dos and donts

Do's & Don'ts　
Retro rufflesThere’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring—and with it, all those stellar outdoor cocktail hours—than with a flirty ruffle-trimmed sundress. However, DON’T waltz into work with a strappy number like this patterned halter from Oscar de la Renta: Anything that’s a DO for a summer barbecue is likely an office DON’T.
Pastels and ’90s neonsSpring runways were full of pale pinks, faded turquoise and a few bolts of acid brights. DO incorporate the season’s bold new colors into your wardrobe with one vivid item, like a rainbow-bright skirt or blazer such as those seen on Alexander Wang’s runway. Just wear one hot hue at a time, and DON’T try mixing a bunch of these trendy colors together—it can be blinding and not in a good way.
Biblike necklacesYou may think you DON’T need this trend, but you DO: One large candy-color necklace, like the ones seen on the Lanvin, Matthew Williamson and Louis Vuitton runways, will make any outfit seem super trendy. Seriously: One of these bad boys will make your trusty old T-shirt and jeans look like a million bucks.
Bohemian printsAnna Sui, Diane von Furstenberg and other designers whipped up sweet boho-print dresses for spring. While the easy-breezy dresses are a total DO for date night, leave the arm bands, floral crowns and leave beads at home: Too many ’60s accessories can make you look like you’re stuck in a time warp—which is a definite DON’T!
Roomy, relax-fit pantsTrendsetters will love the fresh new shape spring’s roomy harem-style pant gives them (plus, they’re a heck of a lot more comfy than those ankle-strangling skinny jeans!). If you’re feeling daring, DO try them with a slim-fitting tank and heels. DON’T wear a boxy top, sporty sneakers or piles of gold chains unless you’re into the MC Hammer look.
DO try oversize earringsWanna glam up a simple top or LBD (Little Black Dress)? Slip on a pair of shoulder-grazing chandelier earrings, but DON’T pile on any other accessories: Big earrings + big necklace + big ring = big mess.
Mix-and-match patternsDON’T be afraid to mix things up this season. As shown at the Michael Kors show, polka dots and stripes can be worn together. Just DO make sure the patterns are in the same color family.
Animal printsWhether it’s an exotic, safari-feeling top or a leopard-print dress like this little number from Lanvin, animal prints are a total DO for spring.
Cosmetic colorsWhen hitting the mall (or shopping online!) DO keep your eyes peeled for dresses and tops in pretty blush-color shades. Just like the peachy-pink powder you brush on your cheeks, clothes in this shade will light up and flatter

trendy dos and donts

DOSDONTS
DO'sWear monochromatic clothes for a slimming effect.
Stick to a single strand pearl necklace if you're doubtful about jewellery.
Avoid fishnet stockings.
Adapt trends to make them work for you. If denim is the fashion and you don't wear jeans, try denim skirts, shirts, etc.
Add stylish things to your wardrobe every now and then.
Carry a small handbag for an evening out.
Emphasize your best feature and underplay your worst one.
Make sure your hemline suits your legs. Wear longer skirts if your legs aren't what you'd like them to be.
Use dark lipstick if you're dark-skinned.
Make sure to use the same shade of foundation on your face and neck while applying make up.
　Don'tsWear clothes that are too tight for you. They only make you look bulky.
Wear sunglasses indoors or at night.
Wear a casual watch with a dressy outfit.
Wear jewellery that jingles as you move.
Dress like a teenager if you are above 25.
Wear a dainty choker if you have a have a heavy neck. It doesn't look nice.
Wear see through clothes. It isn't classy.
Mix metals in jewellery. Gold and silver don't really match.
Wear over large earrings.
Wear printed scarves with printed outfits.　MEN DO's & DONT's
DO'sStick with a classic winter hat
Wear -- and take care of your -- leather - Avoid: Cheap leather, drying radiator heat, salt-wielding neighbors
Layer with a vest - Avoid: Oversize vests, sweaters with reindeer and/or Douglas firs - Avoid: Ear muffs, ear warmers, pom-pom hats, anything made by a so-called friend or family memberDONT's
Mix and mismatch athletic gear - Solution: Invest in a slim wool coat, a heavier nylon jacket with removable layers, a versatile raincoat, and if you’re the sporty type, at least two pairs of gloves. Wear an oversize puffer jacket - Solution: Insulate-lined peacoats,
Trek around in UGG boots - Solution: Wear Sorel boots
Bulk up - Solution: Thermal tees, cashmere hoodies, tailored topcoats, not leaving the house for six months padded and quilted jackets


