Answer Angel: Your fashion questions answered

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I have a few questions on the following fashion trends:

1. No belts with pants that have belt loops? This looks unfinished to me.

2. Why are women not wearing slips? This has been going on for a long time. It is not a good look.

3. Men's suits, when the blazer or suit jacket is so tight the button is ready to pop. The suit jacket is pulled so tight, the individual looks uncomfortable. Also, the pants are so tight and clinging to the leg. Awful look.

4. A number of men are wearing glorified gym shoes, leather top with a wide white band around it with a suit. The most awful look I have seen in years. Gym shoes are for casual wear. Dress shoes with suits.

--Maryann B.

Dear Maryann: Whoa! That’s a lot of fashion issues for anyone to take on! I’m going to give it a good try. Let me start by saying that I mostly agree with you on numbers 2, 3 and 4. I don’t think they are good looks either.

As for not wearing a belt with pants that have belt loops: Well, I plead guilty. I never wear a belt with jeans. For many not-dressy occasions for jeans and pants, the no-belt look adds an exclamation point (albeit a small one) to a casual look. This style has oozed into more dressy occasions -- even with a suit (male or female). I agree it looks like the wearers forgot something! As for your other questions…

2. Women are wearing slips. As dresses, especially for fancy events. At least the dresses often bear a strong resemblance to underwear. Slips are useful for modesty when wearing knits or other revealing fabrics. But, for many women (especially but not confined to younger ones) showing flesh is popular. And scanty outfits, especially midriff-baring tops, are showing up everywhere. Even at job interviews. I am not a fan.

3. I don’t get it. But you’re so right. Well-dressed men and women — TV anchors, for instance — look like they’re about to pop out of their suit jackets. Even for the fit and slender, this seems silly. And for anyone with a little extra weight around the middle — like most of us — this popular style calls attention to a body feature better left concealed.

4. White or ivory-colored rubbery soles on men’s “dress” shoes have even turned up on men meeting with the president in the White House. That’s too casual for important or dressy gatherings. I’m all in for foot comfort, but I find this look jarring and un-businesslike. More and more, manufacturers are making dress shoes specifically designed for comfort with black rubbery soles that look fine with suits. Meanwhile, gender-neutral sneakers, especially white ones, are taking over men and women’s footwear — and worn with all outfits, even wedding gowns. It’s a jarring trend. But it is a trend so it won’t be around forever.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I just adopted an adult beagle and I never imagined that a smooth-coated dog could shed like a Siberian husky! I have tried everything to keep this problem under control but with very little success. I come down from my bedroom in the morning and there is white beagle hair all over my black kitchen counter! Do you or your readers have any products or tips?

--Martin S.

Dear Martin: My dog sheds a lot too and every product I’ve tried to control the shedding or the hair on my furniture has provided very limited success. Frequent brushing, in my case, seems virtually useless. Acting on the recommendation of a friend, I just ordered a Mr. Scrub Damp Dusting Sponge (amazon.com, 4 for $9.99) and will report back if it does much good. All reader suggestions are sooo welcome. For furniture, rugs, anything!

Angelic Readers

Women with silver, gray or white hair were eager to share with reader Diane G. their favorite blue or purple shampoos that highlight their hair color and diminish brassy tones…

From Lisa M.: “Aveda Blue Malva shampoo and conditioner. I have been using this duo for years as my hair transitioned from gray to silver to white (amazon.com, aveda.com, $36 and up)." Carolynn M., Vanita V. and Jude H. agree. Barbara R. and Rayna F. favor L’Oréal products from the drugstore. Karen W. buys GVP (Generic Value) shampoo and conditioner at Sally Beauty but says you must rinse thoroughly to avoid a purple tint. Nancy S. likes Humby Organics (humbyorganics.com). Judy B. uses HB Hair Biology (amazon.com): “No odor and not expensive.” Mary-Joan F. prefers Clairol’s Shimmer Lights (drugstores, ultabeauty.com, $12.99). So does Linda C.

Deb D., Mary C., Mimi W. and Nat recommend Jhirmack’s “Silver Brightening” (drugstores, $6.49 and up). Maria H. says American Crew Daily Silver Shampoo for Men “has a clean smell” (amazon.com, $16.70). Mary G. uses Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo and Conditioner Duo, which she says is worth the high price (pureology.com, $67).