Fashion For Dummies
Your full-color guide to building a fun, functional wardrobeFashion For Dummiestakes the guess out of dress, giving you the confidence and know-how you need to dress for every occasion. This full-color guide is packed with tips on creating a confusion-free wardrobe that works with your body type and personal style, as well as navigating the worlds of color, pattern, and texture.Reveals how to put together outfits that work without overextending your budgetFeatures a section dedicated to menswearPacked with helpful illustrations presented in full colorThe perfect guide for novice fashion-hunters,Fashion For Dummiesis your key to always dressing your best!Jill Martin's Ultimate Outfit ChecklistHow to be happy with your outfit every time you get dressed1)Only wear it if you’d be psyched if the ex-boyfriend who dumped you ran into you while you were wearing it.2)Only wear it if it makes you feel confident enough to ace a job interview.3)Only wear it if it stands out just enough to get you noticed. While you might not want to scream, “Look at me!” in a fire engine–red dress, you don’t have to wear only head-to-toe black, either. Try adding some color as an accent with a scarf, or some great jewelry, or even metallic shoes or a unique bag for a change.4)Only wear it if you’re comfortable that it’s you exactly as you see yourself. Wearing pants when you really feel more comfortable in skirts and dresses (or vice versa) just to change up your wardrobe is not necessary. You know what you feel and look good in, and it’s okay to stick with that look.5)Only wear it if the fabric feels soft on your skin. Don’t wear it if it’s at all itchy, because it’ll distract you and make you uncomfortable all day.6)Only wear it if it’s going to keep you warm enough. Showing some skin is sexy, but in the winter, try a sexy neckline instead of bare arms.7)Only wear it if it fits you properly. If it’s too big or too small, it won’t flatter your figure and you’ll be trying to adjust yourself all day. Again, distracting and uncomfortable!8)Only wear it if it doesn’t make you look like you tried too hard. While it’s important that everything you’re wearing goes well together, you don’t want to look too matchy-matchy. Avoid matching your shoes to your belt to your bag to your hair accessories.9)Only wear it if it’s appropriate for the location, activity, or venue. There’s no need to wear high heels to the company picnic. Not only will you look out of place, but you won’t be able to participate in any of the day’s events.10)Only wear it if it represents your generation, meaning you don’t look like you’re wearing your mother’s clothes — or your daughter’s, for that matter. Just because micro-minis are in for the teen set does not mean that you should necessarily follow that trend.Jill Martin Reveals Her Fashion Discoveries in an Amazon-Exclusive InterviewWhat was the biggest fashion discovery you made while you were writingFashion For Dummies?While following the trends is always fun, you’ll look your most beautiful and stylish if you stay true to your personality and dress to flatter your body type.Has your style changed at all because of this book?Well, maybe not changed entirely, but it definitely evolved and got more refined. While I used to have an overflowing closet with tons of different looks, now I have a cleaned-out and organized closet that’s narrowed down to the more classic look that best expresses my style.Is there any one fashion rule that you would advise people of across the board, regardless of style or body type?Yes! Invest wisely and think long-term when it comes to your basic and staple items. It’s okay to spend a little more on these pieces, because you’ll have them in your wardrobe for years. Likewise, look for bargains when buying super trendy items. You won’t have these for more than a season or two, so there’s no need to spend too much.What is the biggest splurge you ever made on your wardrobe, and was it worth it?I bought this amazing Chanel bag. I had no business spending that kind of money at the time, but I had to have it. And, yes, it was worth it because it’s a classic that will never go out of style. I’ve been using it for years and will continue to do so. I have more than gotten my money’s worth.What is the best bargain you ever found?I found a couple of beautiful rhinestone broaches at a flea market once. I use them all the time. I wear one on my jean jacket pocket, and the other I pin onto a formal dress to give it a vintage look.