Ask the Editor: Vol. II, No. Seven

While I may never get my inbox to zero, let’s answer some reader questions.  From New Year’s Eve attire to non-retinol serums, there’s a little something for everyone in the mailbag.

Hi Abra,

I’m a longtime follower looking for some help! My brother in law is getting married on New Year’s Eve in San Francisco. The attire is cocktail.

I would love to find a festive dress that is less than $200 and appropriate for a mid-30s lady still carrying some extra COVID weight (particularly in my mid section). I can only find low cut, very fitted, mini dresses! I know it’s a bit early for New Year’s Eve talk, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you! -MC

The first decision to make is how you want to balance the wedding guest and NYE scales.  Tip one way, and you’re hunting for a flattering cocktail dress.  Tip the other, and you’ll go a little more glam, probably with a side of sequins.

When you’re looking for a dress that flatters your figure in less than ideal circumstances, I recommend wraps or draping.  On the high end, Chiara La Boni always has nice options like this raspberry-colored dress or this black one.  This Tadashi Shoji dress with draping and less is cool and dramatic.  I also like this black, one shoulder Vince Camuto.

Prefer to go full NYE?  This rose gold sequin cocktail dress is all the way there.  This Monique Lhuillier option comes in a darker sequin.  And this Adrianna Papell dress comes in several colors, all of them fabulous.

Plus-size?  The Adrianna Papell dress comes in plus size.  I also like the color on this Alex Evenings dress.

**The questioner asked for under-$200 options. I wrote this at 3:00AM and totally read over that.  Below are options in the requested price range.**

LOFT has a silver-sequin wrap dress right now that hits between a knee-length and a mini.  It’s very NYE, but not NYE in Vegas, if you catch my drift.  I also like the darker, gunmetal color on this & Other Stories sequin dress.  But for my money, this Ralph Lauren dress in antique bronze with a velvet belt makes sequins look elegant (which I didn’t think was possible).

For a cocktail dress, this boysenberry Dress the Population option has a great draped look.  And Badgley Mischka always has good options.  I’m especially smitten with this elegant navy dress.

Hi Abra,

Can you recommend anti-aging products (to correct wrinkles) without retinol? Due to a medical issue, I can no longer use products with retinol (at least for the time being).

Thank you!! BN

The hot product of the moment is called Bakuchiol.  It’s a plant-based, vegan alternative to retinol.  It’s also a bit gentler.

Bioassance makes a popular serum that contains Bakuchiol and Squalane.  The Inkey List makes a Bakuchiol moisturizer that’s under-$15.  Or give a mini-size of this Herbivore serum a try.

Abra,

I feel like banana republic has really upped their styling game in their marketing materials. Do you know if it’s more upscale than I remember from ~2013?

Audrey

I recently purchases a blazer, trench coat, and sweater dress.  Every piece is a winner — well-made, stylish, good-quality materials.  The trench coat in particular is stunner.

Hi!

Love love your blog and wanted to pick your brain.  I haven’t been able to find a pair of flattering joggers.  Not a fan of ankle cuffs (I find they create a balloon-like effect) and I want something with a bit more structure in the butt (love the north face aphrodite shorts you recommended for this reason).  Could you recommend something that’s comfy but flattering?  Leg cut doesn’t matter – tapered or straight leg are both great!

Thank you, Erin

My Mom has a pair of pants from Athleta that sound like what you’re looking for.  Give their Brooklyn Lined Jogger a look.  It has a slight cuff, but I don’t think it balloons.  Also in plus-size.

She also likes their Wonder Hybrid Pant.  It would be the closest thing in style and substance to the Aphrodite shorts.

Hi Belle,

Very, very long time reader.  I am getting married in December (covid postponed wedding) in the mid-Atlantic area, and I’m really struggling to find a rehearsal dinner outfit that speaks to me.  We’re having a very small wedding, and our venue is decidedly casual (think food hall/beer hall).  I’ll wear whatever outfit to the church too.

For some reason, I’ve got these fun pants in my mind, which I saw at the end of last season but didn’t buy.  I also have no idea how I would even style them — any thoughts?

Do you have any thoughts on other options/looks?  I’m relatively tall, early thirties, and don’t like fitted or short things.  Open to dress options as well. 

Much appreciated! Soon-to-be Mrs.

A sequin pant is a bold choice for a wedding look.  I would consider a few of different options.

First, a lace top with long sleeves or short sleeves.  Second, a silk blouse with a little drama.  But if this were me, I’d go with a silk tank with lace trim and a cashmere cardigan.  If you’re feeling spicy, try a corset instead.

Want to go big or go home?  This crazy good strapless bustier is quite a thing.

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