Q: When I got married, my mother wanted me to wear her wedding gown, which she had saved for that very purpose. I couldn't because I am much taller and bigger-boned than she is. Now I have a beautiful baby girl, and I am thinking of saving my wedding gown for her. Experience has taught me it's ridiculous. What should I do, sell my wedding gown?
A: I'd say save it -- just in case. To get some professional advice I went to Kleinfeld's, the store in Brooklyn that has been catering to the needs of brides for more than 50 years. Co-president Nancy Aucone agrees with me: "I don't think a bride should sell or part with her wedding dress. It is certainly one of the most important purchases she will make in her life.
"What you can do is use the wedding dress fabric -- redesigning it into a dress for your little daughter. It could be a confirmation dress, a christening robe or something for another special occasion.
"You might also take this suggestion to your mother and ask her if it would be exciting to see her own wedding dress fabric being worn by her new granddaughter."
Q: I bought myself a straight, below-the-knee-length skirt in a medium heavy wool at a winter sale. Now that I have it at home I'm at a loss as to what jacket lengths to put over it.
Everything in my wardrobe seems to be the wrong proportion, and I'm beginning to be sorry I bought it. Can you help?
A: As with all new lengths, this "new" one (of course, it really has been around for decades) is difficult to get accustomed to.
But don't despair. Take some cheer from New York designer Randy Kemper: "Long, slim skirts look great with a variety of jacket and coat lengths," he said. "Short jackets are always superb-looking when paired with long skirts, especially if the jacket is belted. A three-quarter or car-coat length is also a chic option; and, of course, you can always wear your skirt under a long coat."
If you decide to buy a jacket to go with your new skirt, Mr. Kemper urges you to experiment with different fabrics. He suggests leather, melton, boiled wool, fake fur, alpaca or shearling.
"These all have the feeling of fashion today, and they all come in a variety of colors."
Q: I have thick ankles and fat legs and I usually wear flat heels. But now that high heels are back in style, my husband says I should wear them as they will make my legs look thinner. Will they?
A: No, they will only draw attention to your legs' shape. Most of the high heels in fashion for spring are narrow, almost stiletto. They are too fine to be a flattering proportion for heavy legs.
From Paris, designer Maud de Marco of Ombeline suggests the most flattering shoe would be a medium high heel in the same color as your hosiery. You should watch the width of the heels, making sure they are neither too thick nor too thin.
Ms. de Marco says you can also wear wedges and platform (high heel) as long as they are a simple and bare style.
She adds: "Avoid ankle straps and fussy detail. A pump will always look better with a short vamp to elongate your leg."
Elsa Klensch is style editor for Cable News Network.