Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I don’t usually doubt myself when dressing for an event but I’ve been invited to a special evening performance in one of my city’s most beautiful, historic buildings and I am doubting my instinct, which is to really dress up in evening attire, although the invitation gives no indication that it is formal or “black tie.”

What is appropriate?

--Jessica N.

Dear Jessica: Go with your first instinct to dress for a special occasion. I’d probably skip elbow-length gloves and a floor-length ball gown but it sounds like you’re already on the right track. Even a knee-length dress or skirt and top combo can be cranked up to “special” with some sequins or other standout accessories.

A crucial decision that many of us forget is the footwear. If your feet are killing you, you’re going to regret your shoe decision all night. Flats are in style. So are inch-high kitten heels. Target and other big box and discount shoe stores have embraced sparkly flats at bargain prices that can dress up any outfit.

Don’t fret too much about what you wear. At a recent ballet evening performance I saw some women in cocktail attire -- and others in jeans. The women who chose stiletto heels looked utterly miserable by the intermission!

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I don’t know if this is a question or a rant. What I do know is my frustration at finding otherwise cute tops and pants that I would like to buy.

Lately, the tops have pockets on the chest and the pants have pockets on the back like men’s clothing. I don’t know how most women are built today, but I don’t need anything extra in either of those two places, making the pockets not only useless but annoying. Is this a fad for skinny gals?

--Linda F. B.

Dear Linda: I wish my shirts and pants (and winter coat) had more pockets! And deeper ones that will hold more than a Kleenex. But, I agree that, in general, pockets are not very attractive.

On this one, I vote for convenience, even though I think you’re right that most of us are not “skinny gals” and pockets front and rear don’t do us any favors -- calling attention to body parts that don’t need any amplification.

The proliferation of cell phones, I think, has led to a increase in pants and jeans pockets to hold them, which, based on my experience, is an iffy proposition that can lead to unwelcome accidents of all sorts.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: What’s with the new bra sizing? According to the measurement chart, the size I “should” buy would require me to increase at least one more cup size if not two.

--Louise T.

Dear Louise: Of all the garments women buy, I think the single most unpredictable, confusing sizing is in the bra department. It is inconsistent, contradictory and unreliable. The only way to get a good fit is to spend an inordinate amount of time in the dressing room. Count your blessings if you can find a well-informed sales associate who can guide you. I generally take a single bra style in three or four different sizes to the dressing room, hoping to get a decent fit. Band size, cup size? They vary widely. And, of course, once you find a style in a size that does fit, it is discontinued. If you you find a comfortable bra that’s a good fit, buy multiples because it likely will be discontinued!

Angelic Readers

Alice S. writes: “Sorry, I can't agree with the writer who scorns women who get their nails done for a high cost. I do my own nails (not all that well), but I'm sympathetic to other women who get theirs done. For some, it builds confidence. For some, it's the only attention they get. Would you deny an overworked mother of triplets or a caretaker for an elderly parent a short moment of relief and pleasure and a nail salon?”

Reader Rant

From Janet G.: “For many years, women in many occupations — including ones that are male-dominated -- have been working to gain respect and viewed as equally capable as men. So will you please tell me why, on a national news program, there is a female doctor wearing a blouse that looks like lingerie and is showing cleavage? And the anchor shows cleavage on a regular basis. Nice makeup, hairstyle? Fine. But cleavage brings a whole different feel to womankind and their contribution to society.”

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