Red as Pseudo Neutral

I'm a 'match-a-holic' and need intervention!!! Somehow I am having a hard time understanding red shoes with a red-free floral print dress. Please help me out with this one... I need some more remedial training!
Thanks,
Vava


Red is a "pseudo" neutral, Vava. That means that it is not a neutral, like Black, but that it can coordinate, and stand up to, a very wide range of colors. The shoes, as we have learned here, "stand alone." (We learned that about the Bag, first.) The main issue with shoes is the shape, the heel height, and the profile, and how they interact with the hem length and the leg length, plus the vibe (style feeling) of the outfit.

Red patent, particularly, because of the shiny texture, stands alone well for almost all ensemble colors (except a print with small red elements, like cherries.) The red shoes are so strong that they compliment a print dress in a very bold way.

If you like matching, it has made some successful comebacks lately with fresh new components. However matching with Red takes very practiced skill. So, Red works, but when it stands alone, not in Old Matchy.

Floral Print Dress

Red Shoes

Leggings

I have a question regarding leggings. Do you think they are appropriate for those over 40? I was thinking with flats and a hip length tunic.
Thanks, Tc45



The most important aspect of any accessory is look, not age. The leggings will visually cut your leg somewhere below the knee, and the tunic will provide another cut of the vertical line. Can your body support this? The tunic, if hip length, may show your bottom in the back. Can it take the exposure? A good tunic will provide enough structure to balance the skin tight fit of the leggings, and not provide another body hugging aspect at the top. The proper footwear is required to balance leggings. Anything too bulky or wide will add an exercise feeling to your ensemble, so be careful about the proportion of the shoes.

Wearing spandex is a privilege, not a right. If the ensemble is perfect, the tunic covering what should be covered, and the leggings exposing what should be exposed, the outfit will be a big success. If there's a work-out, sub-casual feel to the leggings, the shoes; plus an unstructured top, that's 3 strikes at any age.

First Skirt

Hi, I'm a guy and really fancy wearing a skirt for a change. The trouble is I'm not sure if I'm brave enough but would really like to give one a go. What I don't know is what type of skirt I could consider wearing. Some have suggested a denim mini which I wouldn't mind trying. I have also wondered about a pencil/straight skirt. I'm 5 feet 9 inches tall with a 32 inch waist and slender legs. I don't think I would like to wear one longer than about 21 inches but would greatly appreciate any advice.

Thank you
Peter.



When trying a skirt for the first time, the denim mini is probably not the best place to begin. Minis are tricky, and there is the issue of the proper shoes. The wrong shoes, plus a short skirt, can make you look dumpy. The most flattering skirt is an A-line, and they come in lots of nice patterns this season. Of course, the pencil is really sharp, with its elongation of the body line, and the potential for a high-waisted belt effect. Remember that pencils are more fitted this year, and look for that important visible break below the pompi in the back.

The hem of a skirt should always end at a narrow part of the leg. For some folks, this is just below the knee, and for others, it's at the curve of the calf. Never have the hem cut the leg at the widest part of your leg.

As mentioned, shoes are critical for supporting a skirt. Be sure to wear the proper shoes when shopping for skirts, or when pinning them at the tailor's. Pants are more forgiving, especially if they are long enough to cover most of the shoe. The skirt shoe cannot have a high profile (covering most of your foot) unless it is a purposeful look, such as a gladiator sandal, a modern bootie, or a caged heel. Low profile shoes are great for skirts, and if the profile is open enough, flats are great with skirts. Some longer skirts, and dressier fabrics, really require heels. Check this out in a mirror, or with photos you can share here for advice, before you decide.

BTW, Hosiery is a really important element in skirt ensembles; more tricky than with pants. Look for opaque, semi-opaque, or patterned hose, or tinted sheers, for an up-to-date look. Micro fishnets are a compatible alternative, too.

Ilie Adds:
my advice:
*no pencil skirt (he won't have the hips to support it)
*no denim (too obvious)
i suggest a slight A-line in a structured/stiff fabric for the
illusion of hips and defined waist. My pink 'nicky' one from JCrew
comes to mind.

Too Neat for Work?

I work in an Insurance Office. My boss and most of the others wear tees and messy slacks. Also, they where very short skirts. I'm afraid to overdress for work. This is my first job.




I work in several locations, and I observe many folks traveling to work, too. I never see anyone "overdress" for the job. Underdressing is the usual, sad situation. Is there really the widespread problem of wearing a three piece suit to a job in a school? I've never seen anyone do this.

I think that the tendency to dress for the beach, when at work, is associated with decreased productivity, or is a sign of it; and that this has affected the economic status of our country in a bad way.

If the environment in which you work has a sub-casual standard, don't sink to the lowest common denominator. Wear excellent, crisp examples of the casual style, with an eye to (perfect) casual outfits. For work, avoid chiffon dresses and tube tops more suited to social activities. If your environment tends to jeans and polos, wear terrific jeans, great shoes, and very saturated polos; add a pretty cardi in a coordinating, new color, too.

Congratulations, and Good Luck on the new job!