When it is better not to alter:

– When the garment is too tight

– When the seams are less than ½ inch

– When the garment has a lining (It will cost double.)

– When the garment is chiffon, silk or lace- (It will leave marks.)

– When the garment has a zipper that needs to moved

When it is best to alter:

– When the garment fits well and only needs either the sleeves or hems altered

– When the garment alteration cost is less than the sale price reduction

Follow these guidelines you will not be disappointed in the alteration results and the related expenses.

Many magazine pictures show celebrities wearing their skirts at least four inches above their knees and in some cases barely covering their behind. Many men are wearing their suits tighter and pants are narrow and shorter.

In today’s business world, the norm is skirt hems just above the knee or one inch shorter and that’s it. For men, dress slacks are being worn with no cuffs and the breaks are not as deep.

If you are going out in the evening you can be a hip celebrity but if you want to be taken seriously at work, stay close to the norms.

Just recently, I watched an old movie, A Touch of Mink with Cary Grant and Doris Day. I saw that Cary Grant’s tie and button down navy cardigan is catching on again. Suits with vests, like the ones worn by Cary’s right hand person in the movie, can also be seen on the streets today.

Doris Day’s simple suits and evening wear can also be seen in today’s fashions. Even her hair style is being worn by all ages.

Classic fashion never goes out of style.

Prints, in a variety of clothing, have become very fashionable for both men and women. For men, plaids and checks are all the rage including wearing prints (stripes and checks) with patterned ties and shirts.

Women’s patterns are available in all clothing choices and also accessories like handbags and shoes.

Here are some tips to mixing prints and patterns:

For Women:

– Feminine prints – flowers with a masculine print (stripe); keep colors in the same family

– Only wear three prints or patterns at once; example- blouse with skirt and purse or shoes

For Men:

– Balance bolder and brighter shirts with your natural physical size

– Chose a solid tie when shirts have a bold pattern

Train your eyes to see the commonality and balance in prints and patterns. Experiment first, starting small with your choices.

In the June 17th New York Times Sunday Style section, Tom Browne, a renowned men’s designer (he also made our first lady’s inaugural ensemble), has shortened the length of his pants for men. This has had the effect of making it acceptable for men to wear dress or casual shoes without socks.

From a fashion standpoint it is the right approach because wearing socks with short pants is definitely not fashionable. However, I would recommend men only going sockless when wearing a full leather sandal and only on a very casual day. That being said, check with the company’s dress policy before you go sockless. And never go sockless on a client visit.

These last few months I have been in and out of airports twice a week and am constantly intrigued at the fashion smarts and disasters.

Here are a few of both:

Fashion Smarts:

– White shirts with casual slacks or jeans – still a classic look for men and women

– Sharp looking carry-on bags in a multitude of colors with both soft and hard shells

– Slimmer looking pants for both men and women

– Jackets are still popular and they project a finished, elegant look

Fashion Disasters:

– Long beach skirts with flip flops

– Anything with flip flops

– Worn out baseball hats

– Short shorts on folks over 25-years of age

– Sweat pants

There is no reason to look like you are cleaning out the garage or headed for the beach when you are travelling. There are many styles and fabrics that you can be comfortable wearing and still look well put together.

The dress is slowly replacing the suit with a skirt as a power look. Wearing a jacket with the sleeveless dress can add a splash of color to a neutral tone dress. Color blocking has also become very popular and is perfect for the neutral tone dress.

What are some of the key elements of a power dress?

• When a dress fits properly at the shoulders and hips it projects elegance. The weight of the fabric is critical so it hangs correctly and moves well with the body.

• The color of the dress must enhance your skin tone. This is especially true if the neckline is close to your face.

• Solid colors always exude a classic, rich look.

• Two color prints in geometric shapes have been replacing the solid color dress.

Cheryl Burton, ABC Chicago evening news anchor, wore an aqua blue multi-shaped bib necklace with a sleeveless scooped neckline coral dress. She looked stunning. The scooped neckline gave the necklace space to be featured. Cheryl also chose a complementary color so the necklace was balanced with the coral dress. If she had chosen to wear a black dress the necklace might not have looked as stylish.

If you choose the appropriate neckline and color to balance a bib necklace, you will wear the necklace; the necklace will not wear you.

Enough of the stiletto heels. Even Jessica Sarah Parker of Sex in the City has a foot problem due to wearing them. In fact, that’s the reason for the recent popularity of the two inch stacked heel—because women are realizing the three to four- inch pumps can cause major foot and ankle problems.

Over time, wearing high heels can shorten calf as well as back muscles, leading to pain and spasms.

“Any time you wear shoes that restrict the natural shape of your foot, you’re at risk for experiencing pain,” noted physician, Dr. Nevins, points out. According to him, many women who wear high heels often also suffer a shortening of the Achilles tendon because once the heel is pointed upwards, it tightens up. Stretching it again or switching to flats can be very painful and even lead to plantar fasciitis.

Wearing the two-inch stacked heel will save your back and feet. Now, with Tory Busch and other notable shoe designers re-introducing them, you have a chance to be stylish too.

Recently I was asked what business casual meant regarding dress. Is it the similar for all industries? Does it apply the same way to everyone in that profession?

Business casual will always be confusing just because it is not viewed the same way for all business professions.

Here are some guidelines:

Professional Services (Finance and Accounting)

• Polished and upscale

– Tops include oxford shirts and sweater sets in heavier fabrics and shapes

– Slacks in fabrics (like gabardine) that shape the body

– Shoes in polished leather or microfiber

Technology

• More relaxed

– Tops include knit shirts and simple blouses with or without collars

– Slacks in cotton or linen

– Shoes can be more casual – sporty styles

Never wear wrinkled or torn clothing. Stay away from sweatshirts, cut offs and clothing that reveals too much skin.

If you are a female in management, a piece of signature jewelry is good.

For a male manager consider a tie, sweater vest and high-end accessories.

Follow these guidelines and your business casual attire will not be mistaken for weekend wear.