FASHION Q & amp;A

Q: Why is it so hard to find normal, straight-legged jeans? I am high-waisted, so low-rise jeans are uncomfortable -- not to mention that without perfect abs, you give people more than they need to see. Big flares are also unflattering (though a little boot cut is OK), and I'd love some forgiving stretch. Any ideas?
A: Here goes: the perfect jeans. Sounds like you want Levi's Women's 505s -- straight leg, regular cut, with a higher waist ($40-$48). The medium stonewashed version provides stretch. Lucky Brand has two styles that might work, although you'll get no stretch. The 40 provides easy fit -- it should hit you just below your bellybutton -- and has a bit of flare ($74-$78); the 159 is boot cut ($68). Both are available at Lucky Brand Jeans (see www.luckybrand-jeans.com for locations). Diesel also offers a new mid-waisted style, the Rame, with stretch and a slight flare ($125).
Q: Is it appropriate for men to wear a button-down, short-sleeve dress shirt with a tie to the office during the summer? If a meeting required professional attire, they could simply slip on a suit jacket. I think they'd be more comfortable, but most men I've talked to have said it'd be too much "like their father" and just plain uncool. Any thoughts?
A: I agree with the men on this one. There's something about the short sleeve/tie combo that conjures images of Darrin on "Bewitched": goofy -- and not in a good way. Plus, a man trying the slip-on-a-jacket plan would be at risk of moving his arms and revealing bare wrists -- and looking underdressed. So while short sleeves are fine by themselves, and in a casual office some men might wear golf shirts (with or without a jacket), please, no short-sleeve dress shirts with ties.
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