Answer Angel: Huge cuffs?

Ellen Warren, Tribune News Service on Oct 27, 2026

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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: My sister came home with a pair of new jeans that she proudly modeled for me. She had turned up the extra length to create a huge 4-inch cuff.

When I asked her why she didn’t just buy pants with the right leg length in the first place, she just rolled her eyes and told me the wide cuffs are a popular style.

This is the first I heard of this. Is she right?

--Dina A.

Dear Dina: Your sister is right. A wide cuff jean is currently considered fashionable for both men and women.

I am not a fan. But … your sister is in good company. Celebrities who have been seen wearing this style include Jennifer Lopez, Natalie Portman, Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Aniston. That doesn’t mean it’s a good look. I’m on your side.

But it turns out that it is quite easy to buy jeans that come with a huge turned-up cuff. They’re everywhere: Old Navy, Kohl’s, Madewell to name just a few options.

This trend is not to be confused with a rolled up or turned up cuff of an inch or so, which has been around for some time. I don’t like that one either.

And another style question…

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: What is the protocol of wearing a button-up men’s shirt with a matching plain solid color (no pattern) tie in the same color as the shirt?

--Phillip B.

Dear Phillip: This is not a look I recommend. Traditional suit-and-tie menswear doesn’t offer many options, but a beautiful contrasting tie is one of the few. You won’t be laughed out of the room if you choose to match your tie and shirt, but you might be mistaken for a member or the restaurant waitstaff.

Angelic Readers

Many readers to the rescue for reader Barbara S. who has had no luck finding a small (packable) hair dryer with a diffuser for her curly hair. While hotels and cruise ships often provide a hair dryer, the “universal” diffuser attachment she bought didn’t fit the hair dryer provided on her cruise.

Ronnie S. writes: “I got a ‘sock’ type diffuser that fits over any dryer nozzle. I got mine at a beauty supply store. They are made of material that resembles filters for an air conditioner. Just Google ‘sock type hair diffuser for hair dryer’ (amazon.com, $8.99; walmart.com, $5.99 and up).” Karen O. and Sue C. recommend the sock diffuser too.

Amy J. writes: “This is a bit of a curveball answer, but a bonnet hood hair dryer attachment works really well for my curly hair. It folds down very small and is great for travel (amazon.com, Skywee Bonnet Hair Dryer Attachment Set, $7.94).”

Noreen R. says, “I used to have the same diffuser troubles until I solved my issue by carrying a small role of black electrical tape on my trips. The diffuser I bring with me is easily taped to any size hair dryer and works beautifully. The tape is easily removed (unlike Duck Tape) after use and has worked perfectly for me over the years.” Kay M. writes, “I love the Slopehill Dual Voltage Hair Dryer from amazon.com that comes with a diffuser for $66.”

Jane M. doesn’t hold back: “There’s a good reason that your reader Jada O. can’t find round-toe ballet flats. They are out of style! The square toe is in. Typically these shoes are a little bit longer so your toe box fits nicely in it, as the shoe extends out a bit. I say don’t buck the trend, get with the trend!” From P.G. “For your reader Jada O. I immediately went to the QVC and HSN websites where I typed in their search bar ‘round toe ballet flats.’ A number of shoes showed up on both websites. The prices varied by brand. Both QVC and HSN have very good return policies should the shoe not fit.”

Barbara C. says, “Take a look at Rothy’s brand (rothys.com).” Jackie S. says, “I like Sam Edelman flats available online and at DSW and Macy’s.” Carol M. is a Sam Edelman fan too.

From Louise R.: “Bad knees finally forced me to give up the much-loved very high heels I had worn for decades. LifeStride’s website (lifestride.com) has a great selection of ballet flats. They are by far the most comfortable flats I have and are reasonably priced. These are my favorite! Like everyone, I absolutely love shoes and these flat are very stylish and the variety allows me to continue to have shoes for every outfit! Win-win!”