Question: I recently bought a pair of pants from a catalog. Much to my surprise the leg was very wide--it covers practically my whole shoe. (The waist fits nicely though) Are these out of style? Will I ever wear them or should I just return them? Paramus, USA

Franco: I think you may have hit “pay dirt” without even knowing it. After a few seasons of women wearing super skinny or stove pipe pants, all of sudden wide leg pants have become hot on the fashion runway.

The newest wide leg pant is so wide that it covers your shoe. I like this pant worn when it has a slightly higher waist line and is worn with a cool skinny shirt, tucked in.

Question: Hi, Franco! I have two questions 1) Will leopard shoes/belts still be in for Spring 2007 and 2) Will capri pants (falling mid-calf) be in also for Spring? Thanks so much! Jacksonville, Florida

Franco: Animal prints come up almost every two years. I don’t see that trend ending for Spring/Summer 2007. So go ahead and wear your leopard shoes and belt.

As for Cropped Pants, I am seeing a new shape in the form of City Short or real Capri pants. That means that the length of these pants hits somewhere around the knee and not the mid-calf. The new shorts and capri pants are worn closer to the body with a slightly higher waist than last season.

Question: Can you wear a black jacket with a dark pair of high heel boots? Gainesville, USA

Franco: You can wear a black jacket with almost anything. Make sure the jacket is current looking, either short, sitting on the small hip (7”-9” below your waist) or really long, just past your seat/bottom.

Wear something with shape that either flairs out (trapeze shaped) or is closer to the body, without being too fitted. These silhouettes can work with short skirts, skinny ankle pants or even jeans.

FM

Question: Are Capri Pants still in for 2007. I bought them in navy and platform navy shoes at Ann Taylor. Are they still going to be okay to wear for 2007? Long Beach, Calif.

Franco: Capri pants and platform shoes are still going to be around, so go ahead and wear them. I personally like the new Urban City Short, fitted leg with a slightly wider leg and it hovers around the knee.

Question: My daughter is getting married her wedding dress has a dropped waist and has a very full skirt. She is looking at Vera Wang bridesmaid dresses which are quite slender in shape, will this combination be OK or should she be looking at fuller dresses for the bridesmaids? China

Franco: First off, congratulations on your daughter’s upcoming wedding. Your daughter’s dress sounds lovely and I don’t mind the mixing of dress shapes at all.

I think this could look very beautiful and interesting at the same time. Think of it as a showcasing and the framing of the bride and her bridal gown.

Question: Hi, can you settle a debate I am having with my friend. She keeps raving about a long mink coat that she's had for years she told me that I should get one, so I told her that mink is sort of outdated....and she said, "absolutely not". I realize that mink is classic however, it's not exactly the most popular fur on the runway, is it??? Where would you say it ranks? New York, USA

Franco: Mink is not the hottest fur on the runway these days, so I guess you win that debate!

With all of the different fur and faux fur being used, I seldom see mink... except on some of the older women that have had them since the 60’s and 70’s.

And just so that our readers know, I don’t personally like to use real animal fur in any of my collections.

Question: Are embellished jeans "passe"..? Carslbad, Calif.

Franco: Embellished jeans are still being worn around the world but I am growing tired of them. There are some new finishes being used to make denim look modern.

Deep dark indigo or almost black with twill weaves and interesting textures are what I am beginning to see come into play more and more these days.

Question: Are silk dress scarves in right now.. worn with tops and dresses? Bloomington, USA

Franco: Silk dress scarves are never out of fashion if you ask a woman that lives in France. Having said that, they certainly do go in and out of fashion in North America.

I love women who put themselves together and toss in those great little accessories (like the scarves), to make their outfits look "tres chic".

Question: I have recently bought some silky skirts with loose fitting lines that hit me between my knee and calf. I don't know what kind of outerwear to wear with them for dressing them up or as casual. Can you help? Maryville, USA

Franco: The silky skirts that you mention can be worn with just about any outer wear garments. Team them up with a jean jacket, pea coat or even vests.

