Ask the Edit: Quick Fashion Questions

Oct 22, 2019

From compression socks to camisoles, let’s talk about the practical fashion questions that don’t seem that exciting, until your the one that needs the answers.  You asked, I answered.  Let’s play, Ask the Edit.

Hi Abra:

I’m only 39 but thanks to genetics, I’ve started to develop varicose veins. I’ve looked into some treatment options but compression socks are unfortunately going to be a part of my “look” for a while. I cannot be seen in the rubberband-colored hose that my grandmother wore. Even if I found some socks that aren’t hideous, ankle-length pants see to be all the rage right now.
What’s a girl to do? 

Sincerely, Katie

Girl, I feel you on varicose veins.  I have a very prominent vein in my right leg that may actually require surgery.  Getting older, so fun.

First, I would say that wider leg pants are coming back (thank, Heaven).  These Ann Taylor trousers are incredibly comfortable and flattering.  I’ve been telling everyone about them.

There are wider leg styles coming on the market, and the more of them we lovers of the wide leg buy, the more of them there will be.  So don’t feel pressured to wear the skinnier styles if they don’t work for you.  I’ve recently accepted that my figure just cannot pull off a silky, midi-skirt (even though they’re everywhere!).  Not every trend is for every body.

Second, as for compression socks, a friend of a friend owns a brand called Vim and Vigr.  Similar story to yours, young woman discovers she needs compression for a health issue, and all the socks are ugly, so she designs her own.  I wear the black socks while traveling, but they sell lots of prints and colors.

Abra,

I recently had my third daughter and my boobs not what they used to be.  I need black/nude camisoles to wear under tops and dresses for extra support.  You used to have a brand that you liked, but I can’t remember what it was.  

LK

I used to buy the Shimera camisoles, but they only offer them at Rack now.  They have a racerback in black, and the wider strap cami in a two-pack with one grey and one beige in it.

Since those have become impossible to find, I switched to the Halogen camisoles.  They also come in plus-size.

Hi Belle,

Maybe I watched too much my So-Called Life growing up, but I love when sleeves have thumb holes.  Especially my hiking/workout clothes because I hate to wear gloves.  Have you seen any sweatshirts that will let me channel my inner Angela?

Loved the Three Ways last week! C

I would search Amazon, since a few of their in-house brands feature pieces with thumb holes.  Try this Core10 sweatshirt (brand comes in inclusive sizing), or this Amazon Essentials option. I also spotted this Danskin striped top that looks like a great basic.

Hello,

I’m hunting for a long, delicate chain to put pendants on.  I own several I’d like to wear interchangeably, but I can’t find a good chain for them.  The prices on some of them, woof.  Can you help me find something under $100 or thereabouts?

Thank you.  Kayla

You are right.  That was an unexpected challenge.

Monica Vinader makes a delicate 21″ chain necklace in your price range.  She also charges $150 for a 32″ rolo chain.

If you’re looking for sterling silver, I found this lovely Giani Bernini chain.

{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author; image by Banter Snaps}

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  1. Eleni says:

    For the reader looking for thumb holes in sweaters/sweatshirts, check out Athleta. A lot of their tops have them.

  2. Crystal says:

    C — I’d check out Lululemon and possibly Athleta. I own several shirts with thumbholes that, I agree, are great for hiking when it’s chilly, and I just checked and several styles are currently available. I recommend looking when it gets a bit colder, too — I have a BOMB technical hoodie that includes not only thumbholes but also pull-over mittens and a built-in balaclava. (For me, it was worth the $$ for cold-weather runs and hikes, and it pairs really well with a puffy vest for an extra layer.) Good luck!

  3. Rebecca says:

    +1 for Athleta! I have this sweatshirt. It has thumbholes, and is one of my favorite things to wear when the weather gets cold.

    https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=383402052&bvstate=pg:2/ct:r#pdp-page-content

  4. Jess says:

    For the reader looking for necklace chains, don’t rule out Etsy! I’ve bought multiple chains from vendors there and have been very pleased. I can’t seem to post a link to the actual listing, but VandAsupplies and SterlingWholesale are two shops I’ve happily purchased from.

  5. Margaret says:

    Re. compression socks/tights. I had the varicose vein treatment (yay genetics) and the ones the doctor recommended are actually pretty good. They are the SIGVARIS eversheer 782N hose type (but they’re basically normal tights weight). I use the black thigh-highs, they’re very hard to snag which also helps.

    They’re especially good on airplanes and if you’re standing for a while. I use them when I go to client sites for training.

    • Jennifer says:

      And OMG, you can order them online from Target!

    • FIRSTGIRL says:

      I wear Dr. Scholl’s plain black knee-high compression socks. They’re decently opaque and pretty easy to put on. I typically wear them with skinny pants and ankle boots, which hides them pretty well.

  6. Emily says:

    For necklace chains, there are a surprising number of chain options at Michaels in the beading section.

  7. Laura says:

    For the thumb-hole fancier, if you look up shirts on REI.com (https://www.rei.com/c/womens-tops) and then go the the filter option, under feature you can search for shirts with thumb-holes. Right now they have 133 options.

  8. Nicole says:

    I’d check out a small local jeweler for a chain for pendants. I’ve been very fortunate that many places have been able to work with my budget. I’ve used local places in northern NJ and Boston.

    If you’re in the Boston area check out Rebekah Brooks. I broke the chain on a necklace that I did not purchase from them and they were able to help me with a much sturdier replacement. It was about $100 https://rebekahbrooks.com

  9. Kathryn says:

    My favorite jeweler is James Avery. They have a variety of different chain styles available, and the sterling silver ones seem to be in your price range. http://www.jamesavery.com/categories/necklaces-chains-jewelry?jewelry_style%5B%5D=Chains

  10. Eileen says:

    Shimera was a Nordstrom-owned brand (like Classiques Entier, RIP), so the Halogen tanks are one and the same.

  11. Elyse says:

    Re: sweatshirts with thumb holes: I bought two of these this summer as rash guards, but they are a pretty nice layering piece on weekends:

    https://www.hanes.com/shop/hanes/hanes-sport-womens-quarter-zip-pullover-ho9325?categoryId=264630

  12. Cheri says:

    For the reader looking for pants, if wide leg isn’t for you, I just bought the Ann Taylor straight pants and LOVE LOVE LOVE them. I ended up buying a pair in every color for work. They have different materials but the ones I bought are the original ones and they are similar to a thick ponte material. Still professional with some stretch. They are my new favorite pant.

  13. Jill says:

    I have the Danskin top. So soft. Only drawback is slight tightness in the wrists, and mine are average size. Got it at Costco awhile back, didn’t try it on.

  14. Rachel says:

    Lots of wholesale jewelers (I use etsy) sell nice chains (like sterling, 14K gold, etc) for a really great price. You might have to buy your own fastener while you’re at it, but I find that tweezers make a great faux needle-nose pliers when in need!

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