What to Wear : Man 34, Dress UP

More Boss Black...

Question:

Hi ggflower my name is Jaouad (MALE)I am 34 years old.  I always get confused when I try to dress for any occasion, I sometimes feel like I look Goofy. so, I would appreciate if YOU tell me Details about fitted Colors in classic clothes and others clothes.......I work in office and like to go out also.  your Response is appreciated  please if i don't understand something i will ask again  thanks jaouad city of hermitage, PA

Answer:

Hi Jaouad,

You have asked a very good question. I think, with so many new styles being offered every season, it is easy to get confused about what to buy and "what to wear" from moment to moment.  Whenever I get this type of question, I always answer the much same way, whether it’s a man or a woman.


It is important Jaouad to make sure you have plenty of classic styles and basic colors in your wardrobe. Stores like JC Penneys and LLBean always sell classic styles, like Dockers and Chinos. Since, you did not mention formal wear I concentrate on work and casual styles of clothing for men.

By the way, if you go shopping right after Christmas you will get the best deal on winter clothing. And the best sales for summer clothing is right after the 4^th of July. If you find that your wardrobe is lacking the basics to dress in a classic conservative manner, you will have to start to pay better attention when you go shopping.

Rule of thumb

Style: Don’t mix too many styles. Don’t wear tennis shoes with your dress clothes. Don’t wear your dress shoes with your casual clothes. Don’t wear more than one trendy item at a time. Wearing trends works for teens and rock stars. So if you want to be taken seriously, you need to avoid these looks. Find clothes that are fitted in the 'traditional' manner.

Dressing in the classic style:

Slacks: Chinos or Dockers-dark colors for winter, light colors for summer.

Socks: match your socks to your pants. 

Shirts: Oxford button downs collars for work, Henleys, crewneck sweaters, crewneck knit tops and polo shirts for casual.

Shoes: leather lace ups for work, loafers or docksiders for casual.

Belt: match the color and style of your belt to your shoes. One belt for dress and one belt for casual

Sunglasses: black shades if you are wearing a black belt and shoes. Brown shades if you are wearing a brown belt and shoes. By the way, here is where you can play around with trends. Find some cool shades.

Color for men

Wear as much of the same neutral color in each outfit as you can.Example: for work..

Navy slacks, Navy Shirt, or a white shirt with navy stripes.

Brown slacks, brown or beige shirt, or beige shirt with brown stripes.

Black slacks: with white shirts are really elegant, even if your are wearing jeans.

Tie: A multicolor tie will add just the right amount of color if you follow the rule above.  What you want to avoid is the goofy look which is created when you wear too many colors or too many styles. The overall effect is too busy!  

For casual: stick with neutral colors and solids. Save the funky prints shirts for the beach or a pool party or hanging around at home.

Navy shorts: navy, white, or gray Henley shirt or polo shirt or knit top.

Brown or khaki shorts. White or beige, navy  polo or t-shirt.

White shorts: if you are into white shorts, you can wear almost any color top.

Black shorts: grey, white, or taupe shirts, look dressy and elegant. 

I hope this helps. If you ever need help dressing up for a formal occasion, write me back. I would love to help out!

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Question
 
I am going to my school homecoming is november and i would like a nice dress but i am having issues trying to find a nice dress, i am an apple shape and i would like something that goes well with my shape and obviously conceals my stomach. do you know of any brands or particular dresses that would suit my shape well?
many thanks
katie

Answer

Hi Katie,
For your Body Type Look for prom dresses that de-emphasize the middle, such as drop waist or no waist dresses. Accentuate your gorgeous legs and slender arms with shoes, hosiery or a long strand of pearls.

I went to Sydneyscloset.com and found the lovely purple and black dress. I chose it because it doesn't fit tight around the middle like most other prom dresses.

Visit our PROM DRESS DIRECTORY where there are hundreds of dresses to choose from !

