Q: I am only 5 feet 4 inches tall, but I love strictly tailored clothes. Apart from being short, my problem is my hips. They are certainly a lot wider than they should be.
Can you suggest a fall outfit that will show off my slim legs but help to disguise my hips?
A: I turned to New York designer Michael Kors for an answer. He does sportswear -- separates that you can buy in different sizes to help solve figure problems and still get a coordinated, tailored look.
He suggested buying a narrow coat with a matching skirt. The skirt should be pleated at the waist to give you extra room around the hips.
"A great and useful outfit for fall is the lightweight elongated jacket or coat that you don't have to take off indoors. Have the coat fall to just above your knees. Since the coat and skirt match, the outfit will give your figure a long line.
"Wear a contrasting blouse or sweater to draw attention away from your hips."
Mr. Kors notes that the focus will now be on your face and legs, and this is great for your body shape.
"I always say, show what you want to show and hide what you want to hide. Accentuate the positive."
One final point: Wear hose and shoes in the same tone as your skirt and coat, and you'll look even taller.
Q: I am a 24-year-old budding business executive. I have always thought I look best without makeup, so all I wear is a simple, pale lip gloss. Lately, I've been told I look young for my age and that makeup would help me look more assertive.
I went to a department store and had my makeup done, but the minute it was finished I went to the ladies room and cleaned it off. I just hate that made-up look -- it seems so old fashioned.
What should I do and where should I go?
A: Francois Nars, who does the makeup for New York, Paris and Milan fashion shows, has some advice that should help you achieve the look you want.
He suggests you stay with the neutral tones that make you comfortable. "Some women like to reinvent themselves with dramatic makeup, and some don't. There's nothing to be ashamed of, either way."
Mr. Nars says you should use a variety of chocolate, pink and beige tones. "The key to sustaining a natural look is accentuating your features. Begin by applying a lightweight foundation and define your cheeks by using a blush in a peach or rose tone."
It's a good idea always to use a lip pencil before applying your lipstick. This really defines your mouth, even though you use a soft natural color like rose or a soft brown.
To finish the look, Mr. Nars suggests using a brow pencil to define the eyebrows: "Apply it with quick small strokes and it will look completely natural. Then use a lightweight brown mascara on your lashes. This will open up your eyes. Remember, the key to a natural look is simplicity."
Elsa Klensch is style editor for Cable News Network.
