Recent Trends: Pants tucked into boots, skinny jeans, ballet flats in the middle of winter - I swore I wouldn't be fashion victim to these trendy looks.  But here I am , a year later, wearing black skinny pants, ballet flats (well it is 60 degrees in New York) and contemplating which black boots to buy to tuck my new pants into.  

Basically, 1. the styles have gotten better, and 2. other women have figured out how to wear these looks  and stay warm.  For instance, if you are wearing flats and skinny pants (obviously no socks) then wrap one of those big soft cotton scarves around your neck.  If it is October/November, don't wear flats with bare legs and skirts - you look cold! The best way to look good and stay warm and still show some skin is to wear a short skirt, bare legs, and boots.  

Speaking of skin, even if it is cold, have at least part of your outfit be revealing - if you wear pants and a velvet blazer, wear a scoop neck.  If you must wear a turtleneck, wear it with a mini-skirt!

Now, which items to buy. If you are a regular-shaped, over 35 woman who wants to have good outfits for walking around town, going out, and for work (if work is fairly casual like mine) then I have some thoughts about which "trends" to buy.  Skinny pants are great if they:

1. Are dark - no acid-washed faux-jean material,
2. Are not spray-painted on - we don't need to see every dimple and crease
3. Go down over the ankle a little - tight around the ankle looks too teenager.  Mine are like thick leggings - and they are really comfortable, and professional enough to wear to work.

Here is what I wear with them - tunics and big sweaters that go to mid-thigh.  Lots of websites have a whole category called "tunics' for this very look. Topshop is good, and so is Boden. It's a great silhouette, especially if you have a tummy that sticks out.  The big top is key - I still think skinny pants and short, tight tops is really best left to the seventeen year olds.

As far as boots go, I am debating whether to get the over-the-knee look - it has been referred to as the Three Musketeer boot, or the Puss-in-Boots boot, by friends, so I may not go that trendy.  A snug-fitting, low-heeled black boot with a few buckles will look good over the skinny pants, with mini-skirts, and under jeans.  I am still not ready to tuck in my jeans! And I think the flat boot with no heel at all that is out there is only going to look good this season - then it will be passe. (and at $200 and up who wants a boot that only looks right one season?) Geox has some awesome boots - I'll keep you posted!