Q. I’ve seen some attractive brocade jackets in the stores, but I hesitate to buy one.

Q. I’ve seen some attractive brocade jackets in the stores, but I hesitate to buy one. I’m always afraid I’ll look like an upholstered sofa if I wear brocade. How can I avoid this possibility? Also, can I wear brocade in the daytime, or is it strictly for evening?

A. If you wear brocade head-to-toe, you may indeed end up looking like a sofa. To avoid this rather alarming result, choose just one garment in brocade, then pair it with something simple and solid-colored. For example, if you decide on one of those brocade jackets, wear it with a plain skirt or trousers and a contrasting blouse.

You can wear brocade day or night. For daytime, put it with a matte-finish fabric such as gabardine, wool or even denim. For evening, you can achieve a dressier look pairing brocade with a shiny fabric such as silk, satin or taffeta.

Q. I have a friend who is obsessed with horses. Everything in her closet has a horse print, a horse applique or a horse pin attached. How do I get her to wear something different?

A. Why would you want to rein in your friend’s obsession? A lot of people have a sartorial signature — a motif, color or accessory that reflects their personal style, hobby or interest. It makes them unique, is a form of self-expression and doubtless makes getting dressed in the morning easier and more pleasurable.

If your friend were wearing something offensive or indecent — T-shirts with racist slurs, for example, or extremely revealing clothing — that would be a horse of a different color.

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