Learn to tie your scarf - Avoid: Throwing one end over your shoulder like a Christmas-clad Peanuts cartoon character

dos and donts part 1

DOSDONTS PART1
some fashion don’ts first-

This might sound like an ordinary suggestion, but this is the blunder that most people commit most times. Never wear clothes that don’t fit you properly, no matter what the fashion demands are that point in time. Apart from being in vogue, fashion has to make you look good, too.
This is similar to the first one but slightly different. Your comfort level matters as much as how you look. If you’re wearing clothes that you’re not comfortable in, that’s going to reflect in your attitude and confidence, which pretty much means that no fashion will repair the damage in the way you come across to people.
Overexposure can kill you as much as hiding behind layers of clothes. Remember, fashion should accentuate your sensuality, and when you expose too much, you’re killing the mystery factor that adds to your sex appeal. It doesn’t matter if you have the most gorgeous body in the world—don’t overexpose or your fab body will mean nothing in the end.
Don’t match everything to look like a futuristic zombie. Looking the same from head to do is okay on fashion ramps but not on the streets. Even if trends demand that you match, find ways to bring in moderation and variety in the overall look.
Wear clothes that suit your age. Do not wear clothes that teenagers wear if you’re above 40, but it’s not a crime to look youthful, so try cutting down on your years by dressing smartly, not by wearing dresses that are worn by people half your age.
Just as you can kill your fashion by over matching and over exposure, over accessorizing will make you a fashion outcaste. You don’t want to look like a walking accessory display on the road. Your accessories should make people notice you instead of taking away all the attention from you.
Avoid too much make up. Use make-up to hide your flaws and enhance your positives. Over make-up could prove to be entirely counterproductive and make you look like a wax statue instead of a fashionable human being. Your attitude is very important to make you come across as someone with an understanding of fashion. Don’t go around sounding like you’re the only one that knows about fashion. Don’t ridicule the fashion perceptions of people; if you want to be known as a fashion diva or an uber-cool man, play it down. Flaunt, but subtly. Don’t fish for compliments; they’ll come to you if you carry yourself off with the right attitude.

dos and donts part 2

DOSDONTS PART2
some fashion do’s-
Invest your money in quality fabrics. Though fashion trends keep changing all the time, if you have clothes in your wardrobe that’ll stand the test of time, you can always use the stored clothes again when the particular items come back in vogue.
If you’re a woman, a little black dress in your wardrobe is a necessity; same as a white t-shirt and denims for a man. These things never go out of fashion or use.
Mix and match, but try to avoid looking like you’re all mixed up instead. Mix and match doesn’t mean that you choose every item from your undergarments to your nail polish differently. Mix and match in the right combinations.
Read fashion magazines or browse through the Internet to stay updated with the latest trends. This way, you’ll know what to shop for when you want to add to your wardrobe.
Invest in minimalist jewelry. Too much hand work in the forms of precious stones or beads might limit the scope for change if current trends go out of fashion. If you have jewelry that is versatile, you can always change or alter it when trends change.
Invest money in a classy watch or a set of watches. The value of watches goes up with time, and a good watch is ever fashionable. You can keep a collection of assorted watches, but one sophisticated watch is always a must.
Invest in quality accessories. Select accessories such as handbags, belts etc not based on what others are wearing, but according to the clothes you have in your wardrobe.
Choose colors that suit you and never go by the season’s color. If the current color in vogue suits you, fine, but never go for a color that will pull you down. Let your eyes and brain be the judges, and don’t let a fashionista tell you what to wear.

simple dos and donts

DOSDONTS
Don't pull up your stockings in public.
Do wear color near your face.
Do soften the hard lines of a suit with a lace top underneath.
Don't wear sweaters so long that they make you look short.
Do borrow your husband's clothes.
Don't wear acid-washed jeans.
Cropped pants can make you look shorter.
Do wear a hipslip or minimizer under tight clothes.
Do have a stash of basics on hand: T-shirts, leggings, black socks and tights.
Patterned leggings can make legs look heavier.
Monochromatic outfits are one of the best slimming secrets there is.
Don't overaccessorize.


