We also blended her black velvet jacket by layering it over a dark camel turtleneck and jeans and finishing the look with an animal print scarf and faux-leopard flats. You need height to carry off such attention-getting footwear. But the basic principles of warming and linking can work for almost anybody.
#2 – Cut the contrast. High contrast color combinations are an attention magnet, so a softer-colored woman is LOST in a black-and-white outfit. And the typical closet has quite a few of those. If you have a do-it-yourself gene, you can fix the problem with a package of fabric dye in a tan or camel shade. F ollow the package directions and the white areas of the garment will absorb the color, the black will stay black, and you’ll have a more flattering garment … and a more sophisticated look too, if you want my opinion.
#3 – Better buttons. Tarnished metal buttons or plastic ones that have changed color over time make a garment look aged or just plain cheap. Changing them can give it a new lease on life. Buttons in natural materials like wood, tortoise shell, abalone and mother of pearl usually look classier than obvious synthetics.
In my home town (St. Louis) you’ll find great buttons at The Right Fit on Manchester Road just east of Lindbergh. In other cities, check your independent fabric stores.
When you sew on the new buttons, add a drop of Fray Check (a clear liquid sealant you find at fabric stores) to the thread to keep the button securely attached.
#4 – Eliminate the extras. Non-functional details often clutter the lines of a garment and add widening horizontal emphasis in places we don’t want it. The straight shape of Donna’s camel blazer was great on her rectangular body, but the double-breasted buttons made her look wider. Four of the buttons didn’t fasten anyway – they just sat there being unflattering – so we just cut them off. What an improvement!
I’ve done the same thing with bulky patch pockets and hemline trims. A few careful snips with tine embroidery scissors and they’re gone for good.
COLOR COMMENTS: If your Key Neutral is taupe, you’ve been searching in vain for Core Four pieces for years. Well it’s finally your turn. Jones New York has an extensive collection this month based around taupe. Check it out at your local Macy’s.
There’s also a beautiful group in dark teal – deep enough to work even in pants. Teal isn’t anybody’s Key Neutral, but is flattering to nearly everyone, so if your in an advanced phase of building your wardrobe this one could be a great addition.
Gorgeous grays are the fashion neutral for Fall, and I’ve suddenly realized they work beautifully on nearly everybody because they are truly neutral. It’s all in the combination. Redheads can mix grays with copper and rust shades. Blondes look wonderful in gray with cream, camel or tan, pink or coral. Rich, deep brunettes can combine gray with their brick reds or teals. And gals with black or silvering hair can wear grays alone, or with just about any other color from their personal palette.
