Shoes should be the finishing touch to one’s appearance. They should complement the whole, pulled-together look. To the observer, shoes can indicate a person cares about details. When shoes are noticeable on a person, it can be distracting or call attention to the fact that the shoes are the wrong style or just a glaring mistake. Observers should notice a person’s face first—not his or her shoes. If the shoes are more memorable than the face of the wearer, it is time to tone down and reconsider the shoes or to pay more caretaking attention to the face.

Do’s:

·         Shoes should complement the outfit style—they add the final touch.

·         Wear colors that blend in with the total look.

·         Always wear well-maintained shoes that are clean and not scuffed – even when sporting athletic shoes.

Don’ts:

·         Avoid wearing shoes that are too casual or too formal for the outfit.

·         Be sure not to wear shoes that aren’t comfortable (everyone can tell by the way you walk).

·         Avoid wearing shoes that look battered and scruffy.

The color beige has been seen more frequently in the last few years, It was, and continues to be, the color of choice for heels for women. Now, we are seeing beige in other clothing options, such as suits, jackets, slacks, and accessories. There is one main issue with this color—not everyone can wear it. As neutral as the color beige seems, it can wash out certain skin tones. When wearing beige, unless you are a redhead, choose bold coloring around the face or choose make-up, such as lipstick, that brings color back to the face. Men, when wearing a beige shirt (a very casual look), should choose a shirt with a slight pattern with beige as the background color. I love beige slacks and I always wear my khaki suit with a very white shirt or black top to break the beige away from my face. I also add more color to my lipstick. Wearing the color beige can look crisp, neutral, and professional—when taking into account the above tips.

Have you noticed that the higher the heel, the higher level of confidence is projected? A notable woman was recently in the press for a controversial interview. She wore a black outfit and six-plus inch heels because the high heel is now a symbol of power.

A key to having the same look without the height of heels is in the slender toe shape of the shoe. Jimmy Choo has a wonderful kitty pump made famous by Michele Obama.  This pump saves wear and tear on the calves (as well as visits to and expenses for a foot doctor!)

I have two pair of heels, one in black and tan calf leather and the other in black silk. The black calf is great with a power suit or silk one for evening wear.

Leggings are back in full force. I love them because they feel comfortable for workouts and just running around in and out of the house. Jennifer Lopez has taken the look to the extreme by wearing lounging or bedroom clothes as street wear.

They are too casual for business or workplace casual. Skinny jeans and pants can be like leggings when they are too tight. If they bunch up around the knees and hip areas, you might as well wear leggings!

Recently, I decided to repurpose a white silk pantsuit that was worn fifteen years ago rather than wear a formal gown. The jacket needed alterations by taking in the sides. I wore a pair of fabulous earrings and black swede sandals.

This suggests that classic designer styles stay timeless when taken care of. This pantsuit was placed in a fabric garment bag and spot checked for stains. Necklaces were not needed since they would have dated the garment. Let me tell you humbly, the pantsuit rocked!

My favorite colors are black and gray. When worn in jackets and outerwear it gives me comfort. Plus, those colors are also very easy to mix and match with other shades.

However, when photographed wearing these colors, I look dreadful! But wearing reds and bright colors always photograph well. So, I counteract the drabness of the gray and black with red by putting on brighter makeup and a bold lipstick. I have too many dull pictures of myself in dark colors and learned that a bold lipstick makes my skin pop!

Why do women still wear capris when so many stylists say not to do it. Capris make legs look heavier and thinner. They cut the leg in half which is usually not flattering. It also will show any imperfections a leg might have. Instead of capris, take advantage of the many slacks in very comfortable and cool fabrics.

The first yellow introduced was the primary yellow, then it became a golden yellow. In 2019, the new shade is lime (chartreuse)  yellow. It has become a neutral color depending on what it is paired with. This color can be worn with grays, navy and even black but it’s not an easy color to wear. It is bright, so before adding it to your wardrobe, try it with as a small accent other clothing items.

The challenge with working virtually is how it easy it is to slide into a very casual look! The rule of thumb, especially if you are alone in your office, is to make sure you are dressed appropriately if someone drops in unexpectedly.

The fashion and retail sectors have discovered business casual workout clothes. Uniqlo, Gap, and Crew, to name a few, have made clothing polished with a knit fabric with body shape. Soft jeans in multi-colors besides denim also create a professional look.

Fit on a garment is critical to visually adding or taking pounds off of your look. On shows or movies, the actors always appear slender. Some folks we know are naturally skinny. Others make sure they have just the right length on the shirt around the waist and sleeve.

How do we ensure our clothes fit right? If you have a tailor’s eye, use a full-length mirror to take a quick picture of yourself. Does your first impression put smile on your face? If not, take your items to a tailor for a professional opinion of the fit. This will provide a guideline on what works and what needs alterations. Begin with a few items a time.

One more tip is that the clothing must make you feel good, or as Marie Kondo suggests, ask:  Does it give you joy? if not, donate the items.

However, It is amazing when clothing fits properly!