Lies, Lies, Lies

* Nice girls don't wear white after Labor Day.
* You shouldn't wear suede shoes in summer or patent leather in winter.
* Handbags have to match your outfit.
* Black is boring.
* If you wear two pieces that are both navy, the colors have to match.
  (It's all but impossible.)


Elements of Style

Do...
* Try something that's "not you" once in a while.
* Adapt trends so that they work for you--and adapt is the key word
   here. A plaid minikilt isn't for everyone, for example. But if you love
   the look, try a longer plaid skirt.
* Hold on to a few of your favorite outdated pieces. You never know!
* Add a couple of stylish, inexpensive things to your wardrobe each season.

Don't...
* Force yourself to wear something for somebody else.
* Dress like a teenager.
* Mix two seasons in one outfit.
* Wear really casual shorts or beach sandals on dress-down Fridays.


Color

Wear black with navy. Trust us! Both of them also go with...
* cream * white * beige * brown
...and the combinations are timelessly elegant.

Don't wear too many colors at once.

If you find an inexpensive, basic item that fits well, buy it in several colors.


10  Must-Haves For Fall
(To Buy or Dig Out from Your Closet)

1.     White blouse
2.     One perfect dress
3.     A pleated or A-line skirt
4.     Boots--tall or short
5.     A mohair sweater--yes, they're back
6.     Anything plaid
7.     A pea coat in navy or black
8.     A short, fitted blazer or a long, tailored style
9.     Tapered trousers
10.   Pretty pastels--a jacket, sweater, skirt or all of the above


Dressing Up

* Do wear black for an evening affair if the event is black tie.
* Do keep dyed shoes in the closet with the bridesmaid dress.
* Do take advantage of the "Bring 'em back--shoes, that is--we'll dye
   'em black" policy. Don't, however, wear dyed shoes if there's any chance
   of snow or rain. The color is likely to bleed.
* Do carry a small evening bag and don't overstuff it.
* Do sew Velcro on strapless bras and on your dress to keep everything in place.
* Don't wear a casual watch with very dressy clothes.
* Don't wear a casual jacket over a fancy dress.
* Don't wear anything too tight, too sexy or too see-through.
* Don't wear uncomfortable shoes.
* Don't upstage the bride in something that's too attention getting.

classic dos and donts

DOSDONTS
Classics

Dos
* Pearls. Need we say anything more?
* A chambray shirt under a blazer.
* The perfect little black dress. Every closet should have one.
* Twin-sweater-sets that do double duty in your wardrobe.
* Opaque hose with Lycra spandex are a girl's best friend.

Don'ts
* Anything that's obviously left over from days of yore-
   -especially if it's polyester with topstitching.
* Linen in winter.
* Skirts so narrow that you can't walk.
* Jogging suits when you have no intention of jogging.
* Too many patterns at one time.


The All-Time, Best-Ever, Never-Fail, A-Number-One Figure Do:

Learn to love your body, flaws and all.


Figure It Out

Do...
* Buy elastic-waist pants and skirts--they're more comfortable.
* Emphasize your best feature: Great legs? Wear short skirts.
* Create balance by wearing shoulder pads--they can make your hips look smaller.
* Wear loose, comfortable clothes in soft, drapey fabrics. They're forever forgiving.
* Road test bodyshaper pantyhose before you wear them.
* Buy a supportive bra--everything will fit better.
* Wear dark opaque hose or tights with short skirts.
* Match hose to shoes for a slimming silhouette.
* Choose belts that match your pants for an unbroken line.
* Opt for pinstripes rather than wide vertical stripes.


Do...
Make sure your hemline suits your legs:
* If you love your legs, anywhere above the knee is fine. (Above midthigh is pushing
   it, though, no matter what your legs look like.)
* For heavy legs, go below the bottom of the calf.
* If you have heavy ankles, stick to longer lengths, but don't try to cover them since you
   only trip on your hem. Slip on a pair of matching opaque hose instead.
* Treat yourself to a new outfit when you lose a few pounds.
* Opt for jackets with soft, body-skimming lines.
* Take advantage of cover-it-all tunic tops.
* Wear layers of streamlined knits, not bulky ones. They're universally flattering.
* Make sure you have one outfit that you know you'll feel good in--even on "fat" days.


