La Mode

LAMODE FASHION
Dos &
Don't
Do make accessories your friend!
Knowing a few basic style tips about
dressing for the office, casual occasions
and evenings out goes a long way toward
lo oking great in your 30s. Still, there are
some dos and don'ts that each of us should
keep in mind. Let's start with the don'ts.
In our humble opinion, Omotola
Jalade is 30s fashion perfection in
this stunning yellow african print
patterned dress with just the right
accessories.
Evening looks, no matter what your age,
really depend on the event and the
company you'll be keeping. Dinner and
drinks with your college roommates
calls for an entirely different look than
say an evening of salsa dancing with
your hot new boyfriend.
And a night on the town is still the
perfect occasion to choose racier items,
such as animal prints or a sheer blouse
with just enough lace work to keep you
from being arrested. But be careful not
to overdo it. The head-to-toe vixen look
might be OK for a 26-year-old, but the
look can be less appealing on a 36-yearold.
For women in their 30s, it's really about
balancing sophistication with sexiness.
As the saying goes, sometimes less is
more. If the top you're wearing shows
•Don't buy clothes that do not fit.No matter
what diet of the week you're trying, do not buy
a size down in anticipation of losing those
stubborn extra pounds.
•Don't lo ok to the teenagers in your life for
fashion tips. Some women think that by
emulating high scho ol or college girls, they'll
automatically lo ok younger.
FASHION
off a little décolleté, skip the miniskirt
and go for a pair of wide-legged
trousers If you want to show a little leg,
make sure everything's covered up on
top. And don't worry, looking
sophisticated doesn't have to mean
looking old. If you're wearing a formal
gown, keep your lush locks down. Or
finish a sleek, sophisticated ensemble
with a fun, flirty ponytail. In other
words, try pairing something youthful
with your grown-up look.
When it comes to accessories for an
evening out, the only way to get it
wrong is to forget about them. Of
course, that doesn't mean you should
load yourself down with sparkles, but
one perfect piece -- a great pair of
earrings, a statement necklace or a funky
cuff -- can really complete your look.
And try to keep things in harmony.
Balance sturdy fabrics with bold
accessories, but keep it dainty for
anything whispery like silk or chiffon.
•Do expand your wardrobe beyond basic black
and comfy stand-bys. It can be tricky avoiding all
the fashion faux pas out there, but you also don't
want to get stuck in a rut.
•Do invest in well-made, properly fitted
undergarments. An ill-fitting bra or oversized pair of
granny panties can ruin an otherwise polished lo ok.
Finally, remember the best lo oks always seem
effortless, not overdone.