8 Things That Will Get You On A Makeover Show!
I've already talked about 8 things to try in '08, so now it's time to address what NOT to wear in '08. Now this list is not exclusive to 2008, but actually means forever because these 8 items should NEVER been worn! Come hell or high water!
And speaking of high water, let's talk about capris. I know this is a sensitive subject and I understand the appeal behind capris because I don't like to wear shorts either, but capris are not flattering - on anyone - period. They shorten the line the leg immensely (especially considering the average woman is 5'4" which is already petite!) and they make you look like you are standing in a bucket. Furthermore, they are the absolute worst thing for pears, (the most common body type)! Instead, you can have your capris shortened and turn them into a city short. As long as you like the leg line of the capri, then it will work as a city short. However, if the capri is tapered, then the short will be tapered as well.
Remember that a capri is always a capri - it's hard to dress it up. A city short gives you much more flexibility as it can be worn with a flat, wedge, sandal, espadrille or heel. Capris just always look so casual and you could never wear an ankle-strap shoe with a capri - it would cut your body into fourths!
This is the same idea as to why skirts are best around the knee - too much lower and they enter into "dowdy" - why? Because at that length they make you look squat and short - so what do you a think a capri is doing?! The same thing. Trust me. Not all city shorts are created equal and even if you are concerned about your calfs, veins, et cetera - no one is going to look at that as long as you have a beautiful color up by your face - or perhaps a great necklace, a fabulous pair of shoes, et cetera --- your legs are going to be the last thing they see!
To back up my claim, I turn to Tim Gunn as he has earmarked the 6 things women over 40 should never wear. What do you think made that list? Capris. I rest my case.
One of the most dated items is light-colored jeans. A dark wash is not only more modern, but it's very flattering. Light-colored jeans only remind people of the 80s and "mom jeans". The eighties were great, but there are much better options now. Guaranteed if you have light-colored jeans, then there is a strong possibility that they are tapered - again a definite never! Light jeans also can make your legs and bottom half look bigger. A darker wash is the same idea behind fabulous black trousers - they are more slimming. (Don't be fooled as there were light-colored jeans on the runways as a trend, but this is not a good one to follow.)
Now moving down to the feet, I have to say that there are a lot of shoes that I don't like, but the shoe that is the most unflattering, extremely 
masculine, chunky and ugly is clogs. Again, I understand the appeal as you can just slip them on, but to that I say, then look for a cute gym shoe, driving moccasin or flat that 
also slips on. With all the shoe options available out there, I know that there is something just as comfortable, yet much more flattering. It may take more time to find it, but it's worth it.
Now one of the single most unstylish combinations is pairing a necklace with a turtleneck. The worst is the "stiff" round necklace where you can add a different pendent - yuck! The great thing about wearing a turtleneck is that it gives you the perfect opportunity to wear a fabulous pair of earnings. They don't have to be anything really dressy or super dangling - just something with a little bit of length to accentuate the neck. A simple pair of silver or gold hoops would look fabulous with a turtleneck, or even a fun verison like these from Banana Republic.
Another big no, no that I see a lot is the ¾ length leather coat. I'm sorry, but every time I see this I just think of the "Matrix". I would never describe a long leather coat as chic, beautiful, sophisticated, or stylish - it's just a very hard look to pull off. Now, this is not to say that a short leather jacket, (just above the hip), isn't cute. In fact, I love a beautiful leather jacket with tweed pants or dark jeans and boots in the fall, but any longer is a definite "no".
Since we are on the topic of long, then I feel the need to address long skirts. I know women like these because they feel as those they cover a multitude of sins, yet again, this is another "dowdy" item. It looks like "Little House on the Prairie". A long skirt weighs you down and with too much volume, which is what you get with a long skirt, it makes you look short and squat. Think about it - do stylists, on any of the makeover shows ever put anyone in a long skirt? No.
So what do you wear? Well, a knee-length skirt is always in style and always flattering. You just need to pick the shape that works best for you. A-line is universally flattering as it comes in at the waist and then floats away from the body and camouflaging hips and thighs, (but in a good way). A circle skit does the same thing, but has more volume to it - perfect for a rectangle, apple and pear. A pencil skirt works best for hourglasses and very slender rectangles.
On to our seventh "never to wear again" item, which is the twin set. Nothing screams, "suburban mom", whether you are one or not, more than a cardigan and matching shell. Now, I don't have anything against cardigans OR a shell, but not together. Instead, the shell can be worn under a blazer or a different colored cardigan, but not the matching one. And the cardigan can be worn with a white blouse and jeans, trousers or a skirt. Forever a Talbots staple, these two items of clothing will always age you in the wrong direction - all that's missing is the pearls!
For the last item, you don't want to miss the opportunity to work with a stylist. By not working with a stylist, you will always wonder, "Why do I have nothing to wear with a closet full of clothes? Am I wearing the right colors, shapes and styles for my body type, age and lifestyle??"
Working with someone like myself we help you gain a new perspective on your wardrobe and you will finally know and learn what to wear and what not to wear --- FOR YOU. Imagine walking into a store, (with your shopping list that I create for you) and knowing --- "that's a circle skirt and those don't look good on me, so I don't even have to go over there and touch it, but wait - I see a straight skirt and I know I can wear that style so I'll try that one on!"
By hiring a stylist, I can also do all or any of your shopping for you - returns and all. I can put together a "Look Book" with pictures of different outfits, complete with jewelry, shoes and any other accessories. There are many options and I am willing to help, so give me a call.