Don't...
* Wear a skimpy dress unless you're sure that you look good in it--absolutely sure.
* Fall victim to the whims of fashion and wear ultrawide-leg pants--especially if
   you're petite.
* Reveal too much when you wear leggings. Even if your rear end is supertoned,
   always wear a top that covers it.
* Buy pants or skirts without checking out your rear view. And when you try on
   pants, always sit down in them.


Figure Fantasy vs. Figure Fact

Big, bulky clothes will hide my figure.
They'll also add pounds to it.

Prints will make me look bigger.
No, as long as the print is small.

Buying something a size too small will inspire me to lose weight.
Maybe, but it's much more likely that you'll never wear it.


Battling the Bustline

If you're large-busted, skip...
wide belts, long necklaces, big pins

And go for...
Blouses that minimize:
* softly draped (but not oversized) styles in silk or polyester.
* simple V necklines without pockets.
Dark colors on top, light ones on bottom.
A bright jacket over a dark top.


Taming the Tummy

If your stomach is not as flat as you would like it to be, skip...
tucked-in blouses, cropped tops, belted jackets

And go for... tunic tops ... loose jackets ... softly pleated pants


Slimming the Bottom Half

If your hips and thighs are less than svelte, skip...
leggings, big patterns below the belt, narrow trousers

And go for... * loose-fitting trousers * long jackets * long flowing skirts

dos and donts

DOSDONTS
5 Faux Pas
(No Matter What Your Figure)

1. Tops that draw unnecessary attention.
2. Jeans that don't fit perfectly. Finally, there are styles for every conceivable
    figure--flaws and all.
3. Long full jackets paired with long full skirts.
4. Anything so tight that it looks as if the seams might split.
5. Stiff, boxy jackets. Not only are they unflattering, they're uncomfortable
    as all get out.


Investments

Good eyeglass frames. Don't, however, wear them on a clunky chain around
your neck. If you must, choose something a little more subtle.

A good, versatile scarf that goes with the colors you wear most. And
look for silk crepe versions. They're usually easier to tie and more
likely to stay that way.

A well-made jacket in a 3-season fabric--lightweight wool or gabardine.
What's the mark of well-made? Look for fully lined versions with sturdy,
well-sewn seams.

A good bag that will last for years, big enough for all your essentials,
but not too big.

At least one well-made pair of pants (or a skirt, for that matter) that
you can wear for three seasons. By the way, pleats are fine as long as
they're not stiff.

A pair of classic pumps. Look for: leather, heels no higher than two
inches, and a natural, versatile color like black, navy or ivory.


Jewelry

Do...
* Wear ivory and tortoiseshell, but only if they're fake.
* Assemble a collection of good, basic costume jewelry:
   * a pair of matching gold bangle bracelets, or a gold cuff not wider than
      an inch and a half.
   *link necklaces in varying lengths.
   * a pair of simple gold hoop earrings, or gold button-style clip-ons.
* Buy a two-tone watch so that you can wear it with silver or gold jewelry.
* Keep your jewelry organized. Even egg cartons or plastic silverware trays will do.
* Wear large earrings if you're a large woman--you're among the few who can
   carry them off.

Don't...
* Wear jewelry that jingles when you walk.
* Pierce your ears more than twice in each lobe. Never wear earrings so heavy
   that they stretch your lobes.
* Mix your metals. Silver jewelry is out of the question if your jacket has
   gold buttons.
* Wear rhinestones before 6 p.m.
* Squeeze a large neck into a dainty choker. It just doesn't work.

accessories dos and donts

DOSDONTS
Accessories

Belts

* Do wear a belt with a gold buckle if you are wearing gold jewelry.
* Do cover elastic waists with belts or scarves.
* Don't assume that you must, in every circumstance, match your belt and
   shoes. But don't stray too far afield either.
* Do wear a belt whenever you wear clothing with belt loops.
* Do wear belts made of leather. If they aren't, they should at least
   look like they are.
* Do replace belts when they start to look shabby. Or take them to a
   shoe-repair store for reconditioning.

Scarves

* Do iron them on low!!!
* Do think twice before you wear a print scarf with a print outfit. To
   make it work, you need a dotted jacket and dotted scarf, for example.
* Don't wear a long one dangling from your shoulder. Even if you can
   manage not to lose the thing, it screams fashion victim.
* Do keep scarves folded in clear plastic containers or in plastic bags.

