Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Is hosiery — sheer stockings, regular pantyhose in neutral beige, nude or black — making a comeback? I hope the bare-leg trend is over!

--Marina W.

Dear Marina: The bare-leg trend is not “over” but sheer hosiery is making a comeback. Gone for good are the large and varied options at department stores of the past. But, you still will find limited stock there and in big box and drug stores.

If for any reason — including veins and other imperfections — you choose to wear sheer or semi-sheer hose, you will be in good company with style-conscious women of all ages. And heavier-weight tights of all colors and thicknesses are still on trend, especially as weather turns cooler.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I have been trying to find a nice hooded rain jacket that does NOT have Velcro on the storm flap that usually covers the front zipper. The Velcro tends to catch on everything and can put pulls in a nice sweater or other nice top. It would be nice if it could cover my butt too!

--Michelle W.

Dear Michelle: I am so tired of clothing — usually outerwear such as the rain jacket you’re looking for — that uses Velcro to close an opening: Velcro at the cuffs, at the “storm flap” to keep out water, especially at the top of the zipper closing, or as a full substitute for a zipper. All of these get caught on sweaters, loosely woven scarves and shirts. And the Velcro (generically called hook-and-loop closures) even yanks at my shoulder-length hair!

I’ve tracked down a few possibilities for you: Lands’ End Squall Packable Waterproof Raincoat ( landsend.com, $149.95) and Lands’ End Print Waterproof Hooded Packable Raincoat ($159.95). Also, quince.com Weather Proof Oversized Rain Jacket on sale now reduced from $198 to $80. Check out outdoorgearlab.com for comparison shopping in rain jackets.

Some tips before you buy:

*Do not rely on photos or A.I. Check with each brand to assure that the jackets do not have Velcro closures, especially at the neck.

*Shop thrift stores. Many brands used snaps (some still do) instead of switching to Velcro.

*Fabrications can change without notice so also study return policies before buying and winding up with a jacket you can’t return or have to pay $$ in return postage.

Angelic Readers

From Marcia J.: “I liked your reader’s idea about purchasing products introduced in a birth year as a gift to someone born in that year for the person who insists on 'no gifts.' A completely free option would be checking the internet for news events, prices, fads, music, etc. for the particular year and making a colorful printout to include in a birthday card. You could also order a framed poster offered by Etsy ( etsy.com ) or other dealers."

Tracy S.: "For your reader Sue B. who wanted tips on products for her wavy (not curly) hair, one product that cures my problems is kitsch Air Dry Cream (mykitsch.com, $18; target.com, ultabeauty.com, $15). It calms the frizz down that I used to get when letting my hair air dry.”

From Kathleen M.: “On the question of how much to give as a gift for the couple having a destination wedding: The couple who is having a destination wedding and then requesting 'contributions to their life together' should rethink what they are asking. If they need help for their 'future together,' why are they having a destination wedding that costs guests much more to attend than most would spend on wedding gifts? It is a lot to expect!”

It seems that many readers have the same problem as Mary L., whose 3-year-old manages to turn on her dishwasher by pushing the buttons that are within too-easy reach…

Carol S. says: “Try the out-of-sight, out-of-mind tactic. Place a kitchen towel on the counter so that it hangs over the dishwasher obscuring the view of the buttons. It could work and it's cheaper than a new dishwasher.” From Linda H.: “There should be a water turnoff valve under the sink. It's extra work, but turn it off when the load is done and turn it back on when ready to do a load. She should check to make sure this won't damage the dishwasher as it will run, just not use any water.” Harold S.: “Any way to unplug the dishwasher after use? If not, flip a breaker switch?” Frank K. writes: “One solution is to have the dishwasher put on a wall switch that the child cannot reach. Also if this switch is kept in the off position when the dishwasher is not in use, it protects against power surges that could cause harm to the electronics in it.”

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