Style Q&A for Moms

Hair Tips

Q: I’ve cut my hair short for the first time and I love it. How can I play it up?
A: Short hair can be sophisticated and liberating. Have fun and show off some great earrings like big skinny hoops or lightweight chandelier styles. Also, “for maximum body, divide your short hair into eight sections, and add hot rollers or curl with an iron in no particular pattern,” says New York City stylist Merylin Mitchell. Then run your fingers through, and apply a dab of glossing cream or hair spray.

Q: I always use a scrunchy to secure my ponytail. Any other ideas?
A: It’s not easy to make a ho-hum scrunchy look good. Instead, why not opt for an elastic band embellished with a silk flower, says New York City hairstylist Dmitriy Arabo. A perfect touch for spring and summer, it’s a fresh, feminine accent to any outfit. One caveat: Choose small- to moderate-size blooms.

Q: Help! My daughter and I are growing out bangs. What should we do?
A: She probably looks cute, but you might need short-term relief. Apply pomade to sweep bangs to the side — they’ll still fall, but with more control, Arabo says. Or pull bangs back with a wide headband or simple barrette.

Q: I love the look of a classic chignon. Can you tell me how to do one properly?
A: Here’s New York City hair guru Mark Garrison’s strategy: First apply a spray gel or mousse, then pull hair into a low ponytail using an elastic band. Take the end of the ponytail and twist hair as you wrap it around the base. Then secure with bobby pins. Don’t fret over a few flyaways. “Spontaneity makes a chignon youthful, fresh and modern,” Garrison says. Exactly the look you want!

Fashion Tips

Q: I’m 5'3" and I don’t know whether capris or Bermudas are more flattering on me. What do you recommend?
A: Don’t let cropped pants or shorts scare you if you’re petite; just make sure they hit you in the right spots, says style expert Allie Fister. Bermudas should reach the knee, and capris should fall to midcalf. And nix cuffs, because they’ll “cut” the length of your legs. Remember too that you can instantly elongate your frame with heels or wedges in a neutral tone.

Q: I’m going to a formal wedding in June, but I don’t want to wear a long dress. What are my options?
A: A shorter dress can be fine, Fister says. Just make sure it’s made of a dressier fabric. Look for silk charmeuse, organza or chiffon. Lace is another terrific option for evening. Because it’s for a formal event, a dress with some understated detailing — like burnished sequins or bugle beads along the a neckline or hem; for example — would also be lovely.

Q: What kinds of tops should I wear to hide a less-than-flat tummy?
A: While an oversize blouse may have people asking when you’re expecting, a tunic top that fits well will loosely skim your figure. Plus, “the longer length helps elongate the torso,” Fister says. An empire-waist style with a gathering below the bust also works well, she adds: “It will draw the eye upward and divert attention away from your tummy.”

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