Gym shoes, tennis shoes, athletic shoes . . . they go by many names. The athletic shoe trend for women started years ago with women wearing them to work and then changing into work shoes (professional styles). At that time, white was the mainstream color and was considered to be the most practical. Shoes didn’t come in the variety of colors they do now. Now, 20 years later, athletic shoes come in a wide variety of colors and patterns—from neon green to white, which is currently very popular. We even see fancy athletic shoe designs for brides. What is the right style and color to wear? There are no hard and fast rules for sneakers. Keep in mind these guidelines: comfort, fit, and feel. Also consider the appropriateness of athletic shoes in the situation and the shoe’s appearance. Some people like slim, lightweight styles. Others like bigger, clunkier styles. If the shoe fits (the time and place), wear it.

The holidays are fast approaching. Christmas sweaters, blouses, ties, scarves, necklaces, and earrings are for sale everywhere. The ugly sweater is popular again this year. Holiday apparel is fun to wear after Thanksgiving. When choosing holiday items to wear, as with any apparel, be sure to take into consideration your presence, style, and overall appearance. Taking a “less is more” approach may be more appropriate depending on your work environment. Pairing a tasteful holiday item, such as a scarf, with a white, black, or jewel tone blouse can be both festive and professional. Observing management personnel in your workplace can also provide you with cues as to what is appropriate within the office culture.

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.

Ballet Slipper has been my go-to nail polish color for more than 20 years. It is reported to be the number one-color choice—and that’s saying something with the hundreds of colors of nail polish on the market. Ballet slipper pink is a color that looks good on everyone. It also hides any wear and tear on the cuticles. However, it can highlight any red roughness around the cuticles. Gray, a color that started as a trend, continues to be popular. In 2008, Michele Obama wore it during a speech. Gray nail polish is neutral but can have a dead look on certain skin tones because it can make the skin look blue and bruised.

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.

Weather this summer has been quite a challenge. Between the heavy rains and hot sticky weather, it can be difficult to find clothes that keep you comfortable and cool—whether for casual wear or in the work place. There are several options to consider when making clothing choices. Lightweight fabrics, such as linen, is one option. The weave of the fabric is important. For example, I purchased two pairs of linen pants. One pair was very lightweight; the other was more heavily woven. The lighter weight fabric was cooler. Sleeveless items for women will not be cooler because of the exposure to sun and heat. Additionally, sun exposure is not good for the skin. To stay cooler in this hot, muggy weather, choose clothes in lightly colored, loosely woven fabric.

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.

Color can be used in full force if the style and cut of the clothing item works. You can even wear the same color top to bottom!

Michelle Obama, the former First Lady has been on a whirlwind. 99% of the time she wears a suit (Yes!) in an array of colors from a metallic cyan-hue suit to a multicolor strip golden suit. Material chosen, cut, and styled, plays a major role in expressing a powerful statement with color. It also needs to be the right occasion.

Her stage presence has always been as a dynamo!  This includes her book tour presence which has been a showstopper and fun to watch. Her suit colors and choices accent her brilliance.

Eye wear says many things including authority, playfulness, drama, and creativeness. The shape and color also helps set the stage for the face. In addition, today’s eyewear evolves in style daily causing more and more folks to own multiple sets.

Years ago, a well-known host of a cable show set her brand with the style of her glasses just as heavy frames were coming into vogue. Now, depending on the person’s routine and special occasions, eyewear can project many looks for different situations. Just be sensitive to a style your audience will understand.

Wearing short boots rather than heels has become more popular over the last few years. There is no hard and fast rule except that the boots should not be the first thing noticed.

If you want to make a fashion statement by wearing an animal or red print, a short boot can accent your total look. It does takes a great eye to correctly balance the impact of wearing a short colored or print boot. Of course, you can always run with the idea that the boots are just a fun statement!