Tell me what you think?
GG Flower 
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,
thank u for your reply and if i am not wrong i have hourglass body type as my mesuremnet come to be 36" bust,27" waist and 37" hip..right?...i also want to ask you what type of hair style will suit me i have very narrow face with somewhat ovel shape and everyone says that only thing i can do with my hairs is to just to make a pony tail as hair style make my narrow face looks more narrow..i have attached a link that u can follow to view my face type..
thanks a lot

http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee247/snehra1/ 

Answer
Perfect for your face
Yes! You are an hourglass type! -this type is the most proportioned of all the body types. You already have a sexy feminine body type, so try sleek classic hairstyles for added sophistication. Your clothing should be sleek and simple as well.

My suggestion:
Shoulder length
Blunt cut
Add height by blow drying
Part hair on the side


QUESTION: thanks so much for your explanatory answer..just one more question if u don't mind to reply.

The hair style u have mentioned looks good but i m doubtful about it as i have a small fore head it would kind of hide my forehead and other is i have a short height so i m afraid that shoulder lenght hair will cover my neack and will make me look more smaller..please suggest if i am right or wrong.
and i love this simple hair style..would it  look good on me

http://www.shop4prom.com/photogallery/gallery.asp?action=viewimage&categoryid=44&text=&imageid=446&box=&shownew=
thank a lot

Answer
Absolutely! This is very similar to my choice, except the bang is high over the forehead and its longer. Very pretty and very chic.

Make sure you blow dry the crown with a large round brush. That way you will create height and therefor look a bit taller...

I am a little confused about your statement about the length. It looks to me that the longer hairstyle is covering more of your neck? My reasoning for the shorter cut would allow you to brush the hair back and show more of your neck...

Why not try the longer version and see for yourself, before choosing to cut! 

GG Flower
 

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Question

Hello, how are you going? My name is Christina and I live in Australia. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question :-) I saw a dress that I like on www.ebay.com.au  (item has been sold / removed by publisher) It is item number: 160292343679 if you have time to look at it) I love the whole dress, expect the neckline, as it's a bit too low cut for me, as I hate having my boobs too much out.

I was wondering if you think it would look stupid if I get a small piece of material, like white lace or something, and sew it inside the dress, where the neck is, just so it will make the neckline go a little bit higher. So it will be like a small triangle of material at the neck. Would that look silly do you think? Or am I better off not buying the dress at all? If you think the material idea is okay, what kind of material would you put there? Like would you put white sheer lace, or lemon satin , or something else? Thanks heaps for your time, I do appreciate it a lot :-) Kind Regards, from Christina in Australia

Answer

Hi Christina,

I too think  this is a lovely dress and unfortunately does appear  to be cut too low to achieve a lady like look.

I understand your idea and I have made the same attempts to modify a dress that does not suit me perfectly. The problem you will find is  finding the  right material in the right color.  If the color is just a little off it will make the dress look 'funny'. As well, if it doesn't stay put just right it will appear home made.

What's a girl to do?  Your last option would be to find a cream or white camesole to wear underneath the dress, something lacy would look good,  but it should  lie flat against your chest, so look for something stretchy.

The other option is to wait for the perfect dress to come up for auction, but I know how hard that could be!!! - GG Flower

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22 Fairy Tale Wedding Hairstyles

Q:

Hi, GG, I hope you can help me! My boyfriend proposed to me while we were standing in line for the Harry Potter movie. Our wedding is planned for next Spring, but neither of us want to get married indoors. I am not into formality or stuffy events, so I am having a problem deciding on a theme for my wedding. I am hoping you can help me decide on an idea, so I can start planning soon. Thnaks, Gretta.

 

A.

First of all, Gretta, let me congratulate you on your engagement. Best wishes forever!

Consider a Fairy Tale Theme for planning your wedding. When I imagine a fairy tale theme, I think of things, like:forests, meadows, glens, flowers, vines, groves, creeks, nymphs, gnomes and fairy princesses!

Your special day could be held in a place that is special to you and your fiance, such as a lush park, with a rose garden, or a beautiful spot near a river or lake. Should the weather drive you inside, be sure to find a place that has LOTS of natural lighting, such as skylights or large windows. What you want is the look and feel of Mother Nature embracing you both!

You may not be able to get your betrothed to dress up like a gnome, but that is no reason for you to resist dressing up like a fairy. After all, what is a fairy tale wedding without a fairy? My mind gravitates to the wood nymph, a shy, little fairy, who tends to the flora and fauna of the forest with tender loving care, (left).  

