What is hosiery? Hosiery is stockings, socks, and tights. Is hosiery necessary? A lot of ladies would say no. I, however, say yes! Unless you have mile-long, perfect legs without a single scratch, hosiery really will help. Many of us have awful memories of scratchy tights and god-awful reinforced toe pantyhose. That’s not what I’d wear, either! There are many improved items and if you haven’t bought new hosiery in a while, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. These are the hosiery items I wear most often:

Black opaque tights:

This is a cold-weather staple! Opaque tights look good paired with almost any dress or skirt. If you have heavy thighs/calves and/or thick ankles, these will become your new best friend. The slimming effect is remarkable. I buy the control-top so everything is sucked-in. Look for the highest denier (“denier” refers to the thickness and weight of the material).

Nude hose:

A lot of ladies think these are terrible, both the look and feel. For the look, you want a sheer nude that closely matches your leg color. Don’t buy the cheap junk that comes in an egg. High quality brands feel soft, never scratchy. If you’re wearing these with open-toe shoes, buy the footless version. Some nudes are so subtle, they look invisible.

Trouser socks:

This is the hosiery item I wear most often with pants. I love Chrissy’s Knee High Socks. These are so light and comfortable, I can wear them 3 out of 4 seasons and they’re also very affordable.

Sheer black hose:

Sheer black hose is perfect for night-time events. Remember: Closed-toe shoes if you’re wearing hose, or footless hose only. This particular type of hose tends to be a man-magnet, if you’re looking, or want to look extra-special.

White cotton socks:

For exercise or lounging, these socks can’t be beat. This is what I wear at home and to bed in the winter (my feet are always freezing!) Hanes socks are super cheap and work well. Buy the value pack at Walmart. I prefer crew to ankle.

As for kitschy hosiery I would never wear (not on the street, anyway):

Old-fashioned stockings with garters – so overrated

Fishnets – look cheap

Pattern tights – not flattering

Colored tights – same as above

White tights – make legs look enormous

 

What kind of hosiery do you like?

 

Most of us own way more shoes than we need, and few that we actually like. If you have shoes that are worn down and/or uncomfortable, purge them now! Life is too short to spend a single day with pinched toes and aching feet.

If shoes hurt when you try them on, do not buy them. They will never stretch properly and you’ll be miserable. Pay attention to width for the best fit. If you need wide or narrow, get them. Yes, they can be harder to find, so check online. Try to buy shoes that are real leather. Man made materials always smell weird and make feet extra sweaty because they don’t breathe properly. While I love a good bargain, cheap shoes are not worth it. It’s better to own a single pair of quality than dozens of junk.

Start by going through the shoes you already own. There should be at least a few that are good. If you’re looking to update, or starting over from scratch, these shoes should be part of the Ideal Wardrobe:

Black or Brown Pumps:

Buy whatever suits your color palette, either brown or black. (My accessories are all black.) The right heel height is between 2-3 inches. Anything higher hurts like hell and looks ridiculous, unless you’re Lady Gaga. Look for a pointy toe shape. Ankle straps add bulk, so I’d avoid those.

Black or Brown Flats:

These could be a simple loafer, ballet flats, or a peep-toe flat. Anything that is comfy for walking, errands, etc. This is the shoe I wear most often in fall and spring.

Nude Heel:

Nude heels have been popular for the past few years with good reason. They look awesome paired with white and make legs look very long. Get a nude that matches your skin tone as closely as possible.

Boots:

I love to wear boots in the winter! If you can afford it, it’s ideal to own 3 pairs: a flat boot, a high-heeled boot that comes up to the knee, and an ankle bootie. If you have short legs or wide calves, you may need a specialty boot. Try Zappo’s; they have everything.

Sneakers:

For exercise or marathon coupon shopping, these can’t be beat. Don’t make it a habit to wear these daily, though. It’s not the most stylish option. I love Adidas sneakers.

Sandals:

Sandals are a must for summertime. If you live in a warm climate, this could be a year-round option. Flat ones are good if they have a padded insole. Strappy sandals are nice for date night. I avoid sandals with a heel strap like the plague.

If you have extra space/cash, these are nice editions, too:

Wedge:

Wedges can be surprisingly comfy. Find one that’s not too high and offers a good amount of support. Espadrille wedges are gorgeous.

