1. Eberjey Colette Bralette ($54) and Satin Harness Bralet ($50) // 2. Helmut Lang Fitted Leather Jacket ($1,345) // 3. Band of Outsiders Silk Sleeve Sweater ($295) and Rebecca Taylor Leather Trimmer Tweed Peplum Top ($350) // 4. Kotur Metallic Stingray Minaudiere ($295), BCBG Harlow Snake Clutch ($78) and Zara Studded Box Bag ($50) // 5. Asos Zig-Zag Rings ($17)

Polyvore Set Here.

One.  I find few faux pas as appalling as grown women who wear underwear meant for teenagers.  The lime green bra with leopard trim peeking out from underneath your sleeveless dress sends a message you probably don’t want to convey.  But just because you should be looking to up your lingerie game doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun with your undergarments.

I own this racerback bralette from Eberjey and I love it.  I sometimes wear it underneath a long racerback tunic tank with jeans and boots and a knit moto jacket.  I also wear it with my lounge pants and a tank top on the weekends, because why wire an underwire if you’re not leaving the house?

Both of these bras, but especially the second one, are what Miss M would call “girl sexy” vs. “guy sexy”.  Most men like minimal lingerie, the less fabric the better.  They like black, they like red, they like lace and they like see through.  Most women like pretty, sultry lingerie.  But since most men are just waiting for what happens after the lingerie comes off, wear what makes you feel most comfortable because confidence is sexier than anything you can buy at the mall.

Two.  The best advice that I can give you when it comes to buying a leather jacket is not to buy a cheap one.  Inexpensive leather jackets are often too short, too shiny, made with cheap materials that wear poorly and cut in styles that won’t stand the test of time.  So if you plan to purchase a leather jacket, empty out a pickle jar and start saving up for a good one.  

What I wouldn’t give to own this modern leather jacket with stand-up collar and zipper detail, but spending over $1,000 on a coat just isn’t feasible.  Luckily, this similar Elie Tahari jacket is on sale for $328 at Bluefly.

The only inexpensive “leather” jacket that I would consider buying would be one that is a mix of materials, like this knit/faux leather one.  The knit helps break and conceal (as best it can) the faux material.  

Three.  I love outfits and pieces that interplay softer fabrics with tougher ones.  The first piece from Band of Outsiders has a wool bodice and silk sleeves in a feminine blush color.  The second piece is made of a gorgeous heavy tweed with a leather belt above the peplum.  

While I would happily own both of these pieces, spending $645 of two tops just isn’t feasible.  This Asos blazer has a black peplum with leather trim at the zipper.  I also found a lace peplum blouse with leather trim on the sleeves and neckline.  This Lacoste sweater has a silk yoke and sleeves for $175.  And this Marc Jacobs cardigan has sheer stripes interspersed with the knit for a light, airy feel.

Also, I had a reader ask if peplums are “played out.”  I think they have some time left on the clock, but I wouldn’t spend more than $100 on one unless the style is really flattering on you and the piece is classic enough that it can be worn for years.

Four.  To add a bit of personality to your evening and going out attire, lose the pretty satin clutch.  Instead choose a handbag with a slight edge.  These three bags are all classic shapes made with chic materials–metallic leather, snakeskin-embossed leather and pyramid studs–so why not try a sassy bag?

Five.  These stackable rings from Asos are fantastic.  They are a cool chevron shape, come in multiple metallic finishes and can be worn on one hand or distributed among both.  If you’re not a ring person, Asos also created a set of zig-zag bangles in the same stylish finishes.  (Also, if you plan to order these rings, you may want to size up. I purchased a similar set this spring, and the small size was snug on my size 6 finger.)