Q: Although I'm only 23, I'm getting married for the second time in June, and I'm looking for a dress that is feminine but not at all like a bridal gown. I'm having an evening wedding with dinner and dancing after the ceremony. Any suggestions?
A: I went to New York designer Nicole Miller, who has created some of this spring's prettiest evening dresses. She suggests you choose a dress in white or one of the soft pastels that are so much in fashion:
"A version of the slip dress with a sexy yet demure neckline would be just right, romantic and yet modern. And remember to choose a dress that you will be comfortable in while dancing. At 23 you'll have lots of opportunities to wear it."
Q: Last year while on vacation in Italy I bought my third cape. It is short, in black wool jersey and is very full at the bottom.
I loved the way it looked when I tried it on in the store. Now it is hanging in my closet with my other two capes. I simply don't feel comfortable wearing them. How and when should they be worn?
A: You can let the cape hang straight. If you want a little --, throw one side over the opposite shoulder or just wrap it snugly around you.
And don't feel self-conscious about it. As Italian designer Laura Biagiotti says: "The cape or body-blanket, as it is sometimes called, is one of the great success stories of the last 20 years.
"It has partly replaced the coat in women's wardrobes. This is particularly true in temperate climates, when a cape is all that's necessary in the spring and fall.
"Short capes can be worn every day with work or sporty clothes. They are particularly good over knits. Long capes should be saved for evening for they have a much dressier look."
The exception, of course, is on a very cold day. A long cape can keep out the winter winds very nicely.
Q: Whenever I have something to celebrate I go out and buy myself a necktie. Also, because my friends know I like them, they give me ties as presents. Now I have dozens in my wardrobe in all widths, patterns and fabrics.
But whichever one I wear, my older sister complains that it is out of style, and so am I. Am I right or is my sister? What is the fashionable width right now? And how should they be tied?
A: For an answer, I turned to Joop, the German designer whose menswear sells in many countries around the world. He likes a variety of ties as much as you do and certainly has some creative ways of knotting them. Here's what he says:
"I love wide ties in plain colors, and silk blend ties with simple colors. Big knots are great slightly pulled upward. Ties are also great tied six inches from the belt.
"Another nice touch is to tuck the thin part of your tie into the shirt. It subtly distorts the way the tie lies, giving a simple tie more character. Silver, gold or pearl tie pins from the '30s are great. And so are '30s or '50s silk ties with tropical prints. Why not?
"Open your top button with a lower knot. Looks great on working men. I like this style. There is nothing wrong with having a job.
"But turtlenecks with ties are not a good look for most men."
Elsa Klensch is style editor for Cable News Network.