I've been invited to a "Boat & Beach" themed college party where girls are supposed to wear bikinis. I'm not too confident or comfortable prancing around in a barely there outfit. What is something that is both stylish and a little sexy that I could wear?

Take inspiration from Jessica Stroup's sailor-shorts-and-halter-top look which she recently wore to an LA party. It's an adorable outfit with a nautical vibe that shows some skin but not too much. Here are some affordable pieces to help you put it all together:

Hello. First let me say I love your blog! I was hoping you could help me with something. Every year I do this dreadful search for denim shorts that are not Bermuda shorts nor are they Daisy Dukes! I work for the postal service so I am allowed to wear shorts but not short shorts. I have to wear tennis shoes so I do not like to wear Bermuda shorts not to mention it gets too hot! (I deliver in Florida.) Looking for like a 5"-6" inseam but they don't seem to exist. Every once in a while I come across a pair and I get all excited all to try them on and they make your butt look horrible. I'd appreciate any advice you could give! I'm sure there are more women in my position. P.S. I'm 29 so I'm stuck in between looking not too young, not too old and also trying to stay cool in the hot Florida sun.

If you're past the Daisy Dukes phase of life, but not quite ready for Bermudas (will you ever be?), here are some stylish denim shorts you'll want to wear: Each has a rise of 5" or more, in a contemporary cut and modern wash.

More Forever 21...

Dear Readers: Where have you found flattering denim shorts on a budget?

I am headed to New York City for a 4 day, girls-only trip near the end of May. I was hoping you could help put together some practical, yet stylish, outfits for touring the city as well as something to go out for dinner in. I am on a low budget and in dire need of fashion advice! I love the effortlessly stylish looks you've put together in the past. If you could help, that'd be amazing! Thanks!!!! —J

Springtime in New York City is beautiful. May temps go into the 70s, a little cooler in the evenings, but it's always a good idea to dress in layers since weather is predictably unpredictable. Wear comfortable shoes so you can do lots of walking and pack light so you can do lots of shopping! Bring things you can wear more than once and accessories that do double duty (like the adorable metallic cross-body bag I found, you'll see it below!)

Here are three outfit ideas featuring items under $100 (most are much less) to help you enjoy your NYC vacation in style & comfort:

On May 8th I will be graduating from college! However, I don't know exactly what to wear… I don't wish to wear white, because my black graduation robes are quite boring! I'm hoping to wear a springy dress, I just don't know what sort of outfit would be appropriate! —Brooke

I think a college graduation calls for a fun yet somewhat formal dress or skirt and blouse combo, and dressy heels or wedges. It's not a fashion show and it's not a prom, so you don't want to wear something too flashy or revealing. It's a family event too and you'll probably go out to eat with family and friends afterward so think about what will make you feel comfortable yet stylish.

Sort through GoJane.com's "Formals Under $60" section to find a great party dress without breaking the bank.

GoJane.com, an online fashion store that's well-known among frugal fashionistas as the place to get dirt-cheap designer-inspired shoes, also carries a small selection of rather decent formal dresses under $60. I'm not saying all the dresses in this category are winners, because some of them are quite bad indeed even by clubwear standards, but a remarkable number of the dresses are not only wearable but surprisingly chic. Just use a very discerning eye to sort the good from the bad, and you could surprise yourself with an amazing party frock for very little cash. Paired with carefully selected accessories, many of these dresses could work for prom, summer weddings or graduation parties. See my top 6 picks after the jump.