No matter what, you will want your dress and the (dresses of your bridesmaids,) to be the color from nature, grass greens, rose pinks, lagoon blue, and the color of babies breath. 


Woodland Fairy Adult Costume
No nymph worth her twinkles would
be caught in a hot pink or day
glow orange tutu.

• Fairy Tale Princess Bride Dresses

• 22 New Fairy Princess Hairstyles 

• Get the Look

• Ask Gigi! got a style dilemma? Ask Me!
  (or just post a comment!)

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47 Cute Summer Hairstyles for Your Hairtype

We've added an entire category to our hairstyle gallery :  

Hairstyles for Your Hairtype

For those times when you just want to go just GO WITH THE FLOW.

For those times when you just don't want the struggle of forcing your hair into one direction when it wants to go in the other.


For those times when you embrace what Mother Nature gave you and let your tresses express themselves in ways you never imagined.


Let's face it. Summer weather is time to let your hair down.

• Cute 'n Fresh Hair Accessories 
• Fairy Tale Wedding Makeup

What to Wear? : Wedding in the West Indies

Question :
I'm going to St. Kitt's, W. Indies for a wedding. I'm wearing a gold dress. Simple, wide pleats on bottom. Nice sash around waist and top part of dress is simple v-neck. What color jewelry do I wear?

Answer :
Hi Evelyn,
I need a bit more information in order to answer your question properly.

First off, is the dress metallic gold? Or is is yellow gold? This will make a big difference in how I answer.

Next, please tell me when you will be in St. Kitts. I imagine it will be warm year round, but its important to know what goes on there culturally.

Lastly, is the wedding during the day? Evening or night?
Indoors or outdoors. Its hard to tell if the bride is going to
have a Caribbean theme or a typical traditional theme. It would help to know. Some brides wear white bikinis on the beach!

So get back when you can and I will try to answer the question better.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

The dress is a yellow gold. I w/be in St. Kitt's Nov 5th. Wedding is in the evening. The bride w/be traditonally dressed.

Thanks

Also dress is short and simple. But has a V neck shirt collar.

Answer
Hi Evelyn
I am including a picture so you can see my recommdation. Yellow gold is a lot of color and this necklace will keep it from looking like too much color. You can choose to wear the set (necklace and earrings or just one or the other)

 This lovely bib is on sale now too!

I would suggest that you wear shoes to match the pewter color of the second level of stones, very neutral, light gray-brown, aka champagne color.

GG Flower 

Any other thoughts / ideas from any one? 

What to Wear : Class Reunion

Question
Hi - I have my 30th class reunion coming up next month and we put casual dress on the invitation.  I want to wear jeans w/heel (thinking of peep toe type heel) and a nice dressy top.  I have dark brown hair and eyes and I'm 5'5" and even though I have a small waist I tend to be bigger through the hip and thigh area.  I was thinking of a longer type of top that doesn't hug my butt belted but then I don't know if that makes my hips look bigger because my waist is smaller.  Now mind you - when I graduated HS I was way too thin and I weighed 190 at my 25th class reunion which was 5 years ago.  So, I am 20lbs heavier since my 25th class reunion  :(  I really want to look nice and stylish - can you help!!
thank you!!!

Answer
Hi Trudi,
First  of all, even though jeans  are  casual,  remember they WILL make your hips and  thighs look bigger. It has to do with the cut and all the extra detail and stitching on them. But I do  understand that everyone wears jeans, so.....

As  far  as  your top, you can  wear a longer  top. But in order  to minimize your hips,  be sure to choose a top that is the same color as your pants. SO if you are wearing dark blue jeans, choose a dark blue top etc...I know this may sound boring but it will do your figure good, it slims and camoflages any imperfections. Your heels will make a fine statement, and so will your jewelry. You might want to choose a pair of really big earrings for extra  pizzazz.

Let me know how you put it all together! Have fun at your 30th.

What to Wear : Trendy Styles for My Body Type?

