A Fresh Look

I want something fresh for Spring. I have a large top, and I am afraid to let go of the wintery woolens that provide visual coverage for me. Floral prints scare me, too. How can I use the new look?

Always take a quick peek at the runway shows, or fashion stores, for the new season.
You 'll find that this year, a very casual style (light wash denim); neutrals (khaki, navy, white) and muted florals (small prints) are popular.

Light wash denim will work for a jacket, jeans, or a skirt. It goes well with khaki, especially for shoes ("nude.") Add a floral print (not one with sharp contrast colors or shapes; think watercolors) as the central color block of your outfit, and wear a navy, or other dark, very fitted vee neck cardi over to provide dark, slimming sides. Be sure that the weave of the sweater is flat, and not adding a thick additional layer of bulk.

This year, the look is "soothing." You can invoke this vibe no matter what size you are.

New Floral

How to Wear a Cardi

My GM says a cardi should be big enough to cover my shirt. But my shirt has ruffles.If I button up the cardi it looks lumpy. My shirt is sleeveless so the sleeves of the cardi are nice and smooth. And if I buy a big cardi to button the sleeves will look lose. I wonder if cardis change recently.
Jenn


Where has dear GM been? Cardis are versatile accessories now; they aren't just worn as outer layers for warmth and coverage. Beware of GM's dated view of cardis. She probably sees them as warm&comfy, or remembers them fondly as part of sweater sets (an elegant look with a matching sweater and tee worn with pearls.) Cardis have changed a lot. They are smaller, and look great worn open over a nice ruffled cami. The fresh look in cardis is narrow, and long (often called Boyfriend, because of the length) or short (very short is Cropped length.) Many lengths work, depending on the sweet spot on your hip (try!). If you add a narrow belt, you'll look smashing. Give the oldies to GM (and show her the belt trick, as well.)

MichelleO A Woman and Her Cardis

GM may have a dated view of short socks and rolled jeans, too, so tell her to put down the knitting needles, and send her over here to us. We do wonders with GMs with open minds.

Shoe Shape

I need some new shoes. But I'm planning to wear them with my classic, non-trendy clothes from last Spring. Will this work?


The best way to update classic pieces, like a pencil skirt, jeans, or a denim jacket, is to add new shoes to the outfit. This can change the focus and add pizazz.
For this year, there are two shapes to look for: the caged sandal and the tee-strap.

Designer

Affordable

BTW, you can update your classic pieces from last year by adding a hot item:
Printed Cardigan $20

Click on The cardi pic to see what a difference the styling makes.
The model in the header ad has a styled outfit; collared shirt under, cardi opened to create central (white) color block and narrow bright belt. The blonde model in the cardi view has the cardi buttoned up over a tiny white vee and dark denim jeans. The print adds width here and the whole effect is less polished.

I Love Red

Can I wear Red in this year of neutrals?



Yes, if you keep some fresh ideas in mind:
Giselle on Vogue/Shape.
The Cover illustrates some good points:
Hot Red sells magazines.
Giselle rocks.
Add Khaki
Add a new accessory: The leather belt.
The red is a new red.
The one shoulder is a new shape.
The knit is featherweight.

Although neutrals are winning just now, Red is coming up strong from behind. Red is often described as a Pseudo Neutral, too. Red shoes and bags can support a wide range of colors.

This Spring 2

What's another trick?

Try adding light blue to your wardrobe. It's an easy color to wear, and can take the form of light wash jeans, if they suit you, or a ruffly blue scarf, if they don't.
Blue eye liner is also an idea for a fresh look.
This one has Great Structure.
If you need another layer over, for color blocking, wear a crisp blazer or a thin knit cardi, perhaps with a little ruffle, in a darker color. Don't use a heavy, peplumed knit to outline any exaggerated hip areas. Keep it Fresh. It's Spring, not dank, wet, rainy Winter !

This Spring

I would like to refresh my wardrobe for Spring. The colors look difficult to me. Any ideas?

You can easily add one color and change the entire palette of your outfits. Khaki (a light tan) is terrific in a durable twill or shiny poplin cloth that works for pants and skirts; there are also khaki jackets and trench coats. If you keep Khaki to the bottom item, it won't be a problem for your skin tone, whatever it is. Remember to keep the shape new, like a pencil or cropped pants that will say Spring 2010, too. Avoid passe full skirts with banding and exaggerated A-lines. Besides Khaki, modern Olive Army Green is a great neutral to add this Season.

A Khaki Dress

Back Ties

I have a question about tops and dresses that have a tie in the back. Is this look too young for a mature woman?
Thanks, Georgene


It depends on your back view and the style of the tie, not your age. If the pompi is very prominent, and a big bow sits right on top, that won't work. Try some with narrow ties, casually entwined into a knot or bow in the back, with ends dangling. One great, slimming look is to wear a trench coat tied in the back (in a knot) to create an open front with two sides. Tuck an untied, long scarf inside the open coat, add a vest, and the color blocking alone drops 20 pounds.
I haven't seen too many tops with waist ties in the back lately, just neckline ties. Do you have some examples?