What to Wear: Summer Style Tips, Straight From the Source

June 22, 2010— -- Picture this: You have just found out about your company's summer picnic that's taking place the next day. You open your closet and see an array of summer clothes but have no idea what's appropriate for the event.

Instead of calling your woefully fashion-misguided friends, why not talk to experts? Sound impossible? Hardly.

Glamour magazine is providing an opportunity to ask real experts your fashion questions at its new website whattowear.com.

Inquiring minds can post their fashion questions online and get real-time answers from some of America's leading stylists. These celebrity and magazine trendsetters give answers, with pictures accompanying their suggestions. Stylists who work with the site include Nicole Chavez, who composes the look for the likes of Scarlett Johansson and Miley Cyrus; Andre Austin, stylist to such stars as Kanye West and Jessica Simpson; and Tammy Eckensweller, a stylist for Rihanna and Lindsay Lohan.

"This is an exciting partnership," Cindi Leive, the editor-in-chief of Glamour, said in a statement announcing the launch of the site. "Nobody understands the intersection of fashion and technology better than Like.com, and when it comes to fashion, no one gives real-life tips better than Glamour."

So what kind of questions are people asking? And what are the site's stylists telling them?

Here are some questions real people are posting on WhattoWear.com, and here are some of the answers. Glamour's Tracey Lomrantz offers additional tips on how to look stylish this summer.

What to Wear to a Wedding?

Question: I really want a Vera Wang dress for my wedding, but I don't have thebudget. Are there any wedding dress lines with a similar aesthetic but that are more affordable?

Answer from Nick Steele:

Well, depending on when your wedding is -- you just might be in luck. In thehopes of attracting a whole new range of clients, Vera Wang will soon bedesigning wedding dresses for David's Bridal. The collection is set tohit U.S. stores early next year and will include dresses priced below$1,500, as well as accessories.

Under $1,000: One of my faves is White House/Black Market's LimitedEdition Bridal Gown. You might also want to check out J Crew's bridalline, which is absolutely lovely.

You could also check out the discount wedding dress online stores, such asbridepower.com, bridecouture.com or angeri.com. And there are even sitesthat rent wedding dresses, such as onenightaffair.com andalexandriasformal.com.

More Wedding Fashion Tips from Tracey Lomrantz:

Who says you have to buy a bridal gown? Look for gorgeous white dresses straight off the rack in department stores like Macys or Bloomingdales. Especially during the summer months, there are tons of great options that don't scream "bride" but are perfectly suited to the occasion.

You should also try ebay for a used Vera Wang gown, if that's really the one you're pining for. It's a great way for the previous wearer to make a few bucks and for you to get a deep discount on the dress of your dreams.

What Are the Style Staples?

Question: What should every young woman have in her closet at all times?

Answer: Sandy Reitman:

OK, there are a few essential items that every woman should have at the ready:

Skinny jeans

Boyfriend blazer

Tights

Jean shorts

Summer dresses

Brown boots

Black high heels

Trench coat

Ballet flats

Tank tops and T-shirts

More Wardrobe Staples From Tracey Lomrantz:

Crisp white blouse

Classic trench coat

Dark wash, slim-fitting jeans

Well-tailored work pants in a neutral color

Nude pumps

Little black dress

Black or white cashmere crew neck sweater

Pencil skirt

Daytime dress that can be dressed up or down

What to Wear to Travel in Style

Question: What to wear to the airport?

Answer: Susan Joy:

We may not be living in the golden age of travel, but that doesn't mean we have todress like slobs either. You can look chic and be comfortable. Try asimple black T-shirt dress with a trench coat or blazer and a cute slipon shoe like a ballet flat. Looks like an LBD (little black dress), but there's no loss ofcomfort. It's a good idea to take a cashmere scarf that can double as a blanket,and a pair of leggings in your carry-on.

When I travel between hemispheres, I'll have bare legs in summer at theairport, add leggings and socks on the plane to sleep in and then changeinto tights when I land in cold weather. With the trench, cashmere scarfand tights, unless it's below freezing, the T shirt dress still works.Bon Voyage!

More Travel Style Tips from Tracey Lomrantz:

I agree that it's no time to look like a slob. Leggings are a great way to keep comfy but still look chic. Wear them with an easy on-easy off shoe, like a ballet flat, an oversize button-down shirt, and a jean jacket on top. Cute accessories, like a fedora or a lightweight summer scarf, will add instant chic. If you're after an upgrade to first class, follow this simple rule: white jeans, black cashmere sweater, oversize sunglasses. You'll look expensive and put-together but still be comfortable enough for the long haul!