Question
hello m from india
m always cnfused regarding what style f clothes should i buy according to my body type.. i m 5.3' n have bit broad shoulders,n have sm extra fat around my stomach n thighs..
i usually buy long kurtas,wid 32 waist straght jeans which r generally sm shade f blue only.. n i wear suits which r v simple.. can u possibly send me sm pics that can show me how to dress up in a bit trendy way..?? n some advice also..n m not good at explaiing exactly wat i wanna say so plzz help me out .. i get so excited wen i enter a mall .. but end up buying the same thing over n over again

Answer
HI Bhavna
Thank you for your  question.

I am only really able  to help you with  your formal wear as that is my expertise.. I hope this helps.

15 Ways to Look 10 Pounds Thinner in your Prom or Oscar night Dress

When you are dressing up for any special occasion, whether, prom , homecoming or just dressing up for the Oscar Night Awards, you want to look and feel like a star. Follow these Oscar Winning tips to look sleek and elegant for your next night out!

Wear a prom dress that is:

Monochrome-a prom  dress  in one color elongates the body, making you look slimmer

Dark muted colors make you look thinner. Not everyone should wear black, so think deep gray, silver, wine, raisin, burgundy, forest green, russet, midnight blue,
golden brown, cocoa, cranberry, eggplant. Try our free  color analysis!

Neutral colors, black, silver, gray, beige, taupe, gold, will make you appear taller and more slender.

Long straight skirts or dresses are great for prom -just  be sure the skirt is not too tight around your behind!

Vertical lines in fabric or pattern. Overall effect is up/down

Materials that skim along the contour of your body, not clingy.

Slight empire waist makes your lower body look longer.

Matching shoes - or shoes that are the same tone as your dress

Heels-give the illusion of length to the leg

Hosiery that is as dark as the dress and shoes=one long l i n e

Long necklace-or no necklace at all will make the neck look longer and slimmer

Low cut dress makes the neckline appear longer- too low is trashy, be cautious.

Hair that is pulled back or swept up off the neck, updo!

Slim long, simple sleeves or

Fabrics that drape and move with the body, think: soft, fluid, graceful movement

Visit  http://www.shop4prom.com  for  more information on dressing  for your body type.

let me know if  this helps!
GG Flower 

Ask Gigi : Choosing a Wedding Dress

Question

Hi Gigi, 
I am going to be getting married in the fall. I have your typical hourglass figure, w/ some slight baby bulge in the middle. My favorite type of dress is strapless but I don't like showing my arms. I have that weird little roll where my arm connects to my chest (I call it arm pit fat). Do you have any suggestions on what the best type of dress for someone w/ a fuller hour glass 
shape figure is? Thanks!-Chai

Answer:
Hello Chai,
There are so many styles to choose from, I am sure we can find something perfect for you. I will need a little more time to do a search and find a dress that will help you look great and feel great on your special day. 

I will be researching at my own website, natch, at www.shop4prom.com which has a huge dress directory...perhaps you will want to take a look at the directory also and see if you find something you like.


-Follow Up-

Hi Chai,
I think I found the perfect solution for your dilemma.  I found this Faviana Wedding Gown from eDressMe. (I like their site because they sell mostly dresses and I can purchase dresses for almost any occasion!)

This dress has the strapless 'look' yet at the same time the lace sleeves will actually camouflage the baby fat your arms!  You also get the benefit of wearing a dress that is almost identical to Kate Middleton's! Who wouldn't want to be a princess on her wedding day?

Something Blue

Best wishes for a wonderful wedding day!

GG Flower

Ask Gigi : Wedding Guest Attire

Question
I am a guest at a wedding next month.  I just bought a dress I fell in love with, but I am not very good at accessorizing, and would love some help!  The dress is a halter, and is a criss-cross v-neck, kind of low cut.  The top half is black and form-fitting.  The bottom half is several different colors: champagne (looks like a mix between light gold and silver), pale yellow, black, and white.  It is silk and is more "flowy," for lack of a better word.  It is different lengths, from just below the knee to tea-length.  I love to wear silver jewelry, but I just don't know what kind to wear.  I'm told no necklace with a halter - is this really true?  Even with low-cut halters?  I was wondering if a short necklace would be ok, and also what kind of earrings and bracelet I should wear.  My hair is just barely past shoulder length, and dark brown, and I was thinking of wearing it half-up, half-down somehow.  Lastly, shoes?  I have black, thin strappy shoes, heel is about 1 inch.  Would these be ok or should I wear a different type?  Thanks in advance!