The fabrics that these outerwear pieces are made from will dictate the look of the outfits you pull together. But I have no problem with you wearing a funky cord pea jacket, a silky fluid skirt and a great pair of boots to kick it all off. You can be as casual or as dressy as you want to be. .

FM

Question: Franco, I am going to the Grammy Awards next month with my company (and clients). I need a dress!!! I bought a Nicole Miller knee length in army green but I'm worried it's too drab a color for this event. HELP ME!!!! I'm 32 and curvy, sz 6. Thanks, Dallas, TX

Franco: Army Green dress for the Grammy's......sounds like a lot of work. Without a pair of great high heeled boots and rockin' accessories, don't bother.

Unless you have access to a Stylist, to help you put together a look, the Grammy Awards is the one award show where almost anything goes. If you want to make the scene at this event, you are going to have to take it up several notches for sure.

I would go back to the drawing board and come up with a new way to "glam" it up. Think of it as your Holiday outfit gone extreme but still tasteful enough for your company and clients to say, "wow, this girl has style!"

Question: HELP!!! I am 5'1" with a big bust and I can never find anything to suit my body type. I rarely get to enjoy the latest trends. What to do??? Adelaide, Australia

Franco: At 5'1" tall, you are considered a Petite in the clothing world. At 5'1" with an ample bust, that means shopping becomes even a little trickier.

Buy jackets that are longer (not cropped). Look for pants that have a skinny slant or slight boot cut to them. Mostly, I would resist buying anything that is too clingy in a top or shirt. No matter what, stick to darker shades to create a more "slimming" look.

Question: I am 16 yrs old and i am 6'2". i want to get into the fashion business, and will do anything to get there. i would love to represent designers while I'm in school, shopping, anything. how can I fulfill what I want to be? Cedar hills. Utah

Franco: Wow - 16yrs old and 6'2". Maybe start by getting a job at your local fashion store. Get a feeling for selling clothes before looking to represent designers.

You might even find there are other aspects of the business that intrigue you even more than selling, like fashion buying or display work. Just make sure it doesn't conflict with your school work, but there is no reason why you couldn't work part-time at something you love and go to school at the same time.

Question: What is the trend in mens jeans for 2007? Chicago, USA

Franco:There are so many trends to men's denim jeans in the market right now. The look that I love and wear myself these days tends to be really dark denim, not faded, de-constructed or heavily worn. No baggy leg or butt cleavage or underwear labels showing.

It's way more elegant, with an almost skinny leg and tapered straight bottom. Keep in mind that this is not so tight that it looks like a legging, that's not contemporary at all. Remember, to pull this look off, the shoes and boots must be right too. A narrow looking shoe or boot, cut the length of the jean to create a slight break, just over the instep of the shoe/boots.. The look is very clean, lean and extremely slimming.

FM

Question: I'm going to a Legislative action conference and I will be attending an evening Gala banquet; the attire is cocktail at Capital Hill in D.C. and I don't like dresses. Can I wear pants and what do I need to wear? Help! Midway, USA

Franco: In today's world, wording on an invitation like "cocktail" means you don't have to be so formal. Black tie is an option, but not necessarily required. So cocktail doesn't mean that you have to wear a dress but you do have to have something dressy on.

I am a huge fan of Evening pants, and it sounds like you could be too. Make sure to find a pant made from a satin or silk, that has lots of drape. Tie that pant in with a wonderful corset top, camisole or wonderful evening/holiday top or shirt.

Question: I need your help! My mum is 55yrs old and has no fashion sense; ever since my brother passed away she's never been happy. She's always wearing black clothes, so I want to change all that to make her happy. Sydney, Australia

Franco: Sounds like you might need more than a change of clothing. Grief has no timelines and everyone deals with it differently than others. Your mom might need a new wardrobe, but what she could probably use more than that would be a day shopping with her daughter.

Make a date to spend time together. If the by-product of this day is new clothes and new looks, so be it. While you are out there shopping, look for items that look good or can be mixed and matched with black. Take things slowly, almost baby steps and you'll find your mother closer to returning to the way she was before.

