Dear Readers, This was one of my most commented upon issues ever and I think it's just as true today as it was back then . . . See if you agree! Do you remember a popular magazine feature called Glamour Dos and Don'ts from the late 70's and 80's? Glamour magazine still has a similar feature today, but it's not nearly as compelling. In those days, I would often experiment with fashion (as most twenty-somethings are apt to do), but I was not at all confident about my choices. In fact, I worried that I might inadvertently make a mistake and see myself in Glamour with that dreaded black box across my face and the word DON'T beneath my photo. Now that I'm older, wiser and actually in the fashion business, I still make mistakes upon occasion. Who doesn't? Like the time I was at the airport and thought I looked so sharp in a navy skirt, crisp white blouse with lime green accessories and someone mistakenly identified me as a flight attendant. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It just wasn't the look I was going for. Live and learn, I always say. I also say that when it comes to one's personal appearance, individual taste cannot be disputed. I like what I like and you like what you like. Ok, Glamour fans, here we go . . . Don'ts: Orange and Black. These are the official colors of Halloween and for good reason. Together they are very scary, harsh looking and not the least little bit flattering or sophisticated. If you love orange, try it with light grey, tan or a soft khaki green. Orange and Navy (or denim) Blue. Chicago Bears and University of Illinois fans not withstanding, this color combo would be lovely in a sports stadium, but that's probably the only place where you will be considered well dressed. Yellow and Black. Bumble bee heaven, I fear. But I'm sure Big Bird would be utterly thrilled if your outfit matched his! Red, White and Navy Blue. On the Fourth of July you will look very cute. At any other time, not so much. Red and Green. Bet you can guess how I will react to this color combo. Have yourself a merry little Christmas! Red and Blue. The color blue is universally beloved and red is a dynamite color, but wear them together and they will blow your chic outfit to smithereens. These two colors CLASH, gosh darn it. My mother said so. Even today, when it's trendy to wear all manner of bright colors mixed together, red and blue should go their separate ways. If you want to look really classy and sophisticated, you may want note the following: Do: - Combine neutrals like black and tan, black and white, navy and soft grey (love this combo, especially on men), navy and tan, white and tan. You will look polished and ever so pulled together. Save the "pops of color" for the accessories department. (See the Carolina Herrera black and white dress on the right.) - Confine colorful prints like polka dots, stripes and florals to your top half . . . blouses, sweaters, shirts, scarves and fun kinds of accessories. Can you picture Jackie O in polka dot pants? Neither can I. - Consider nature inspired color combos like trees and sky, sea and sand, citrusy fruits. Beautiful in nature, beautiful on you. These colors work well together because they are innately in sync and aesthetically pleasing. Mother Nature has a real knack for this sort of thing.
- Tangerine orange, marigold yellow and apple green are indeed some of the hottest colors of the season, so please do wear them . . . just not head to toe. They need to be cut (anchored) with at least one neutral like tan or white. And keep in mind that these are great colors for handbags and shoes when you are wearing those classic neutrals! Finally, may I suggest that when you choose to wear bright colors, you want to make a statement, not totally dominate the conversation. Or do you? Like I've said before, it's all a matter of personal taste.
Best regards,
Nancy
PS. Could you use some help figuring out what to wear with what? I would love to assist you . . . 708.579.1016 All photos courtesy of Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, J.Crew catalog, Talbot's catalog and Style.com
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Classy Carolina Herrera designed this black and white dress. She uses red as an accent color in all the right places. (I especially like the belt.)
A sophisticated all-neutral urban look from Talbot's. 
