As an anthropology major in college, I once read an article about a Pacific Islander culture in which sadness was thought to cause illness, so there was considerable social pressure to never frown, to always smile, smile, smile. Here in the western hemisphere, New York is a city in which many people strive to look their best, whatever the circumstances, and check each other out as a consistent source of inspiration. Like the Pacific Islanders thought sadness was contagious, here, style is what’s catching; it stands to reason that the better the people around you look, the more inclined you are to give it the old college try when you face the gaping mouth of your closet each morning.
Yes, many people try, and many manage to make a delightful and nuanced ensemble look completely effortless. But sometimes an otherwise resounding success is ruined by last-minute lapses in judgment. I’d like to point out some of these common, easily-remedied style snafus.
Let there be no mistake– I’m not a do’s and don’ts person. I’ll begin instead with “Let’s please not…” And why not comply? Aside from your own pleasure at being an unadulterated inspiration, it’s for the greater good, you know?
Let’s please not…
* carry plastic bags
Yes, I’m the girl who, in the throes of moving, carted collapsed cardboard boxes across Manhattan on the subway. But unless I’ve just been in a shop or the grocery store, no, you will not see me carrying that which won’t fit into my handbag in a plastic bag. That’s what totes are for, silly! Does it seem a bit ridiculous to carry a tote and a handbag? But of course not. Layering makes everything better, and it’s the case with bags, too.
* wear shoes shaped with elastic
Elastic in an ankle strap makes a slingback cling and click just right. But elastic in the upper of a pump just shouts, “MY SHOES ARE PLASTIC!” I know sometimes it’s hard to find pumps that fit the contour of your foot. But stretch and synthetics are not the solution. Hold out for a better shoe. You’ll thank yourself later.
* overdo it
I don’t know about you, but it is my goal that each item of clothing in my closet be of sufficient quality and interest that it be able to stand on its own, as well as in an outfit. Clearly, some items of clothing not only stand on their own, but shout and wave their arms in the air, too. Although I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you, I’ll do it anyway: don’t wear all those attention-getting pieces at once. Yes, I know it feels quite opulent. But it looks just the opposite. I’ll never forget having a conversation with a former roommate when she was about to hit the town. She wore brown snakeskin boots, dark denim jeans with a sparkly undertone, a black lacy blouse, a short fur, and she carried a multicolored python clutch. I won’t go into the make-up. But as I was considering her, I just felt dizzy, and not in a good, head-full-of-champagne sort of way. The bottom line is, don’t try too hard. The guise of effortlessness is the key to style.