Mom’s Style Do’s and Don’ts

Mom Says...

“Brown shoes? Wear a brown belt. Black shoes? Wear a black belt.”

London: It may be kind of an antiquated rule, but it works. When it comes to shoes and belts, if you mix black and brown, it looks like you woke up and your lightbulb wasn’t working.
 
Lyons: That is boring, boring, boring. Make your belt mean something to your outfit. It’s not there just to hold your pants up. If you’re wearing black shoes, put on a polka-dot or striped belt―something with a little personality.
 
Boston: From a matching standpoint, it will never fail you. But it’s better to mix up shades and finishes within the same color family, like cognac-colored heels in a faux-crocodile print with a cappuccino-colored ribbon belt.

“If you smile and make eye contact, no one will care―or even notice―what you are wearing.”

Boston: No matter how big your smile and strong your eye contact, if you’re wearing a bad blouse and a pair of pants that should have been donated to charity years ago, it’s going to show.

Lyons: This is the most important rule. It is so much harder to be critical of what someone is wearing when she is lovely, connected, and interesting.

Lepore: That’s easier said than done. Not everyone has this kind of confidence or personality, so don’t dress like a clown.