With everyone’s very busy schedule, I am often asked what are good sites to go on for on-line shopping. The best sites are the ones that offer free shipping and returns with no minimum purchases. Sites such as Nordstrom.com, Zappo.com and Amazon Prime (with membership) are a few of the sites that make purchases and returns hassle free.

You need to be cautious about discount sites because they have often have clauses about time limits for returns.

It is not recommended to purchase online for a designer or label where you are not familiar with the fit, color or style, especially the ones with limited return policies. Otherwise, online shopping is a blessing for those who work 24/7.

A great example is when I was at Nordstrom’s Anniversary sale on the first day. It was a madhouse in the shoe department. There was an hour wait to get help with a sales person. So, I took a look at boot I wanted. Then I went home, looked at the reviews and ordered. The boots came in within 2 days! The fit was perfect. On line shopping can take away your stress as it did mine in that instance.

Is it appropriate to wear a white tuxedo jacket for a black tie event in the summer time? In the northern states black tuxedo jackets are still more the norm. An exception can be when that attire is requested. Also, in some country club settings, a white jacket is a favorite. The ones that are the most popular are the Shaw Collar styles. In the Caribbean, as you see in James Bond movies, white jackets are worn by most. When you are in doubt, check with the host of the event.

Men’s styles used to change every eight years or so. Today, that’s not the case, they change as we speak!

Most men are comfortable with the blue button down collar oxford shirt for business casual and for a dress shirt, a blue fine pinpoint one. Now, men are becoming more fashion conscious and are willing to move away from the blue shirt.

White and blue shirts now come with various stripes, wide and thin. Shades of blue, red and burgundy are just a few color variations. For the man who tends to be a bit laid back, a stronger color will help set the tone of a meeting. For the man who tends have a great deal of influence and who can be intimidating without saying a word, a soft color will work best to make him more approachable. Use these guidelines and you will get more impact on how color choices can make any situation work best for you.

There are few terms related to color mixes that you may want to be aware of:

• Monochromatic: Using the example colors black and white to create this look, it would be wearing a cream color top with white or dark gray with black. This creates an elegant and stylish appearance.

• Complimentary: Using 75% black and 25% white, for instance, might turn out to be a white shirt and black pants or black shirt and white pants—low key and smart looking.

• Analogous: Using three shades of black, black pants, shirt and sweater. It is also called Asymmetry. An example is what you sometimes see on the red carpet— a black tux, black shirt and black bow tie. This tends to be very dramatic whether using darks or bright colors.

When you put colors together you can have them create the statement you’re seeking to make.

Some of us like a very streamlined appearance when choosing clothes. We want the impact of tailored elegance.

To add interest and to keep from looking too stark, remember key accessories and a perfect fit. Stylish heels for women and high gloss leather shoes for men will finish the complete look.

The new fashions for both men and women have made a splash with printss; mainly floras in women’s dresses and for men, plaid shirts and ties. How can you integrate prints in your wardrobe without looking like you belong at social event? (At social events you can push the envelope a bit.)

Women

Floral blouses, sweaters and scarves for the women are best with a solid companion piece or displayed in accessories like a necklace or a pin. (Michelle Obama does this.) It’s a trend that seems to be gaining popularity.

Men

Plaid shirts have gotten to be very bold going even so far as to be paired with a plaid print tie. It is considered modern prep. The more elegant way to add plaid is either in the shirt or the tie but not both at the same time. If you want to experiment, one plaid pattern must be larger in size. The main color should be reflected in both choices.

It is fun to add a trendy piece in pattern or color with the idea that it adds a contemporary elegance to your style.

Men’s evening wear, especially the tuxedo jacket color, has been pushed to be more fashion forward over the past few years. The celebrities on the Red Carpet at the Award shows (Oscars and Golden Globe) have led the way.

This year we have seen the white jacket popping up as evening wear. (It used to be worn only in the summer and during the day.) Now we see Navy (Armani) on the rise, replacing the conservative, traditional black. We will occasionally see purple or plum. (It takes a bold man to wear a purple or plum jacket!).

I still favor the man in the black tux with a hand-tied (no clip-on!)bow tie. Men cannot go wrong with this. Add a touch of elegance with gold studs and it creates a stunning look.

Recently, while working with a client, he asked why he had to wear a tee shirt under his dress shirt? This is not mandatory, however the dress shirt, especially a white one, will look richer and will wrinkle less with a tee shirt beneath it.

There are undershirts by Calvin Klein that are lighter in weight, will help absorb perspiration and are v-neck so they will not show when wearing an open collar dress shirt.

Wearing a white tee shirt under a dress shirt is the right thing to do. It adds to your elegance.

Folks in the Midwestern and Eastern parts of the country have been hit with very harsh conditions this winter. The combination of snow and cold has been brutal. So, looking smart has been difficult when clothes for these weather conditions tend to make us look like the abominable snow man.

Layers and a good head cover are important. Using colored scarves and head wear will add a bit of fashion flair. Also, adding color to your clothing will make this winter a bit brighter.

A key element for folks who have a polished, smart, elegant image is their clothing choices. Their clothing is appropriate for the occasion and their role in the organization. The color resonates and makes folks feel confident about them. Their accessories add just enough nuance to enhance their appearance. Their overall look showcases their leadership presence. Make sure that these key clothing factors capture your elegant style no matter what situation you find yourself in.