Lifestyle Choices

Gloves

Don’t neglect the power gloves can have as a fashion accent! Most of your gloves will be worn in cold weather, so you’ll need to find a pair (or two or three, to change off) that are warm as well as pretty. You can choose from a variety of knitted styles. Find a color that picks up a tone in your coat, e.g., cocoa brown with an olive/ toast/ beige tweed; or a startling contrast, like electric blue with a black coat that will get your blood going on a nippy day. Good knit choices: wool, cashmere, angora, blends, or synthetics. Keep in mind that longer gloves will prevent the wind from whistling in at your wrists; save shorter styles for milder days.

Leather gloves are an especially elegant choice. Since they tend to be more costly, choose a pair that are well made; check for tiny stitching, seams that lie flat and are well finished. If you’re in doubt about a pair, ask Mom to accompany you when shopping.

Also keep in mind that—unlike knit gloves, which are often “One Size Fits All”—leather gloves come in very specific sizes, usually from five to nine. Try them on to make sure they fit. A good leather glove will give slightly, so don’t buy them big. But be equally wary of too-tight gloves, for the seams may split.

You’ll find that you can buy leather gloves with lining or without. Lined gloves are warmer: Look for cashmere, wool, or even rabbit’s fur for warm, cozy fingers all winter long. Unlined gloves give a sleek, polished appearance but are not as warm; save them for spring and fall. Also to note: driving gloves, which have sporty openings at the wrist and knuckles—hot!

If you do buy leather gloves, you might want to consider the practical shades, like black, brown, and navy. Light bright shades look great for a while, but they soil easily and are expensive and difficult to clean. If you must buy a color, try a deep shade like eggplant, hunter green, or burgundy pretty and practical, theyshould satisfy your whim. And don’t forget mittens, the great childhood favorite. Make yours knitted and funky, or down-filled, or sheepskin, and stay warm even when those winter temperatures plummet.

Not all gloves are meant for winter’s chills, however; on the contrary, just-for-show gloves are making a real fashion comeback. A recent rage was lace and net, sometimes with “demi” fingers, that is, cropped at the knuckles so that pretty polished nails can peep out. Try white lace with a summery frock; delicate black net with a party dress; bright red lace for an all-out wow!

Belts

A belt is great way to hold your pants up, but in fashion terms, it can be much, much more. Belts can define a waist, slink across hips, create a vivid color accent, add texture, polish, and élan to just about any outfit. Long or short, leather or lace, there’s a belt to suit you and that special look you’re after.

In choosing the right belt, you must consider not only the outfit, but your particular figure type as well.

• Don’t wear a thick, waist-cinching belt if your hips are heavy or you’re short-waisted; it will only accentuate the problem. Go for a narrow sleeker belt that gently skims hips and waist for a more flattering look.
• Don’t let a big, funky buckle overload a heavily patterned or
  textured outfit. Instead, look for simple, elegant details.
• Don’t be overpowered by heavy hardware if you’re petite. Stick
  to small-scale pieces; avoid chunky buckles,heavy studs.
• Do experiment. That elegant rhinestone-studded red satin belt could look smashing with jeans as well as a silk top; a shiny black lizard cincher can add life to a gray flannel skirt and tailored blouse.
• Do use belts for a bold color statement: brights, gold, silver all look great on blacks, grays, neutrals.
• Do use belts to add the richness of texture: think supple suede, fine leather, snake, lizard, ostrich. Or try brocades, lace, beads, even plastic for another kind of fabulous textural play.
• Do try belting a classic trench or wool winter coat—very stylish, chic!
• Don’t ignore belts gleaned from boys’ and men’s shops. You’ll find classic leathers, rugged suedes, great trendy looks like cowboy or military.

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