The trend in women’s clothing for tops has been moving toward three-quarter length sleeves instead of full length ones. The reasons are because it saves money, starts something new and helps women for whom sleeve lengths are a problem because they do not have the flexibility of getting sleeves shortened without an added expense.

Three-quarter length sleeves can be wonderful solutions for women who always seem to have sleeves be too long on them. However, make sure this length does not make you look wider, matronly or old lady-like. Suit jackets should come with a full-length sleeve unless it is a summer suit.

Give it to the fashion industry for always wanting to revolutionize how men and women wear jeans. Here are some guidelines:

Straight leg jeans are the modified skinny jean and easier to wear. To pull off the skinny leg jeans you must have very slender legs and the pant leg should not bunch up. The traditional style where the leg is wider but still straight will work well for women with larger legs. Also, the boot cut is coming back. If you were to purchase a new pair today stay with the straight leg one and you will be contemporary.

The fall trend for coats is color—no more black, gray or brown coats. Orange and yellow are in. Bright is fashionable. The challenge for bright colors especially when you are used to more subdued tones is that we may buy a bright coat and end up not wearing it. We fold under questioning and go back to the colors that we are used to.

This is where interchangeable scarves can help by adding color. Today’s scarves come in many different fabrics, colors and patterns. Start with solid color oblong ones that you can wrap around your neck. Next, branch out to patterns and bold shapes. The beauty of this is that if you don’t like the color you can quickly choose another one.

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.

Bobbi Brown, my favorite makeup artist, and I both agree is it important to recognize your color temperature. If your skin tone is warm it is best to wear blush and lipstick in the warm families with yellow undertones.

For example, a red lipstick would be a tomato color with red undertones. This also suggests that those with colored skin tones can wear blush and lipstick with blue undertones. The red lipstick would be a cherry red with blue undertones. When you try to do the opposite it tends to make your skin look harsh and dry.

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.

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.