Does this outfit look good on me? (part 2)

Our reader Kathryn recently wrote us to ask what to wear to an informal class reunion to be held at the local pub, in the dead of winter (it is winter for our readers in Australia) .

The grey and black layered and belted look, shows that she is up on her fashion trends, however we felt that we could dress her cute figure to flatter it a bit more. So we sent her some homework and asked her to send us what she came up with.

Here are the other options she sent us, for round 2:

	Even though it is an informal event, we think this outfit is way too casual if Kathryn wants to dress to impress! The layers hide all her curves, and the checker shirt and clunky shoes make her look very masculine. The long, light colored top is the wrong proportion on the body, and makes her legs look very short in comparison. This is definitely not a look we’d recommend.
	This look is much nicer! It looks classy and crisp, and the shapes flatter her figure.  The only point we’d make is that it’s just too conservative!  From the first outfit to this one, we’ve lost all Kathryn’s style sensibility.  Where’s the funky trendiness we saw in the first outfit?
	Finally, we think this outfit is a slam dunk!  The black belt pulls in the narrowest part of Kathryn’s body, and the fact that it’s all one color makes her look longer and leaner.  We have the boots again, however she had another pair in her closet that fit nicer and hug her leg, which adds a little sexiness to the outfit.  She added back in some of her personal style with the necklace and bracelets.  We believe this is the best outfit yet! Our only suggestion would be to add a little color into the ensemble.  Perhaps wear a bright colored blouse instead of the white to give your face some color.  Maybe try wearing a colorful scarf or holding a colored bag.  Adding a pop of color will give her outfit some visual interest, and help her stand out!
	Kathryn also sent us a picture of her coat.  Isn’t it adorable?  We love the winter white wool trench with the cinched waist and decorative vintage pin.  The A-line is a perfect cut for her too.  That just goes to show that even in sub zero weather, you can still look hot!

Style Q &A: Do panty hose make you look old?

Hi there G.G.’s!

I’d love to know what you think about the whole tights/pantyhose/knee high dilemma. When is a woman too old to wear tights, as in black, opaque tights or colored opaque tights?  If she is too old for tights, do you recommend pantyhose? To me these just look dated and frumpy.  What’s the solution?  And what are your thoughts about knee highs with pants?  If a woman feels that she needs them is it best to go with more of a “trouser sock” in black or a color, or to wear nude knee highs (which, again, I think look quite dated)

Thanks.
Michele Little

Hi Michele,

That is certainly one of those “grey” areas that does not really get much press!  Since we are coming into summer, this is even more relevant,so here’s our response:

1. What is your take on pantyhose? Are pantyhose aging? Yes, we sure do think that!  However,  if you have to wear pantyhose, try to wear nude that matches the color of your skin as best as possible. Donna Karan makes a few good sheer nude shades. If you are in between shades, choose the darker, but really nude should look “nude”.  A great alternative is a nude colored fishnet. These look terrific. Wolford makes a great one. One final point, never wear pantyhose with a peep toe shoe or mule!
2. When is a women too old to wear tights? Never. We love tights and wear black or brown tights all fall and winter but come Spring/Summer we switch to no hose or nude hose. However, we think leggings are fine and can be worn at any age.
3. What are your thoughts about knee highs with pants? No, yuck. Don’t do it. That’ s our first reaction. I (JoJami) do not even own a pair of knee highs. However, we hate to say the word “never”…so here’s what we suggest… really it all depends on the shoes and pants and how dressy you are going.

If you are wearing:

• jeans and flats. No socks or hose
• jeans and heels or sandals. No sock or hose
• jeans and a loafer.  Thin dress socks are good but in a dark color. (no white ones)  Barefoot O.K. Do not wear knee highs.
• Khakis. (same rules as for jeans…however do not wear heels or dress shoes with khakis) Never hose with khakis.
• Dress Pants. If wearing closed toed pumps or flats you can wear knee highs or hose or go barefoot. If wearing “peep toed” heels or flats NO HOSE. If wearing any type of sandal or mule, NO HOSE.

Hope this clears things up!