Is it acceptable to wear something under a bustier? I have a taffeta Kate Sylvester number, and I feel too white and pasty to wear it by itself, with totally bare shoulders. But putting something under looks wrong.

We say it’s definitely okay to wear something under a bustier. In fact, layering is the ideal way to wear the structured tops, allowing you to wear them every day without looking too dressed up or revealing.

Choose a fine knit T-shirt, like the ones by Jac & Jack in a neutral colour like white, grey or black and wear your bustier over the top for a casual look with jeans or cut-off shorts. Alternatively try a simple white or black tank or a stretchy long sleeve top under it.

Another style to try underneath a bustier is a lace T-shirt. They’re everywhere right now and cover you up just enough while still revealing a hint of skin.

This season Lonely Hearts and Miss Crabb (above) have some half-length bustiers that really look more like a glorified bra, so you’d have to be pretty daring to rock them alone. Instead try over a stretchy black dress like Stolen Girlfriends Club’s popular Dust and Bones dress or with a longer tube top underneath.

If you’re not convinced, bustiers also look great under blazers for covering up!

Megan Bedford 19/11/08

Q: How should someone in their late thirties with a curvy figure dress to keep cool in summer? To dress casually but not resort to the dreaded “menopause pants and T-shirts” look?

A:  Your late thirties is definitely not the time to resort to that “dreaded look.” You deserve to look and feel good and stylish and there are plenty of options to be cool, casual and flatter a curvy figure. First up, invest in a body skimming white shirt. White shirts are very hot right now – but are also practical and flattering. They keep you cool, while looking laidback and stylish. For a cheap option, head to Glassons – there’s a range of shirts to choose from. Other places to try are Jaimie Boutique, Country Road, Workshop and James Perse from Muse. There are various options for what to team the shirt with. You could try a pair of cuffed city shorts for an on-trend summer look. But if shorts aren’t your thing, some light slim-leg pants or wide-leg, high-waisted pants work well. Karen Walker Hi There has a gorgeous pair of chambray-coloured jeans which would be sure to flatter a curvaceous figure and look amazing with a white shirt. Then, accessorise with a pair of chunky wooden heels to give your legs a lift. High heels flatter and lengthen the body no matter what you are wearing. Another choice for summer is the very handy kaftan. They’re perfect for keeping cool, throwing over a swimsuit, wearing over pants – or even wearing as a dress. It would pay to experiment with belts just under the bust of your kaftan as you don’t want to end up committing the classic mistake of trying to disguise curves by throwing on a tent! Trelise Cooper and Brown’s in Remuera both have great options in a range of styles. Another outfit choice is one of this season’s maxi dresses. To give you some definition, belt the dress at the waist, and then team it with a short-sleeved long cardigan – cashmere is ideal because it’s light and breathes. To Sir With Love make beautiful cashmere pieces. Just remember, the heat combined with being in your late thirties doesn’t mean you need to break out the oversized T-shirts and loose pants.

Q: Every year I search for the perfect summer hat and have yet to find it! There are so many caps and small peaked hats out there, but I would love a casual hat that actually gives good protection from the wrinkle causing rays. Do you know of any suitable sunhats out there?

A: Sunhats can look so wrong, or so right - depending on the hat you choose and the rest of your outfit. Your best bet for protecting yourself against our harsh summer sun is to find a hat with a full, wide brim. Luckily, a big sunhat is a very stylish choice this summer. We recommend finding a big straw hat (or anything with a wide brim) – they’re perfect for injecting a bit of poolside glamour into your summer outfit. However, they must be worn in the right way so you don’t look naff. So, team your big round hat with a cute summer dress – floral, bright, patterned or safari – take your pick. Then accessorise with a tote bag, a pair of gladiator sandals and top the look off with a pair of summer’s hottest sunnies – we love aviators or Prada’s new butterfly frames. And don’t forget, a big black hat worn with black sunglasses is very Audrey Hepburn – always a good look.

So where do you find this perfect hat? One option is to try op-shops – Megan found an amazing straw hat in Savemart! Equip also has a great selection of affordable sunhats that come in a range of colours. We also found a gorgeous hat from Dotti with a brown leather strap around it, for only $40! You can also try Country Road - always has a good range of summer hats for a good price. We also adore the hats used in Karen Walker’s New York show, pictured here. Happy hat hunting!