Suzanne's Tips and Tales

Style Survival - Hot Tips

Now I don't mean to be unkind, but this week I have seen enough to drive me to despair. It's the one week, where I have wanted to rush up to an unsuspecting public and have a rant about their fashion or style faux pas.

I bit my tongue because it's not my style to offer unsolicited advice. It is better to be asked for it.

So without getting too personal, it's easier to write about the offences and then offer practical solutions, so that, dear readers you will never commit the heinous crimes that have been committed this week.

Here goes...

To the lady who wore a beautiful frock-cum-tunic, was made up to perfection with beautifully coiffed hair and slim legs – it was spoiled by the fact that when you bent forward just an inch, we could all see the top of your stockings and more besides. Not a good look.

Result: the style and polish went out of the window the minute you revealed too much.

Hot Tip: the tunic was too short in any case, whether or not you had worn stockings. Bare legs might have been better, indeed so would have tights, but the flesh ruined it. The tunic would have also looked fab-u-lous over a pair of cool white linen trousers.

Don't assume that slim legs are a green light to revealing all – a woman needs to protect her modesty depending on her audience and the situation. It was day-time and in a meeting environment so not appropriate. In truth, I don't even think the lady in question realised it herself.

Look in the mirror before you leave home – sit in clothes and check if anything is amiss.

To the high powered business executive who, feeling the summer heat removed the jacket of her well-tailored suit to reveal a black bra under a crisp white shirt.

Result: might titillate the boys – but not in the Board Room. Her status was undermined by the fact we could see her undies.

Hot Tip: If you spend lots of time in the office, earn a good income and have a role that carries a certain amount of kudos, then keep a spare set of lingerie, stockings tights etc in the office. I suspect it was the first thing you grabbed in the morning. Had it not been a warm day we might never have known the difference. Infact, income is not the issue here – if you want to be taken seriously in the workplace then this is good practice. Remember you could be the next Chairman or fancy your chances at promotion at any level.

Never wear anything under a jacket or cardigan that you are not prepared to reveal with confidence and in the knowledge that it will work as a standalone garment within its own right.

To the guy who had stains down his funky tie and when he removed his jacket (on aforementioned hot day) revealed a sleeveless shirt, worn with tie under his formal dark suit. See previous blog for reasons why this is a faux pas.

To the Bridesmaids whose bra straps were obvious when worn under their pretty bridesmaid dress.

Result: You let the Bride down and ruined the effect of what could have looked so beautiful.

Hot tip: Go strapless next time or buy stick-on bra support. Underwear maybe the new outerwear but only works on someone as avant-garde as Lady Gaga or Madonna. It might look good on the beach or casually under a vest t-shirt, especially if it's a pretty or vibrant colour. It's almost accepted. But on a special day wearing a special frock, it's a definite no-no in the style stakes!

Posted by Suzanne on 10th Jun 2010