Resident Image stylist and market editor Melissa Magsaysay soothes your sartorial woes in the weekly Your Stylist blog column.

  This is my prom dress, I think the best color shell to go with it is black, but because it's so simple, but I kinda wanted something colorful and that would pop against the simplicity of the dress. Any ideas?
-V.S., New Jersey

When it comes to formal wear, there’s no accessory I loathe more than a wispy pashmina or some kind of embellished wrap. I understand the need for warmth and practicality but the fact of the matter is a top layer that’s as “dressy” as the dress looks overdone and just so junior high.

Rather than pile on more formal wear, I suggest adding some stylish pieces that give character and edge to your prom ensemble.

A cropped and fitted leather or denim moto style jacket thrown over top would look tough but feminine and create even more definition against the floor length white fabric. Get the color you crave through green jade jewelry in a necklace or a cocktail ring. Mix the green in with bold gold and black pieces like this long chain with a black and gold ball pendant from Isharya which would look great layered with a shorter green jade piece such as this one from Michelle Roy.

A large and glamorous cocktail ring like the Art Deco-looking Blossom ring from CC Skye is a great way to keep the formal polish in your look, but still have that stand out style that sets you apart from the rest of the prom throng.

I’ve seen a lot of pictures recently of Sarah Jessica Parker wearing some green army style pants paired with black peep toe heels. I like the casual look of these pants and that they can be worn with heels and flats. Do you know who makes her pants? R.F., L.A.

Not quite the colorful and billowy designer duds we’ve been seeing on SJP while she continues to promote "Sex and The City 2," but she does still manage to make some army green pants look great while traveling from city to city. 

The pants she’s wearing are the Captain’s trouser ($160) from L.A. based line Current/Elliott. The pants are even further proof that trousers and military influence are the season’s biggest trends that have hit the masses and are available at various price points.

Parker pairs hers with some suede peep toe heels, which look appropriate because of the casual wood sole. If you want to go with high heels and these pants, stick with something that has a casual element such as wood, cork or raffia. Suede will also mesh much better with pants like this rather than slick leather.

Of course, these pants are good because they are really versatile and can be worn with flip flops or some dressy flat sandals. But the soft brushed cotton of the Captain’s trouser doesn’t hurt either. They’re comfy and don’t wrinkle that easily which makes them suitable for a summer road trip or jetting around the world promoting your latest movie.

Send your style queries to melissa.magsaysay@latimes.com

Melissa Magsaysay

Photos:Top: Reader's Prom dress

Middle clockwise from top left: Alice + Olivia "Harley" jacket/http://www.shopbop.com/, Michelle Roy necklace/Michelle Roy, CC Skye "Blossom" ring/CC skye, Isharya necklace/Isharya

Bottom left: Sarah Jessica Parker wearing Current/Elliott Captain's trousers, right: Captain's trouser in army green and brown/Current/Elliott

 

Dust off your credit cards or hit the ATM -- sample sale season is starting. This weekend it's
Current Elliott and Joie, where items are up to 70% off the retail price.

If you never had a pair of slouchy boyfriend jeans, here’s your chance to grab a pair of Current Elliott’s ultra-soft style at a discounted price. And Joie’s light and beachy collection is perfect for when the weather finally warms up.

Current Elliot and Joie sample sale: noon – 6 p.m. Friday, June 12, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 13; 4599 District Blvd., Vernon, CA 90058.

Cash and credit only.

Happy shopping.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photo: Current Elliott jeans. Credit: Current Elliott