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Issue Date: March 31, 2002
26 hot tips
The rules change constantly. But for this season at least, you can't miss with fashion critic Elizabeth Snead's guide to style.
This outfit, tips 9 to 11
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1. All-black is so last millennium. Cure any lingering chromophobia with doses of color like turquoise, peach, pink, sunny yellow and mint green. Don't just stick to baby blue because it "brings out your eyes."
2. Shun large logos. Wearing a garment emblazoned with a designer or brand name is a no-no. Still permissible in some high-status circles: a subtle double G (Gucci), double H (Hermes), CD (Christian Dior) or double C (Chanel).
3. Underwear is no longer under wraps. Lingerie looks -- "cami-tops" and lace blouses -- are part of spring's "return to romance." And there's nothing wrong with a pastel or floral bra strap peeking out from under a sexy smocked T-shirt.
4. If you've got game or just want to look like you do, try on retro '70s sportswear: stretchy headbands (as seen on Allen Iverson) or a velour track suit (worn by street poet Nas).
5. Patriotism is red hot and true blue. But the patriotic spirit is more than flag prints. Try Americana, from Ralph Lauren's Western wear to Alice Roi's Amish looks to Tommy Hilfiger's classic America's Cup sportswear.
6. The black leather jacket is the blue blazer of the new millennium.
7. Don't overdose on trends. Take the new Western wear: If you wear all of it at once -- peasant blouse, fringed jacket, tiered skirt, leather belt -- you'll look like Annie Oakley.
8. It's OK to mix seasonal fabrics. Crisp white linen pants look great with a black turtleneck. Even better, mix tough (suede, leather and shearling) with tender (gauze, lace and organza).
9. Buy an oversized white shirt -- lacy, crisp, ruffled or sheer -- and wear it with everything.
10. If you buy just one new piece of jewelry this season, make it turquoise -- necklace, earrings, choker or bracelet. It covers all the trends, from Americana to romantic to Bohemian.
11. Throw your dirty denims in the wash. The spring '02 style is wholesome, so keep your jeans clean, your shirts crisp and your shoes polished. Mom will be so proud.
12. Watch out for Prints Charming this season. Your best bets: floral prints (bold or subdued) and stripes (strong or soft).
13. Need a new outfit but don't have the money? Visit a vintage store for one or two items (jewelry, scarf, jacket or vest) to add a touch of retro kitsch to your wardrobe.
14. It's fine to wear anything seen on "That '70s Show". But skip anything -- like textured hose, ankle boots, padded shoulders and big, teased hair -- from "That '80s Show". As if we had to tell you.
15. If a guy can buy only one sport coat, it should be a Harris or houndstooth tweed.
16. Buttoned-up vests are a great investment this season. They can do double duty over shirts or be worn all by themselves.
17. There's nothing sexier on a woman than a well-cut trouser suit.
18. Try a new hairstyle and new makeup colors at least every two years. If you don't, you'll look like a time capsule from whatever decade you grew to adulthood in.
19. Hey, guys: Buying one new suit? You have enough boxy three-buttons. It's time for a slim one-button suit with narrow lapels, natural shoulders and a fitted waist.
Kate Spade's "Bright Suede" bags for spring
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20. Carry a small bag after 6. At night, that everything-but-the-kitchen-sink satchel makes you look like a bag lady.
21. If your heels hang over the edge, your sandals are too small. And while we're on the subject of summer feet: Pedicures, please!
22. The body glitter craze is over. Now embellishments (sequins, pearls, beading and fabrics that shine and glimmer) should be worn, not smeared on your skin ... unless you're J. Lo (or one of her backup singers), in which case anything goes.
23. Sun-kissed cheeks make you look and feel healthy. But skin cancer and wrinkles aren't pretty. Buy your summer glow at the makeup counter or the self-tanning shelf.
24. Make friends with your full-length mirror and get familiar with your body type (pear, apple, breadstick, whatever). Always dress with your proportions -- not Halle Berry's -- in mind.
25. Do your color homework: It's easy to figure out what colors look best on you; they're usually the ones your husband/boyfriend/gal pals/mom always compliment you on wearing.
26. The overriding fashion rule: There are no rules.
L.A.-based Elizabeth Snead keeps tabs on celebs' style for E! Online's "Fashion Police."
Photo credit: Peter Rosenbaum, Spiegel (model, top); FOX ("That '70s show")
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