Question: I have heard that brown and black are the "new" colors to wear together. Can you wear brown and black together. Also, can you mix while gold and yellow gold? Thanks for your answer. Watertown, USA

Franco: Yes. Brown and black.....and brown is the new black....black is the new black...navy is the new black... etc etc... You can wear brown and black together, it's one of the color themes of the moment. Just make certain that your accessories tie in the look or people are going to think you got up, weren't paying attention, and just threw some mis-matched items of clothing on.

As for the combining of white and yellow gold, you have to try it. If it feels right and you like the way it looks, there is nothing stopping you from trying it. I love experimentation, so you have my blessing to mix it up.

Question: I'm wondering what color pantyhose to wear during the (day into evening) with a traditional sleeveless black dress. I love black, but will I look like the new widow?? Tinley Park, USA

Franco: Dressing 9-9 (9am to 9pm) is sometimes tricky. If you are planning on wearing a black sleeveless dress to both work and into evening, then I would suggest sheer/nude (skin tone) and make sure that you have great shoes to wear with this outfit.

Question: What color shoes look best with a navy suit at the office? Louisburg, USA

Franco: There is always a few shoe options when it comes to navy, in this case a navy suit. You could match a navy shoe to your suit.... I always think that's a bit contrived.

Probably a black, rich brown or almost oxblood shoe would make a navy suit look more interesting. Make sure you have a bag or belt that matches.

FM

Question: Franco, I received a black cashmere sweater as a gift. I am a 47 year old pretty simple woman. What do I wear with this sweater that is not over the top for someone like me? Thanks for the help. Cuyahoga Falls, USA


Franco: Black cashmere sweater - what a great gift. As long as the sweater is classic in look and not ornamented in any way, you can wear it with almost anything.

Personally, I love all black worn together. Team your sweater with a black pant or black skirt. You can even wear it with your jeans to make a more casual outfit. FM

Question: What kind and color of shoes look best with jeans? Maineville USA

Franco: It also depends on what else you are wearing. But any color of shoe or boot can be worn with jeans. My favorites are a slick black short boot with a pointy toe and at least a 3-1/2 to 4 inch heels. FM

Question: Are patterned tights still in? Bethelehem, USA

Franco: There are lots of patterned tights out there, and they don't seem to be going away any time soon. I don't think they are for everyone, but I do believe they can sometimes make the outfit.

I like when they are worn with a jumper or a cool trench coat. The mixing of classic elements with a hint of interesting pattern in tights always makes me look twice when the outfit someone is wearing looks cool and contemporary. FM

Question: What is the trend in dress pants, for the 45 - 55 age group, as far as leg width -- straight, flared, wide, etc? I have some very nice pant suits from previous years with the fitted jacket, but not certain if the pant is current. Alpine, USA

Franco: Pants, pants, pants... where would we be without pants?? I don't really look at age when I talk about clothing.

Pants today come in wide leg, boot leg, man's cut (for women) and pencil or stove pipe leg. All of these pant shapes are current, and all of these pants are modern. Make sure the pants fit properly and are not too tight ... too baggy.. or too slouchy.

If you are in a professional environment, wear a suit of matching jacket and pant. For more casual days, mix a textured/tweed or velvet/corduroy jacket with the various pant shapes. FM

Question: I am a 56 year-old married woman, employed by a Bank working with corporate clients to streamline their banking and treasury functions. I usually wear pantsuits with dress shoes or boots with these. Occasionally, I will wear a skirt and jacket. I am always told that I look at least 10 years younger than my chronological age. What tips can you give me as far as overall image (makeup, hair, types of clothing, outfits) that will play up youthfulness without looking like I am trying too hard to stay young? Memphis, USA


Franco: You're wearing the right type of clothes just make sure they look modern if you want to maintain that youthful attitude. Wear your jackets more fitted and team them up with a boot cut pant or super skinny pencil skirt all in combination with fitted knit drapy tops or tailored crisp shirts.

