Fashion by the Rules: Unspoken Rules

WRONG!

PERFECT!

Once upon a time in Fashion, there were unspoken rules which were observed by almost everyone who even had the slightest interest in their appearance.

We never wore white after Labor Day. That meant white anything. And we never wore white before Memorial Day. Alas, then came winter white, which was really more like ecru and usually in the form of flannel.

Women, when wearing their after five or cocktail clothes, wore either a shoe, dyed to match, a silk or suede shoe. This was usually in black or a metallic color. They often carried a small handbag which might have been jeweled or solid fabric that coordinated with their outfit.

Somehow during the growth of the “Designer” we have forgotten the rules and instead have observed an ‘anything goes’ attitude, which I find distressing, as well as unsightly.
Leather or patent shoes do not finish an outfit as well as suede or fabric and certainly for 95% of the cases there is no boot or gladiator pump with platform that makes anyone look soigné. We have gotten carried away with clumsy looking, wildly expensive shoes that don’t make sense worn with cocktail or evening wear.

I was curious as to why maybe the more normal shoe was no longer available. Maybe the slick evening shoe was priced beyond most means or simply that due to a lack of interest , no one produced them. WRONG!!!!!!!

After a quick research, I discovered a wealth of proper shoes at every price, along with suitable evening bags. One must try to remember that these things are really what finish the outfit. They can turn the common into great and the usual into the unusual.

One last thing, stockings and pantyhose, they are a perfect finishing touch when possible. Bare legs are not as attractive as the magazines lead on. Think about that !

Thanks to Bloomingdales, Saks, Zappos, Net a Porter and Nordstrom’s for the photos

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