Fashion Etiquette!

Have you ever wondered how much jewelry you are supposed to wear to be appropriate? Actually they are called “points of trim.”  The points of trim you are fashionably allowed to wear depend on your height. The comments will be addressed to heights 5’4” to 5’6”. You can add one or subtract one if you are shorter or taller. 

A woman between the heights of 5’4” and 5’6” can wear five points of trim. These would include such things as necklace, bracelet, rings, watch, brooch, neck scarf and earrings. It is advisable to wear one of each instead of five rings! If you follow these rules, you will look fashionable and well dressed. 

Several of the trendy necklaces and bracelets we see today are so ornate they take away from the outfit you are wearing. Beware to use your jewelry to accent your outfit that you probably invested a lot of money in, not take away from your outfit. 

Even though pearls are not the absolute hottest trend you see in jewelry now, they are always conservative and appropriate.  They always allow you to accent your outfit.  A simple strand of pearls is very appropriate and “reverent” for church or funeral dress. 

Choose your jewelry that is appropriate for the occasion.  If you are going for a job interview and you know you will have to take a typing test, you will want to forego the bracelet (and/or rings) that may get in the way of your efficiency.   

When you are deciding on what jewelry to wear, you won’t go wrong it you lean towards the conservative side. Some woman say jewelry is not for them. Conservative jewelry can add a non-verbal note of caring about how you look and give a finished, refined look, which is the opposite of a homely look. I have observed the women in my life who have the values and high standards I admire, wear some type of jewelry to finish their tailored fashion look and set a good example of what they represent. 

In references to choices you make with your colors of your outfit. A woman’s shoes should be darker than her outfit. This is why white shoes and red shoes are usually poor investments. I noticed even Prince Charles’s wife wears taupe-colored shoes with a white dress instead of white shoes. You hear lots of opinions about when to start wearing white shoes. It is my opinion that white shoes (if you must wear them) should be worn between April 1 and Labor Day. This makes them appropriate for the season. 

In reference to men’s fashion etiquette.  When a man or young man wears a suit coat, they are to leave the last button open. This looks much better as they walk and also as they sit because the coat spreads apart at the hips as they sit down. That may be wear the idea of the 4- button suit came from, because it looks more refined, not as though a man forgot to button his coat! 

Hope this will shed some light on fashion etiquette and help you feel and look your best!

Betty Gustin