Metallic Evening Shoe:

One of the best things I learned from watching dozens of episodes of What Not to Wear, is that metallics are a neutral (Thanks, Stacy and Clinton!) No matter what color your outfit is, a metallic shoe will work perfectly. I have a pair of open-toe silver pumps that I love for formal occasions.

A special note on Flip Flops:

Flip flops are cheap and flimsy. Why, then, would I add them to the list? They’re good for the beach and running around in the worst heat. Some people love ’em, others wouldn’t be caught dead in ’em. I like flip flops, so they’re part of my shoe wardrobe. Havaianas makes a nicer pair. Target usually has deals on these; last year I got 2 pairs free with coupons! Because these are so affordable, get a wild color. I love purple. Flip flops last one season, max! The second these start to look ratty, toss them.

 

What’s your favorite style of shoe?

 

If you live in a Four Season climate like I do, dressing for Spring can be tricky. Temps. vary widely and sometimes what works in the morning is obsolete by afternoon. Try some of these ideas for beautiful spring style:

1.  Layer

During Spring, I layer a lot. A cardigan over a camisole paired with slacks is ideal. Winter items made of cotton are still wearable in the Spring, but not wool (too late in the season). I always bring a lightweight coat with me, just in case. If I need it, I have it and if not, I’ll keep it in the car.

2.  Color

Winter clothes tend to be dark, while Summer is all about whites and brights. Spring is the time to bridge these seasons by combining elements of both. Try black pants with a colorful top. If you’re really bold, a monochromatic look can be striking! For the color-shy, start with an eye-catching accessory like a turquoise necklace or a silky scarf. Little pops of color will have a big impact if done correctly.

3.  Footwear

By May, I’ve retired my boot collection. A nice pair of flats, especially open-toe, work great for Spring. Pumps are best for a dressier occasion. On the warmest days, I happily break out the sandals.

4.  Prints

I love a colorful print in the springtime. There’s something so fresh about a delicate floral. Apply the same advice to prints that you would to bright color: a little goes a long way.

 

What do you wear during Spring?

Welcome to Day 1 of “The Ideal Wardrobe.” For today’s topic, I want to start at the beginning. We can’t become stylish unless we know what style is, right? These are the components of good style:

1.  Modesty

You will never be stylish if your clothes make you self-conscious and others uncomfortable! Clothing should cover the body without hiding it. We look our best when we feel our best; nobody on earth ever felt good in a thong bikini! Most of the clothing made today, especially for teens, is far too skimpy and often bordering on vulgar. Ladies, don’t believe the hype. Nobody will respect you unless you respect yourself.

 

2.  Elegance

A stylish lady always strives to look polished and feminine. Make an effort everyday to dress in an outfit that shows your graceful style, rather than moping around in old sweats and sneakers. If you don’t usually wear skirts or dresses, try it! If you like to dress casually, that’s ok, but there’s no need to fall into the jeans-and-tee rut either. Even at our most dressed-down, we can add elegance through accessories. Elegant style icons of yesterday include Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly. Modern Day elegance is expressed by Kate Middleton and Taylor Swift.

3.  Current

To be stylish, one must dress for the current times (within reason)! This is usually more of a problem for older ladies who are emotionally attached to what they wore when they felt young and pretty. Style knows no number! We can be fashionable at every age. The pants you wore in 1990 probably won’t look good now. Things that were popular decades ago should remain in the past. I read once that if you took part in a fad the first time around, don’t try it again. Good advice!

4. Flattering

Stylish clothing is flattering. It fits the body you have, not the body you wish you had. Clothing should gently skim the body without being tight. The goal here is to emphasis our feminine shapes. Color is also a key component. If you haven’t read Color Me Beautiful, buy or borrow a copy. Depending on your hair/eye/skin color, certain shades will look better or worse than you. I personally have dark hair and eyes and a very pale complexion which puts me in the Winter category. I look best in black, white, and strong jewel tones. (My favorite is purple.) I would never wear yellow, orange, or brown.

5.  Occasion Appropriate

A  stylish outfit suits the occasion. If you work in an office, wear a pretty suit. Put on a cute skirt for a dinner date. Wear a nice turtleneck to Temple. You don’t have to be the best-dressed lady in the room, but please make sure you’re not the worst-dressed. In the picture above, this lady is shows how to wear a striped blouse 3 different ways, for 3 different occasions.

 

How do you define style?