[adpiucf]

Scandia, I understand where you're coming from. You get COLD. I sympathize. I'm cold in 80 degree weather! And for some reason, the hotter and more humid outside, the colder the A/C inside at work!

Ditch the skirts. You need tailored slacks, button down shirts and sweater sets or fitted cardigans. You can wear trouser socks which go up to just below the knee, and loafers or a closed toe and all over shoe with a little bit of a heel. Knee-high boots and low boots really are only for fall and winter, so you may want to invest in some simple flats for the summer.

I love DSW for shoes. For clothes, Ann Taylor is a great place to start. I used to work at an Ann Taylor Loft in college, and their associates do a great job of helping you build pieces for your wardrobe. It helps to start with a basic dark color like navy, black or brown and build a look around that color with items like 1) Slacks, 2) long fitted skirt, 3) just below the knee skirt, 4) blazer in the dominant dark color. And then going with complimentary shoes-- loafer, closed and open toe heel, sandles, boots. Then finding complimentary tops in patterns and solids and in a variety of colors. There are plenty of books on building a classic wardrobe out there.

The other posters are right. You walk a fine line between the styles you wear as a child, a young woman and an old woman. Your clothes (right on down to your shoes) can make you look old or frumpy, and not like the lovely young woman you are. When you dress a certain way, it can change your entire outlook on life and the way others see you!

If you can't find the right stores in Tampa, take a field trip to Orlando for the great outlet shopping!