FASHION Q & amp;A

Q. I have seen a lot of wrap-and-tie blouses among the new spring fashions in the stores. I have always liked the look of wrap blouses, but I find they tend to gap at the bust. This could be because I have a small bust, but surely this style is not just for full-figured women. I have tried securing my blouses with safety pins, but this also poses problems. First, the pins often show. Second, if I forget to undo the pins, the fabric gets ripped when I take off the blouse. Any suggestions?
A. The best style of wrap blouse for a woman with your figure is one that doesn't simply cross over in the front and tie but wraps all the way around the body and then ties. When you're all trussed up this way, it is not likely that your blouse will gap.
For blouses that just cross over and tie, I suggest you replace those pesky safety pins with a couple of strategically placed snaps. The clear plastic kind, sewn on the inside of the blouse so that the stitching is invisible from the outside, should do the trick.
Q. My teen-age granddaughter insists on wearing her shirts outside her pants and skirts. I think this looks so sloppy, but she just won't tuck them in. What can I say to change her mind?
A. Until the tucked-in look is back in fashion, I doubt there is anything you can say to persuade your granddaughter to change her mind.
The trend -- especially among teens -- is to wear shirts out. This actually makes sense since most of their pants and skirts are hip-hugger styles. It is almost impossible to tuck a shirt into a waistband that's down around your hips.
Also, these shirts are shorter than the kind designed to be tucked in, and most have darts front and back that give the shirts a more fitted look. For these reasons, the shirts work better when worn out.
Give the fashion a little time, and you may get used to it. And if you try it, you will find that it is comfortable--and a great way to hide a shapeless waistline or tummy bulge.
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