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* Hold on to a few of your favorite outdated pieces.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.