Fashion Police

We’ve all had a few fashion bleeps and bloopers over the years, but the key is to learn from our mistakes. Celebrities are easy targets because they’re constantly photographed. I find myself flipping through the pages of magazines while waiting on line at the supermarket in shock and amazement. One bad photo would be enough to put me back in check, but some women never get the hint. Britney Spears and Misha Barton are always on top of the “fashion police” list. They are examples of what not to do.

Misha prefers to wear skinny jeans with high boots or mini skirts with ballet shoes and Britney favors the crop shirts, messy hair look. Although they wear very expensive designer clothing, their choices are not flattering or age-appropriate (even twenty-something’s should dress their age.) Catherine Zeta-Jones, Gwyneth Paltrow and Charlize Theron always select fashion hits. All three women have managed to create the perfect dynamic that combines elegance, sex appeal and sophistication.

The following few “fashion tips” might prove helpful:

1. Wear the correct size. There is nothing more unattractive than wearing something too tight or too big.

2. Select the appropriate style for your body type. Clothing should enhance our assets. Big-busted women can’t wear the same tops as women with small busts. V-neck, scoop-neck and low-cut styles vary, and it’s important to try on each style and designer before making your purchase. This step will familiarize and educate you with collections that work best for your body-type. I’ve discovered many of my favorites, like Donna Karan, Nanette Lepore and BCBG Maxazria.

3. Wear the correct undergarments. A black thong – although sexy – under a sheer white skirt is not tasteful. Same principle goes for shedding your bra when you should be wearing one. Smooth lines and proper support are necessary in fashion. Even the most slender ladies need to follow this tip. Tube tops and strapless dresses look terrible without the appropriate undergarments. Spanx have definitely made a huge business out of this. They offer an array of panties, camisoles and bodysuits that mold your body and add comfort. Victoria’s Secret also offers their collection of Body by Victoria with the same concept in mind.

4. Select a flattering shoe style. Petite women should wear a little bit of a heel with pants and skirts. Taller women can get away with flats and medium-size heels.

5. Don’t over-accessorize. Less is more. Wearing too many accessories will take away from the overall look. If you want to wear a trendy chunky necklace, select a simple earring. Matching sets are a good thing only when done tastefully.

6. Select the right color. If you decide to wear a lighter colored top, match it with a dark bottom or vice versa. Wearing all one color is a no-no! Black may be the only exception.

7. Wear age-appropriate clothing. If you’re not a teenager or twenty-something, don’t dress like one.

8. Don’t buy too many trendy items. Build your wardrobe and select items that will stay in style. Trendy pieces are fun, but make your choices wisely.

9. Don’t be afraid to mix and match. I love to do this. There are some pieces of clothing that I will never part with and by adding a new item, I’m able to create an updated version.

10. Experiment with something new. If you tend to be too conservative, add a little sparkle to your appearance. A new hairstyle, handbag, pair of shoes or necklace may be the simple answer.

The important thing is to feel comfortable in your clothing. Designers create the styles, but we wear them. Remember, clothes don’t make the person.

A faux pas (pronounced /ˌfoʊˈpɑː/, plural: faux pas /ˌfoʊˈpɑː(z)/) is a violation of accepted good fashion sense!

Send us a comment about your summer fashion faux pas, pet peeves or styles with attitude that lack latitude — that are simply bad-itude!