Remember everything should be cut close to the body to achieve a truly contemporary look. FM

Question: Is it okay for a man to wear a pea coat to a cocktail party? Orange County, USA

Franco: You can definitely wear a pea coat to and from the cocktail party, but never inside. You'll run the risk of having other guests at the party ask if you are coming or going, all night. FM

Question: Hi, just wondering if you have advice on what a 33 year old guy should wear to an outdoor New Year's Eve event in downtown L.A.? I am a 31 year old tall girl - what should I wear? Redlands, USA

Franco: LA can be quite cool in the evenings.

For men - I still love black tie matched with a black shirt and a black suit. Another way combines the same shirt and tie with a skinny black velvet jacket and skinny black stretch wool pants.

For women, I would dress festive as usual but add a very cool outer wear piece. This could be a ruffled boiled wool coat combined with a sexy dress or outfit or even go the other way - a coat with mod influence. Cut A-Line with zipper and metal button details all teamed up over an A-Line skirt. FM

Question: How would you describe layering clothes, i.e. wearing a long tank top under a shirt with a sweater on top, where all the different colors are showing. Please define in detail, thanks.

Franco: The beauty of these layering pieces means that you can create your own look by mixing and matching various garments in your wardrobe. A simple look is to have a skinny deep v-neck sweater in some color worn over a clean white skinny shirt. The collar of the shirt comes out of the v-neck and peaks out of the bottom of your sweater 2-3".

Make sure nothing is tucked in and you make certain that nothing is so tight that you have lumps and bumps showing. As simple as this look is, it's also easy to make look sloppy.. FM

Question: Are shoulder pads in fashion or out?

Franco: Right now designers are using little to no shoulder pads. But just when you thought you had your answer ......some of the truly avante Garde designers are introducing them in their collections. I am seeing a return to structure and influences from the 60s and 80s.

You may or may not recall but those 80s jackets were all about wide shoulders and pads. So take your pick. Who do you associate with. If they like to shop High Street - go with the pads. If they hang out at the mall - take a pass. FM

Question: What are seeing as the key trends for day-to-evening (the office to a holiday cocktail party) attire this season. Aside from the obvious trends in fashion, what's the best thing a woman can add to her daytime outfit to make a splash at the party after 5?

Franco: Day into evening. Easy add some jersay fluid tops into the mix. Maybe some cool new evening accessories. Change your shoes and go to something that has drama. High heels maybe a pointy toe. This is what I call 9 - 9 dressing! FM

Question: I'm going to a posh night club with my boyfriend and I want to impress him, what do you recommend I wear?

Franco: For evening I love short and sassy. It looks modern now. Wear a great dress perhaps in metal or metallic fabrics. Perhaps a draping cowl or wrap matte jersey dress. Remember keep it simple and make certain of the right boots or shoes. Everthing has to be right or you won't be impressing anyone. FM

Question: I recently bought a brown faux fur cocoon but thinking of returning it. I'm not sure if it's a good purchase for seasons to come? USA

Franco: Buying a Faux Fur Coat is OK so long as you really love it. Although I don't use fur in my collections, the runways have been full of both real and faux fur coats. Some of the faux fur coats out there are warmer and more comfortable than the real thing. If you are going to buy one, I would say this is the season to do it.

Just make sure to try your coat on with some of the dressy pieces in your wardrobe as well as the casual (jeans, etc). FM

Question: Help! I am not good at this. I have three daughters, 15, 13, 12 and I want to get them some nice/ trend conscious clothing for Christmas, but I have no clue. What is in style? USA

Franco: Your kids are all "tweeners" so you have to be careful here. None of these girls wants to look like a little child and yet they aren't quite women yet either.

Look to stores that already appeal to them, they will tell you which ones. If you can afford the clothing there, fun jackets with military details, skinny pants or jeans, slouchy sweaters and knits that can be worn over these new pants, skinny shirts with tuck front detailing, cool little A-line or pencil skirts (and make sure to pick them all up some leggings to wear with these skirts!). Stick to a higher waist on the skirt and in lengths of either a short 20" (51cm) or 25" (63cm). FM