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The Best Dress
Finish it Off
Details,
details...No, we don't mean flowers or favors here, but the
details that help make a truly beautiful you. We're
talking about accessories. If you're just recovering
from the momentous and often frustrating project of choosing
your wedding dress, you may be tempted to say, "Enough! I'll
forgo all the finishing touches!" Resist! The right accessories
(emphasis on right) are the element that pull the whole ensemble
together and make your guests gasp when they get their first
glimpse of you. We've pulled together a list of the
accessories you'll need.
Headpiece and veil
The veil you choose should complement you (if you're petite, for example, a huge veil will only dwarf you), but should also complement your dress. A very long veil can be stunning - but if the back of your dress is particularly dramatic, you may not want to cover it up. Keep headpieces simple in relation to your dress: a very ornate gown is best with a pared-down headpiece, such as a pretty pearl headband, while a simple, clean-lined dress can take on a dramatic, jeweled tiara with a multilayered veil. If your style is quite understated, or your wedding informal, experiment with a hat, a garland of flowers, or a decorated comb in place of a traditional headpiece or veil.
Shoes
as we all know, when your feet are in pain, you're going to
have a bad day. If that day is your wedding day, well,
you'll find it tough your smile. Heels should not be
stilet-to-height - especially if you'll be dancing.
A lower, sturdy heel is best for a girl on her feet all day
long - we recommend 2.5" for comfort. As for style,
your options are many. Choose a dressy fabric, such as satin,
peau de soie, or silk shantung, over workaday leather.
And what goes for your head also goes for your feet: Opposites
attract. Pair an ornate shoe a simple ensemble, a plan
shoe with an elaborate dress. shoes accented with lace,
pearls, or crystals can mirror the details of your dress.
Lingerie
We're talking about foundation, darlings. You really
don't want to be wearing your plain-June cotton panties today.
Shop for lingerie that's not only special and sexy, but they
also provides support where you need it, creating a clean,
smooth line under your dress. Investigate Basques and long-line,
strapless bras, or the latest body slimming slips (a far cry
from the constricting girdles of old!), whatever your grown
and your figure require. Go to a specialty lingerie
shop or the lingerie section of a good department store (full-service
bridal saloons often sell lingerie) to get expertly fitted.
And don't forget to wear them to your dress fittings!
Jewelry
Can you say this often enough? Keep it simple! the main attraction
is you (and your dress) not your jewelry. If you normally
wear lots of rings, leave them off today - wear only your
engagement ring and new wedding band. Earrings should
not compete for attention with you headpiece and veil.
For that reason, it's best to choose earrings that don't hang
too low dangle too much. As for necklaces, the the traditional
choice is a pearl choker or strand, or a pearl or diamond
pendant ( whether fine or costume jewelry). Your choice
will depend on the neckline of your dress. What's hot
now: everything from sleek, modern pieces to romantic, retro
ones. Being simple does't preclude being stylish: Look
for fabulous vintage items, one-of-a-kind pieces, or fun floral
or butterfly accents.
Gloves
If you're wearing a strapless, sleeveless, of thin-strapped
dress, gloves are a great accent, and can look terribly elegant.
Opera-length (over the elbow) gloves work with sleeveless
or strapless gowns; gloves that come to just below the elbow
work best with short- or cap-sleeve gowns; and wrist length
gloves can work with just about any type of sleeve. - Denise
Schipani
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Basic Menswear
"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."
--Mark TwainThe well - dressed man can
expect to make heads turn and hearts flutter. Basically, attention to details can make all the difference in how a man is perceived. The following are some basic tips for the man about town: Jackets
- If you think you need only one suit, go for black, grey or navy.
- Three-button suits are good if you're on the short side because they (like vertical stripes) tend to make you look taller and slimmer.
- If you like a double-breasted jacket style, always keep it closed to maintain a smooth line along the sides.
- Whatever the jacket style, the lapels should extend to just short of the halfway mark between the collar and the shoulder line -- usually about 3 ½ inches wide.
Trousers
- Trousers should be long enough to cover your socks, while the socks themselves should cover your shins.
- Pant cuffs should be between 1 ½ and 2 inches wide. In general, a wider leg (or a taller person) needs a wider cuff, and so does a lighter fabric.
Shirts
- A well cut, nicely fitting dress shirt is essential. White and pastel colours are appropriate, unless the occasion calls for casual wear in which case you can put on a monogrammed shirt, or one with
designs.
- Short-sleeved shirts with ties are usually not considered formal business attire.
Accessories
- Dress belts for formal wear should be 1¼ inches wide. The belts should not have braids or obvious designs.
- If you wear suspenders, don't wear a belt, and be sure they're the kind that fasten inside your trousers with buttons, not metal clips.
Shoes
- Wear lace-ups, not loafers, with a suit. Choose a shoe with a thinner sole (about half inch thick) and a squared toe.
- If you're wearing jeans, plain loafers or ankle boots are fine. Generally, the well dressed male wears athletic shoes only when doing some
athletic activity.
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