Tweed and Brocade

Hi again Pres, I own both black & white tweed trousers and skirt. My question is, can I pair them with tone on tone color jackets, such as brocade, or other subtle pattern?
Thanks so much.


Hello!
It's hard for me to tell from your description.
Does the tweed support the brocade? Or does it look like an unintended mix of evening wear and work/day wear?

My own tweed (B&W and also Brown/beige) pants/skirt would support a brocade bolero jacket that I have, but the bolero is black on black. And, the pants and the bolero are the same visual "weight." (This is tough to convey, but the brocade looks heavy, and so does the tweed.) I'd add a soft satiny blouse under the bolero.

There's nothing wrong with mixing textures, especially one as basic as tweed. I love tweed with satin, myself.
With this mix, wear matte opaque hosiery and suede shoes in the same tone. Add a square clutch in patent in a bright color.

Colored Stones

What are your suggestions for using color in jewelry when choosing accessories? Over the years I've collected many pieces with colored stones, especially greens, (tourmaline and peridot) amethyst, and a few yellow and blue citrines.

For example, do I wear a purple top with an amethyst pendant and/or ring? A green top with peridot earrings? Or a green top with amethyst pendant and yellow citrine earrings?

I tend to be conservative in using jewelry. As a result I have several lovely pieces gathering dust because I'm not certain how to use them.


Wear them! There are only two rules this season:

They must be big enough.
Don't match them to the colors in your outfit.


If you have small stones, consider having them reset into one large piece:
Cuff Bracelet or, at the very least, combine several strands for a chunky look.
Amethyst Twist
Remember, a bigger piece is better than several small ones. Heavy, chunky settings are in, and colors should not be matched. Pick one bold piece in a beautiful color (the cuff bracelet) and add neutral metallic companion pieces (the earrings.)
Enjoy.

How to Choose a Jacket

Jackets are very flattering, if you know how to choose them.
They can create the shape that you need, and cover what you want covered.

Always pick a jacket that fits at the shoulders. At most, a small shoulder pad can be added to lift the shoulders a bit, but that's about all. If the shoulders collapse, with a fold forming at the upper arm, they are too big. If you can't pull your arms forward into the position for driving a car, they are too small.

When choosing the collar, remember that you will need a compatible shirt under. You should know what "your best look" is for a collar (deep Vee? round? standing?) to keep in mind when considering an investment in a jacket. If you need a Vee to elongate your upper torso, look for the "stance" that works best for you. The stance is the position of the bottom of the Vee (at the top button) and can be very variable. A large chest may require a higher stance (for the "Lock and Load" effect.)

In a jacket, a visible set-in waist is a plus, especially if the jacket camouflages the belly. And for this season, belts (narrow or wide) can help create a very nice shape. The jacket hem should end exactly at the sweet spot on your hip.

Here's my new jacket for this season: It Rocks.

We Love Jackets

Hi! I need your help once again!

I wear jackets every day to work and even on the train etc. I have 2 knitted jackets and one more casual/sporty jacket; however , for certain clothes, like smart casual /more girly or dressy clothes, I am not sure which jacket to wear. I prefer something that has no collar, because it can look very formal and stiff, and also because I have a lot of blazers already.

For your comment on my previous questions about my work uniform: “There are plenty of short trenches, pea coats, and flared jackets that will look great instead.” I am not sure that with my petite height and wide shoulders, a flared jacket would be good. I want to create a long, lean look. I notice there is a trend to incorporate the wide belts with the jacket too, but for convenience, I prefer not to put a belt over my jacket, since I have to put on and take off the jacket repeatedly.

I’d appreciate if you could give some images as illustration. Thank you.



How lucky you are to be able to wear a jacket every day! Jackets are the most flattering items made, and there are plenty of styles for you. Be sure to choose a petite jacket, and when you do, remember that the shoulder fit is the key: shoulders that don't fit will ruin the flattering effect.

Here's a jacket for the girly outfit: With Ruffles and one with a Classic Look
Here's Collarless with texture.

And, for a very lengthening effect, try
a Monochrome look. For this one, I'd add red, and an animal print, for the bag/shoes.

Look over all the pages of jackets from the up-to-date sites that are linked here.

Looks At Lower Price Points

I saw your entry on thrift stores. I am still looking for
ways to be cost sensitive these days. Have you ever bought fashion on
eBay? Advice?



I've found some great things on eBay! Buying on eBay can be hit or miss - especially since you can't try on the items and return them; but there are opportunities for bargains if you stick to designers that you know well and that have worked for you in the past.

