These Few Fashion Rules Should Get You On Your Way

We are no longer slaves to fashion. Today, just about anything goes. We can wear long or short, tight or baggy, casual or formal.

But several readers recently pointed out there are still a few fashion rules we need to review.

Please keep in mind while our intention is in no way to offend anyone, people make judgments about us based on our appearance - and we want to make sure we always look our best.

First, we’ll cover the rules for men.

Rule No. 1: Dress slacks and dress shoes call for dress socks. White, bulky athletic socks are not acceptable. They are only to be worn with athletic shoes.

Rule No. 2: Avoid wearing black socks with sandals and shorts. If you feel you must wear socks with sandals, they should be white or natural and go no higher than just above the ankle.

Rule No. 3: Speedo-style, bikini bathing suits look great on men with less than 3 percent body fat. Most men look better in the more flattering boxer-style swim trunks.

Rule No. 4: If your trousers have a tendency to ride low on your hips please wear a belt or suspenders, especially if your daily routine involves bending over.

Rule No. 5: Don’t pull your pants up too high. They are designed to be worn at your waist, not your chest.

Now, for the women.

Rule No. 1: Stirrup pants are designed to be worn with boots. Avoid wearing them with high heels, athletic shoes or sling-back sandals.

Rule No. 2: Wearing dark nylons with light-colored shoes is a common mistake. Remember, your shoes should be at least the same color as your stockings or darker.

Rule No. 3: Slip and bra straps should not be seen. If you wear a dress low-cut in the back, wear an appropriately designed bra. If you have trouble keeping your bra or slip straps from falling onto your arm, adjust them to a shorter length. The problem might be that your undergarments do not fit properly. Consider trying a smaller size.

Rule No. 4: Knee-high nylons should not be worn with skirts. No matter how long the skirt, someone will see the tops of your knee-highs.

Rule No. 5: If you wear high-heeled shoes, be sure the heels are in good shape. Have them repaired if they are scuffed, dirty or missing their tips. If you walk on grass in high-heeled shoes, be sure not to tromp around with a big piece of sod stuck to the heel - it’s most unattractive.

Rule No. 6: If your skirt has a slit in it, be sure the slit in your slip lines up at the same spot. (Try saying that three times.)

Rule No. 7: When a woman wears a cap, such as a baseball cap, she is expected to remove it at the same time a man would be expected to remove his cap.

Finally, a general rule for everyone: Only wear brightly colored undergarments when you know there is no way anyone can see them through your outerwear. Instead, wear flesh-toned underwear, which is especially important with lightcolored clothing. After all, you want people to remember you for your dynamic ideas and wonderful personality, not your Smurf underwear.

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