A few questions and my thoughts on a few fashion issues
By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times
I often get frantic text messages from my friends asking for fashion advice. I am by no means an expert, I’m just opinionated, bossy and brutally honest. I guess that counts for something though, right?
Anyway, in this upcoming busy season of high school reunions, fall weddings and holiday parties, I thought I’d run down a list of the most frequently asked questions and my sage advice…
Question: “How can I switch up my look without spending a fortune?”
Answer: Make-up! Invest in a new eye shadow palette with shades of copper, gold and brown. These colors are generally flattering to all eye colors. Buy a wine colored lipstick. It is a bold departure from a classic red and provides instant gratification.
Question: “How do you style a scarf?”
Answer: There are a million YouTube videos on step-by-step, unique scarf tying tips. My favorite, however, is a plaid, blanket style wound around my neck twice and thrown over a white button-down blouse. Couldn’t be easier.
Question: “I’m growing out my hair and I’m frustrated. What do I do with it for a party?”
Answer: The top knot. With bangs or without, this style is great because the messier it is, the better it looks. I love wearing my hair this way with a bright lip and big earrings. Keep your other accessories to a minimum.
Question: “I have a party to go to and want to wear something basic. How can I dress up a simple sweater and jeans?”
Answer: Faux fur is one of my all time favorites when the weather gets cold. Throw on a fur vest, add a statement necklace and you are ready to go! You can find them everywhere: TJ Maxx, the mall, online…they are an inexpensive “must-have” for your closet.
Question: “What color nail polish should I wear for the fall?”
Answer: I love to try out the saturated, moody hues when the season changes. While neutrals are always in fashion, now is the time to experiment with a darker palette.
Question: “I have a ton of cardigan sweaters. What else can I wear with a t-shirt?” Answer: A blazer! Worn inside or as outerwear in milder temperatures, a classically tailored blazer is a wardrobe essential. The only other piece that gets as much wear in my closet is my jean jacket. Invest in black and navy. You’ll be surprised how often you reach for them all year long.
Question: “It’s cold. Can I wear stockings?”
Answer: It is my opinion (and I know that many are in disagreement) that the ONLY fashionable option is the opaque tight. I think that a nude or colored sheer is dated. I realize that Kate Middleton wears them…she is a princess. If you marry Harry, knock yourself out.
Otherwise, it is a safer bet to stick with the tights. Really.
What questions do you have? Or, better yet, what is YOUR advice to your girlfriends when they come to you for help? Please share in the comment section below!
Happy Weekend!
How about helping out those of us who are over 70 but still want to be fashionable? Especially, make up. I have yet to get any tips from people or magazines about makeup when the skin gets crepe-like folds around the eyes. Having been in a show chorus in the past, my knowledge of makeup for day, night and the stage is out the window because of skin changes. Help!