Because you're in the public eye, and God knows you need to look good.
Let us pray.
Dear and gracious God,
Hear our prayers for the ability to accessorize well.
Lead us not into vaguely shawl-like items in bad colors,
and keep us from faces tan enough to double as Italian leather handbags.
Help us to be ever lovely presences in the world,
doing your work with love and with good hair and make-up.
Amen.
P.S. Lisa Welchel looks really good, Lord. Is that because she became a totally born-again Christian?
Let’s talk about what’s right about these suits.
They’re beautiful, they’re classic, they’re polished. The women look fresh and cared for, their shoes are totally stylish but not tarty (you could even wear those strappy sandals to a non-Sunday morning event), and they’re absolutely appropriate for ministry.
The skirt on the top gal is a bit too short, but just a hair, and it may be just the way she’s standing. Add some very sheer nylons, a nicely substantial pump or shoe, and you’re all set.
The gal on the bottom has fabulous trousers. Look at the elegance of the pointy toe flat peeking out the bottom and the stylish yet classic bag. That’s what I mean by details, darlings.
As we can see by these photos, it’s not about having a closet full of brightly colored odds and ends that sort of fit and that sort of “go together.” It’s about assembling, with great care and over hard time in the retail salt times, perfectly tailored, beautiful and well-made pieces.
These outfits don’t need a thing but a fresh face and shiny hair and a big smile.
Of course if you wanted to add some accessories, you could. But you wouldn’t need to. A lovely watch, a pair of tasteful earrings, that would do.
This look isn’t for everybody (it isn’t for me, as I’m too large in both body and personality to really carry it off), but if it works for you, why not work it?
Darlings, PeaceBang has just returned from New York City, where in between getting caught in torrential downpours, she had the pleasure of walking to various appointments and observing NYC fashion in person!
It was so inspiring!
I can just tell you that the gals are wearing darling little print dresses (vintage, not icky, drab florals) with cardigans and big chunky beads and all manner of fabulous sandals. Another lovely look (since PeaceBang can’t imagine where one would easily procure true vintage cotton frocks outside of the Village) is light colored suits (tailored! tailored) with slingbacks and smashing bags. A gentle grass green with some grey in it is all the rage and looks good on everyone. Not Kelly green, not acid green. And in the bags or the shoes, not near the face.
Someone asked about shoes for GA (or other conferences). I know it’s hard. I am agonizing over the decision myself. My comfortable shoes are all heinous and unflattering, and my attractive shoes are mostly no good for schlepping from one event to the other. My overall advice on conference shoes is this: if they’re chunky and heinous, wear a nice long pant that fits beautifully, a cute top, and don’t feature them. If they’re adorable and make you feel gorgeous, keep the rest of your outfit simple to highlight them.
Someone asks, “are black dress shoes okay with tan pants?”
Dear Someone,
No.
At least, I don’t think so. Unless the “tan pants” are a beautiful pair of true trousers with a shape to them, and are lined, and are elegant. Then of course, you can wear an elegant dress shoe.
It’s really more about the scale and line than the color. If the pants are light and tailored and elegant, the shoe should also be elegant, in whatever color. The shoe should not be heavy and, for instance, patent leather. That’s too wintery and heavy. If the shoe has a thin ankle strap and a delicate foot, by all means wear it with “tan pants” (didn’t we talk about the evils of “tan” already? I’m a bit worried) and a smart black cardigan and fitted shell with pearls or beads. Bring another dark color somewhere into the outfit and you’ll be fine.
1. PeaceBang deeply believes that the road to fashion HELL is paved with the sentiment, “Don’t worry what it looks like, just wear what’s comfortable.”
PeaceBang cannot express strongly enough her disdain for this attitude.
Jesus of Nazareth suffered and died on the Cross. Am I to complain, then, if my feet pinch in heels, or if my control top panty hose cut into my flesh?
2. Don’t be afraid to wear black and navy together. They can be smashing.
Having been appalled at the atrocities in the Newport News online catalog, I tried another purveyor of decent, affordable basics, Chadwick’s.
A bit better, but why do they do this?
http://www.chadwicks.com/product.aspx?PfId=48535&DeptId=9154&producttypeid=1&PurchaseType=0
They offer a perfectly presentable summer blazer: cut, fine, price, fine. And the bloody thing is only available in the most awful colors imaginable: nasty, cheap yellow, garish blues, eye-bloodying pinks, gag-inducing floral.
A general rule: keep bright colors as accents, not the main focus. If you find a garment you love in a bright color, that’s fine but make sure it’s rich and not chintzy, vibrant and not garish, and that you wear appropriately scaled accessories to stand up to it. No bright pink dresses with little tiny gold chain necklaces and earrings. Rock out some big beads, make it bold on purpose.
Tip: Bright colors on inexpensive fabrics = cheap looking clothes. If you’re a budget shopper, best to stay with neutrals and splurge on a gorgeous, rich colored accents.
FABRICS MATTER!!!