I keep seeing all of these adorable chevron maxi dresses on Pinterest and in local boutiques. The problem is I'm 5'11" and I can never find cute maxis that are long enough for me. I have found them before at Old Navy but they are boring and plain colors. I don’t like the ankle look and want one that will touch the ground. Please help! —D.D.

It's funny you should ask this question because just yesterday a reader on Twitter asked me where to find maxi dresses for women on the shorter side! (My reply: You'll most likely have to hem your dress to fit your height.) So let's see if we can find some chevron maxi dress options for every height and figure.

{Shown above from left: Tall celebs Khloe Kardashian (5'10") and Alessandra Ambrosio (5'10") rock the maxi dress trend; Olivia Wilde toughens up a chevron maxi dress with a leather jacket and sneaks.}

I bought a super cute skirt at Target on clearance - A-line and short, with a cool, almost retro patterm (see image at right). Now that I have it home I have no clue what to pair with it. I tried it on with a plain white tank and my favorite sandals, but that seems blah! Could a military-type blazer work? Should I try a contrasting color? No clue! I'd hate to return it! —Erin

A printed a-line skirt is a summer essential, so I'm really glad you asked this question! I'm not a big skirt person myself so I scoured the web for inspiration and discovered a few common themes - it's all about finding the right proportions, and mixing-and-matching those wardrobe staples.

Here are three ways to wear your skirt using items you probably already own:

1. With a black scoopneck top and boyfriend blazer, like Lauren Conrad. Note how she's tucked her top, which is fitted and has a flattering scoopneck, then topped her look with a boyfriend blazer that hits her mid-thigh. She's also rolled the cuffs for the cool factor and finished her look with strappy sandals. I think ballet flats would work with this look, too.

2. With a chambray shirt (long sleeve or sleeveless would work), tucked or untucked, and nude heels or sandals. Oh So Glam nails this look. Add a pop of color with a clutch or bag that matches one of the colors in the print.

3. With a white blouse and wedges. Eva Mendes' skirt is longer than yours but I think the same principles apply. Just be aware of proportions - by tying her blouse, Eva shows off her waist. You could also try tucking a white blouse. I love the rolled-tab sleeves for summer. Add casual wedges (espadrilles would work nicely too) and you're ready to go.

P.S. I really like how you styled your skirt with a white tank top! I might add a denim jacket and pop of color with something like red ballet flats, plus a crossbody bag.

What advice would you share with Erin? Let her know in the comments.

I am going on a cruise this summer with some family and friends to celebrate my husband's big birthday. What should I pack and wear? I want to look adorable and fun, but when I travel I often end up looking plain and practical. I'm 5' 4" and I love Cameron Diaz's style but I don't have her height. My body type is more like Hayden Panettiere but I'm brunette and not as thin. Other celebrity styles I admire are Victoria Beckham and Blake Lively. —Katie

The celebs you've named may have very different red carpet styles, but they have a lot in common when it comes to their casual, summer styles. You'll see them in breezy dresses, comfortable flat sandals and cool accessories that give them a pulled-together yet effortless look.

The inspiration:

• Pack a colorful scarf and little white dress like Blake Lively for the perfect day-to-night cruise look.
  


• Take a cue from sexy girl-next-door Cameron Diaz and pick up the perfect denim jacket, fab fedora and wear-with-everything shorts.
  


• Pack at least one maxi dress - Victoria Beckham's sleek style lends itself to a black maxi dress - it's so sophisticated yet casual and easy to dress up or down with a few pieces of jewelry or metallic sandals.
  


• Think boho tunics and vibrant bikinis for lounging poolside or walks on the beach, like Hayden Panettiere. Your tunic can double as a top with shorts or a cotton skirt.

Now that you've got your inspiration, here's a practical list of 15 essentials to pack for your summer cruise. Best part, everything's under $60! Inject your own personality by picking the colors, prints and silhouettes that speak to you.



1. Neutral tank top
2. Denim jacket
3. Flat sandals
4. Twill shorts
5. Striped shirt
6. Chambray shirt
7. Straw hat
8. Cotton skirt
9. Maxi dress
10. Linen pants
11. Sunglasses
12. Wedge sandals
13. Scarf
14. Print bikini
15. Crossbody bag

What advice would you give Katie? Let her know in the comments!

I'm graduating from a university and I wanted to know if you could give suggestions on graduation dresses? —Banke

When considering what to wear to your college graduation, keep in mind the following:

• Where will the ceremony take place?
  


• Will I be wearing a gown?
  


• What's the weather going to be like?
  


• What events will I be attending immediately after the ceremony?

Once you know the answers to these questions, you can pick the best dress for the day. Generally this will will mean something just above the knee in a breathable fabric, possibly with pockets for your cell phone (give other essentials to family members to hold on to so you don't have to fuss with a purse).

You'll probably be taking lots of photos after the ceremony and possibly heading to a luncheon or other event, so dress nicely and you won't have to worry about doing a quick-change. There might not be time.

Another thing to consider is your shoes as this might be the only part of your outfit that actually shows if you're wearing a gown. If the ceremony or seating will be on a lawn or grassy area, consider a low wedge or cute flats. A bit of a heel always looks best with those awful graduation gowns! Make sure your shoes are comfy enough to walk in - you don't want to tumble while accepting your diploma.

Here are some outfit ideas featuring dresses under $100:

Outfit idea 1: Chic sophistication



Dress, Bracelet, Shoes, Nail Polish

Outfit idea 2: Fresh and fun



Dress, Wedges, Necklace

Outfit idea 3: Playfully polished



Dress, Necklace, Shoes

Got advice for Banke? Let her know in the comments!