Ask Gretta: Trenches and Wrap Dresses

I just received a Burberry trench and it makes me look like Inspector Gadget. Do you advise having it altered? And to what length? Thank you for your time. Shazia

Hi Shazia,
I think a trench should be right to the knee. The look of a trench coat is classic, and Burberry is certainly the most classic trench you could own. Perhaps you are not a classic dresser by nature and feel a bit stuffy in a trench? I'm sure with a little tweaking of the proportions, you'll grow to love it and there are certainly ways to personalize the look. You could belt it with a different belt or use fun accessories like a great bag or killer boots to make this classic piece a part of your personal style. Good Luck!
XO, Gretta

Please speak about patterns vs. solids on a dress. I love the DVF wrap dress. What does a pattern convey vs. a solid? Do you have any guidelines for pattern size? Thank you! Hope to hear back. NP

Hi NP!
The wrap dress is an iconic piece of fashion because it's so versatile and can flatter just about any body type. I actually think a patterned DVF is more useful than a solid. I think patterns add more interest to the style and can conceal "problem areas" better than a solid, as often the jersey fabric the dresses are made of can cling — much more noticeable in a solid than a print. In terms of pattern size, a print that's not huge but not really small is ideal. I'd say that the majority of Diane Von Furstenberg prints are created with this in mind; the DVF wrap dress has been a wardrobe go-to for well over twenty years so, really, you could say the art has been perfected. Let your own eye be your guide; you're making the investment so try on what's available and see what looks best! I'm willing to bet one print will be a home run, so hit those fitting rooms!
XO, Gretta

I'm in the market for a mid-size 'investment' watch - I look better in gold but have platinum/diamond wedding bands. Are two-tone watches as classic as all stainless? I don't want to do all gold. Alexa

Hi Alexa!
I think that a two-tone style is actually more classic than all stainless. Even though your wedding bands are platinum, you also wear gold, so having both colors of metal would be more versatile for the different looks you'll want to wear the watch with. To me, it seems useless to invest in something that you won't wear all the time, particularly if it's a splurge that you're treating yourself to, so I think it makes sense to think both in terms of your everyday jewelry (wedding rings) as well as whatever trendier pieces you'll vary from look to look. Plus, mid-range stainless watches are a dime a dozen, so, if you're investing in a high end piece, I think that gold accents will also give the watch a more luxurious look.
XO, Gretta