Bags

Whatever you do, DON'T...
* carry more than two at once
* overstuff them
* carry anything bigger than a bread box.


Do learn at least one great way to tie a square scarf.
* Fold in half to form a triangle; then fold it, from the point end
   toward the flat side, until it's about 1 1/2" wide.
* Wrap around neck from front to back.
* Bring ends back around to front and knot.


Just Say No

* Impossibly trendy jewelry like nose and navel rings
* See-through clothes
* Extremely high heels
* Fake Chanel anything
* Baby-doll dresses
* Slouchy socks
* Huge shoulder pads
* Fishnet stockings
* Ankle bracelets under pantyhose
* Baggy sweatsuits
* Aprons, unless they're in the kitchen
* Thigh-high skirts
* The schoolgirl look
* Bra tops
* Socks and sneakers with a suit
* Ultra-cropped tops. If your belly button shows, skip it
* High heels with jeans
* Sunglasses at night or indoors

closet classics

DOSDONTS
5 Closet Classics

* Organize your closet by item (all skirts together, all jackets
   together etc.) rather than by outfit or color. You'll see more
   mix-and-match potential.
* Invest in shoe trees. They'll keep your shoes
   in better condition (we promise) and keep all that closet clutter to a
   minimum.
* Slip belts over hangers.
* Buy padded hangers for delicate items.
* Keep longer clothes on one side of the closet.


Shopping

Do...
* Buy things that go with at least two other things you already own.
* Shop in consignment shops.
* Ask salespeople to call you when they know there is going to be a sale.
* Shop in the men's department for basics. They're usually much cheaper
   and offer a larger variety.
* Buy it if you absolutely love it. Next time it may not be there.
* Keep receipts in case you want to return something that goes on sale. And
   don't be shy about doing so!
* Take advantage of the convenience of catalogs. But be careful! It's easy to
   overspend if it doesn't feel like you're shopping. Before you pick up the phone:
      Set a limit.
      Make a list.
      And for every piece you plan to order, take something out of your closet and
      lay it in front of you. If you see things piled up, you'll be less likely to
      lose your head.
* Ask about free tailoring and personal-shopping services.
* Take a friend along with you. Not only can she can tell you how things look
   from the back, she can save you from yourself--"A hundred dollars? For that???"


Don't Be Afraid to...

* Check the sales racks in better department stores.
* Say no to a salesperson.
* Spend a little extra for a classic item that you know will last.
* Ask if the store will discount an item for a missing button or a loose hem.

extra maintenance

DOSDONTS
The Extras: Maintenance

Do...
* Hem your cuffs. And bear in mind that if you're tall, you can get away with
   a wider cuff.
* Treat your clothes with loving care. And buy clothes you can afford to take care of.
* Hang woolens out for 24 hours after wearing them to air them out.
* Clip out labels from sheer blouses and bras.
* Use liquid detergent when washing darks.
* Dry-clean and store winter clothes in the summer, and vice versa.
* Bleach whites that are bleach safe.
* Save time and iron only the cuffs and collars of blouses you are wearing under a
   sweater or jacket.
* Redye black jeans when they start to fade.
* Keep white canvas sneakers white by soaking them in one part water to one
   part bleach.
* Use spray starch.
* Sew bra hooks onto shoulder straps that always slip.
* Carry a portable sewing kit in your purse.
* Buy a steamer to dewrinkle your clothes in a jiffy.

Don't...
* Try to wash something that says "dry-clean only" unless you're willing to part
   with it for good.
* Rehang clothes that are in need of repairs. Fix them first.
* Hang sweaters.
* Alter expensive clothes yourself, unless you really know you can.

The 7 Deadly Shopping Sins

* Wearing lace-up shoes--you'll double your time in the changing room.
* Spending more than you should on trendy items. If you absolutely must have
   that silver lame blouse, set a limit before you get to the store.
* Buying on impulse just because something is on sale.
* Using a credit card when you can spare the cash.
* Shopping without a list, even if it's just in your head.
* Looking like a schlump when you shop. If you don't put some effort into your
   hair and makeup, you'll feel like nothing looks good on you.
* Shopping with your husband. Why torture one another?