QUESTION: I've seen some attractive brocade jackets in the stores, but I hesitate to buy one. I'm always afraid I'll look like an upholstered sofa if I wear brocade. How can I avoid this possibility? Also, can I wear brocade in the daytime, or is it strictly for evening?ANSWER: If you wear brocade head-to-toe, you may indeed end up looking like a sofa. To avoid this rather alarming result, choose just one garment in brocade, then pair it with something simple and solid-colored.For example, if you decide on one of those brocade jackets, wear it with a plain skirt or trousers and a contrasting blouse.You can wear brocade day or night. For daytime, put it with a matte-finish fabric such as gabardine, wool or even denim. For evening, you can achieve a dressier look pairing brocade with a shiny fabric such as silk, satin or taffeta.

QUESTION: I have used Coty 24 lipstick for many years but have not been able to find it lately. I understand it is no longer being made. All my lipsticks are worn down to the nubs. What's a gal to do?ANSWER: Yours is one of several laments I've heard lately about long-loved lipsticks being lost.Occasionally, out-of-production lipsticks can be found at Big Lots and Dollar Store outlets. Your only other recourse is to contact Three Custom Color Specialists (3C).This New York company specializes in copying lipsticks. You need to supply the brand and color name, and ideally, a tiny sample of the lipstick itself. Two new tubes cost $50. For details, contact 3C at 888-262-7714 or visit threecustom.com.

QUESTION: I use a permanent hair-color product once every two months. I've tried a number of products for touching up my gray roots between colorings, but they all either smudge, leave a waxy residue or brush out. Can you suggest something more effective?ANSWER: A new product, ColorMark, might be right for you. It's a liquid hair color that's applied with a foam wand. It bonds instantly with the hair, leaves no residue and doesn't brush out.Available in 12 colors, it costs $19.95 at cosmetics specialty stores and online at colormarkpro.com.

QUESTION: I have a problem with my husband's dressing habits. He looks perfectly presentable when he goes to the office, but whenever we go out with friends to a movie or for a casual dinner, he wears these really awful old T-shirts. The other men wear nice polo shirts or sport shirts.My husband says I shouldn't fuss. He likes to be comfortable on the weekends. Fashion is for women. Nobody notices what men wear.ANSWER: Well, you notice - and you're not nobody. I bet your friends notice, too.Try this: Buy your husband a basic, comfortable polo shirt in his favorite color. Ask him to wear it - just for you, just this once - the next time you go out with your friends.Then enlist one or two of your friends to comment. Nothing overdone. Just a casual, "Looking good tonight." Or, "Nice shirt, man."I'd be surprised if the combination of comfort and compliments doesn't have him dressing up in a decent shirt every time you go out.

Fashion writer Jean Patteson welcomes your questions. Mail: Orlando Sentinel, MP-240, P.O. Box 2833, Orlando, FL 32802-2833. Phone: 407-420-5158.