I have bought a few designer items on eBay, and I had concerns about authenticity at first. I stick to sellers who have good feedback and who don't tend to sell multiple lots of the same items (ie, 3 listings for a Prada dress in different sizes
is a red flag. The seller may be creating them in a factory.) I do monitor a few sellers that are my favorites; when they are listing, they really seem to be cleaning out their closets. Some folks turn their wardrobes over very rapidly, and you can recreate your dream looks at much lower price points.

The items that I bought were always authentic and in great condition. You can go to the eBay website and do an advanced search for a seller's User ID. For example, I like to monitor the activity of fliss3295.

Colored Hose

I have read your posts regarding tinted sheers and I like them. My question to you is with green or burgundy, or any color other than shades of black, what color shoes do you suggest? Would shoes colored lighter than the sheers be a fashion faux pas?



Last year, I would have advised wearing neutral sheers like black, gray and taupe. For colored sheers, I'd have advised matching them to the shoes or the skirt. This year, things have changed. Although you can rely on the neutrals, and you can match the color of the hose to the stocking or the skirt for a smart look, even more combinations are possible. With a tweedy beige skirt, burgundy sheers would be lovely, and the shoe could be any neutral, like a light or dark brown croco. With green hose, dark pink is a great look.
Even light shoes, like a cream beige, don't limit your choices to lighter tights (sheer or opaque.)

So, what's the catch? The shoes and the skirt ensemble must be up-to-date. Don't try this with a full skirt and high profile kitten heels. That's a very conservative look that requires the retro rules (no lighter shoes, match to skirt or shoes.) And, of course, white, wide strap open toe sandals with a big buckle won't support sheer black stockings. I wouldn't say the same for gray suede roundies with a thick heel, or B&W oxford booties. The black, or burgundy, or green sheers would rock there.

To review: If you want a conservative look, keep the sheers neutral and the shoes darker. To branch out a little with a newly shaped outfit, wear colored hose, and match the hose to the shoes or the skirt. For a really modern look with the latest shoes, don't be afraid to toss colored hose of any shade into the mix. And, keep the ensemble pure. Don't try black sheers with last year's cream short skirt and light patent high pointy pumps.
Good Luck!

Coats for Booties

Hi Pres,
under the Bootie Thread, you mention a coat shape that would look great with booties. Could you post some examples of such a coat?? I love coats!
Thanks!
Vava



The bootie rocks the right coat. Here's one that won't support them: Puffer
This coat requires the tall, sleek, low heeled boots that are shown. Nothing with curvy heels (kitten or others) will work. The top silhouette needs the balance of a straight line pedestal.

And here's one that will: Puffer Trench

Another one that

Can Do

Note that although these are all puffers, they don't all work. Also, wearing a Puffer isn't a requirement, of course.

Wool for Booties

Wearing Booties

Pres, the bootie trend seems to still be in full force, but how do you take full-advantage of the trend without looking like a walking WTNW? Thanks!
Siepres


They're tricky. Booties are low boots that end somewhere around the ankle. I bought a pair two years ago, but they didn't get much wear. I see that the mainstream trends have caught up, and I have high hopes for this Fall/Winter.
Like everything else, booties require the right body shape, and the right support outfit.

About the body, evaluate how you will look with a horizontal break across your leg at the height of the bootie. Yes, there are folks who rock this look. Sometimes, the boot helps with camouflage of a wide ankle. Pants make it really easy, if they are the correct length, since the hem of the pants will determine the break line, but I don't think that's what you're asking. Just in case you are, remember: not too short!

A really up-to-date outfit is needed. If you try to mix booties with an old, embroidered full skirt in a passe print or color, it'll be a dumpy look. And sheer skin tone hose are right out! The booties require tights. Consider textures or stripes; perhaps in a monochromatic look to minimize the leg shortening effect. A Winter outfit with booties could include a big coat with a swingy hem.

Notice how much this outfit has been improved by the Booties. And see the modern elements: a wide belt, a pencil, a hobo bag, and a cardi.

Booties require attitude. Go for it.

New Shoes For Fall

Are pointed toe shoes still in style for fall or should I look for round toes? I can't wear peep toe to work or during the winter, so they are not really an option for me. I do have pointed toe boots in black and brown also.


Look for round toes. Although there are some pointies out there, the really, really pointy ones of a few years ago have passed by. Wear your pointed toe boots as much as possible, and don't be afraid of wet weather. I notice that when a trend is expressed to the limit, such as the shortest possible skirt, the widest shoulders, or the pointiest toes that can be created; it's usually followed by a complete reversal, like the maxi skirt, the sleeveless top, and the round toe.
We arrived at the needle toe a while back, so it was bound to happen.

If you are looking for a Fall/Winter trend, here's the Bootie and More Bootie