Accessories Questions

Q:I have a round face, and sunglasses always look small on me. What shape is most flattering?

A:"The best is a rectangular frame that extends across the brow," says Tim Fabozzi, owner of New York City eyewear shop Disrespectacles. "Its long shape will visually lengthen your face." Also make sure the span of the frame exceeds the widest part of your face; this makes cheeks appear more defined. Additionally, steer clear of overly light-colored lenses and frames, as they only add fullness.

Q:I'm growing my hair out, and right now it only looks good pulled back with bobby pins or barrettes. Can you recommend some funky ones?

A:I love some of the bejeweled options out there, but proceed with caution: You don't want to revisit your prom at the office. Temper Swarovski studded options with standard drugstore bobby pins (consider a one to five ratio). For romantic, vintage-inspired pins embellished with crystals, try Alex & Ani. Favorites include the Eva Bobby Pin and the Bette Pin. Roberta Chairella also offers two simple, glittery options: the Crystal Flower Bobby and the Long Bobby With Crystals. If you prefer floral pins, Michelle Roy concentrates on exotic blooms; Tarina Tarantino makes flowers out of felt; and Kipepeo casts enamel lilies. If you yearn for some childhood style, bows are back in style. Try Rachel Weisman's Satin Bow Hair Clips and Tarantino's striped bow. Looking for something less girl-y? Check out Winky & Dutch's Young Elvis Bobby Pins.

Q:I love the way a colorful headscarf looks. What's the key to not looking too hippie?

A:One sleek option is to give a long oblong scarf a broad three-inch fold, and wear it as a wide headband for a St. Tropez look. Tie it at the nape of your neck, but don't leave long ends trailing down your back (hippie pitfall #1)—double knot or tuck them back under your hair instead. Or, you can create a kerchief by folding a square scarf triangularly and tying the opposite ends under your hair, at the nape of your neck. But don't tie the ends over the top of your hair, tucking that flippy corner in under the knot, which creates a dome-skull effect (pitfall #2). Hairstyle is important with these scarves as well. Keep it sleek and modish—pulling long hair into a low ponytail, slicking bangs back from the forehead. Pitfall #3? Shaggy, flowing, unkempt locks under the scarf. Now for the most fun part: scarf patterns. You may be walking a thin line with gingham or paisley prints (pitfall #4), but if you avoid pitfalls one through three, you can potentially pull them off. I recommend bright-colored mod or Pucci-like prints—they're both modern and timeless.

Q:What's the best way to wear a flower pin?

A:Flower pins provide an easy way to perk up a look. Pinning one to a tee or the lapel of a blazer are obvious choices. For more creative uses of the blossoms, try placing one on a belt loop on a pair of jeans, on the handle of a tote bag, or on the button hole of a cardigan sweater or denim jacket.

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Ask an Editor: Dresses & Skirts Questions