to really help …

Dear Jeanne Luxury can describe what we buy – a vacation, a silk scarf, a gorgeous bag – but it can also describe a routine – long baths, vacations, great books. What is luxury for you? Kelly     Dear Kelly:     Luxury certainly means different things to us at different times in our lives. I think back to …

Dear Jeanne: Many of falls trends seem designed for the young or adventurous. Where can I look for inspiration if I want to embrace pink, punk or leopard-print? Marianne   Dear Marianne: Let’s me preface this reply by reminding you that, when it comes to fashion especially, “young” and “adventurous” are merely frames of mind. You’re right in observing that …

Dear Jeanne, Do you have a going-out ritual? A pre-game routine that gets you feeling good and boosts your energy? Jessica Dear Jessica: With all the “going out” I’m obligated to do these days, (but don’t get me wrong—I usually do love going out!), it’s true that often, I absolutely have to psyche myself up for the occasion at hand. …

Dear Jeanne, I’d love to give my confident, beautiful friend a fashion-related gift for her birthday. She loves high style, consumes magazines and wears designer with ease. Any recommendations? Elise Dear Elise:   I realize some people are much more imaginative gift-givers than others, but it can certainly be somewhat daunting to give a fashion-related gift to a woman who …

Dear Jeanne, I’d love to give my confident, beautiful friend a fashion-related gift for her birthday. She loves high style, consumes magazines and wears designer with ease. Any recommendations? Elise Dear Elise:   I realize some people are much more imaginative gift-givers than others, but it can certainly be somewhat daunting to give a fashion-related gift to a woman who …

Dear Jeanne, There’s nothing typical about my workdays. I may in the office, meeting clients for cocktails or going to an evening school play. What’s the essential fall footwear wardrobe for a woman on the move? Deborah   Dear Deborah— Hey sister! More and more of us are finding ourselves in this multi-tasking boat together. It’s chaotic out there, and …

Dear Jeanne, What is the best beauty advice you’ve ever received? And I mean ever. I have a teen daughter who likes to play with hair and make-up. I want to be sure she uses products well and feels beautiful too. Maria   Dear Maria—   Surprisingly enough, one of the very strongest pieces of advice I ever received about …

AUGUST 8 Hi Jeanne, I’m travelling for business and my first meeting is shortly after a long flight, which leaves me little time to primp. What’s your secret for looking fresh in a flash? Danielle   Dear Danielle:   I cannot tell you how many years I’ve had to hit the ground running: I have endured countless overnight flights to …

Dear Jeanne, I spend time on my outfits, but 20 minutes after I get to work the air con kicks in and I cover up with the same old sweater I keep at my desk. How can I dress for the heat outside and chilly inside without hiding what I have painstakingly put together? Alexandra   Dear Alexandra:   It’s …

Dear Jeanne, Are pencil skirts really a “must-have” for every woman? I’m pear-shaped and have yet to find one that actually flatters my figure. Emily DEADLINE: JUNE 27     Dear Emily, Let’s get one thing straight: In my stylebook, there’s no such thing as a “must-have”. We’re all too sophisticated for those kinds of fashion dictates by now. And …