Answer
Well, I think in this case the black sandals will be great, since the dress is black on top.

And your earrings should be simple and pick up the colors in your dress! Nothing too cluttery. Without seeing your dress, I would have to agree with the others about necklaces with your halter. In effect a halter dress is its own accessory, in that it is accentuating your shoulders and bringing attention to your face and hair. I would avoid anything to ruin the effect. As for your hair, why not pin up the sides and let the back hang down for a cool chic dressy look. No need to overdo it!

GG Flower

New Hairstyles from the Runway

We've added some trendy new hairstyles, so be sure to visit our gallery soon!
 
Toodles
GG Flower

Ask Gigi : Hairstyles from the Runway

Question:
I need some ideas for wearing my hair for prom. It's long and straight and I am looking for somethign that's not too much work lol. My dress is a silky looking Nicole Miller and it';s, long and looks a bit like this one. -Gerte S.

Answer:
Your dress tells us you might enjoy and slinky, runway style. But it's not just about the dress. What turns us on is the total look and that means the dress, the makeup and the hair. Here are a few runway styles we crave at the moment. Tell us what you think?

We think anyone of these runway styles would work it for you, not just for the trend factor, but also for the fact that they don't demand that every hair be in it's place, meaning as the evening goes along, you won't be worried about your 'do.

Our favorite!~

More:

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One Winner will be chosen each month~

Let us take the stress out of getting dressed up for your next special event.

We will create your Hairstyle and Makeup Makeover using your own personal photo! And we will send it directly to your personal email! 

All you need to do is sign up  at How to Be the Next Prom Queen! 

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Ask Gigi : What jewelry to wear with gown

Question from Julia C.
Dear Gigi,

I am the Mother of the Groom and have a formal, long dark green gown with a beaded top of green, teal, and a few bronze bugle beads. I will probably shorten it to ankle length. Bronze sandals seem to look best but I don't know what color jewelry (necklace/earrings/bracelet)to wear with bronze sandals. Since the top has a lot of beading do I need to worry about that clashing with the jewelry? I also purchased a bronze fabric clutch with a cover made of bronze bugle beads but don't know if this was a good choice. Please help! Thanks so very much.

Answer:
Your dress sounds fabulous! You are right to be concerned about clashing with the beading on your dress, you want to avoid looking too cluttered. Your main goal would be to keep the attention to your facial area, and you will need earrings to draw the eye back up from the beautiful beading of your dress to your eyes. Your best option would be to wear earrings in the same colors as your dress so as to keep the continuity of the colors. This may be harder to find but worth the effort in the long run.

But your 2nd option would be to purchase dark green gemstone drop earrings in a bronze or gold setting, like the ones Angelina Jolie wore to the Oscars! Make sure the green gemstone matches your dress perfectly. And they should be at least 3 inches long, remember you have a lot going on in your dress and you need to balance it out by drawing the eye upward. I don't see any reason to wear additional jewelry, the earrings will be just the right accessory.

Best wishes

GG Flower

More:

Awesome Celebrity Style Accessories

Makeover Site Gets A Makeover

Have you seen our new look? Just want to remind you to update 
your bookmarks to point to our new hairstyle gallery!

Hope everyone has a super sunny weekend~
-toodles,
GG Flower 

Ask Gigi : How do I wear an animal print without looking bad.?

Question:
I fell in love with animal prints, when I saw Miley Cyrus at the Grammy's. I also love animals and was wondering if wearing an animal print makes me look like a killer, (of animals, I mean).I don't want to offent anyone.-Sandy P.
 

Evening Dresses by Emilio Pucci
Sandals by Christian Louboutin

Answer :
We sure appreciate your sensitivity and respect for Mother Nature! But we believe you are actually honoring animals by dressing up in an animal print rather than the real animal skin. I think our furry friends animal would be flattered by your choice to mimic him/her.

Hairstyle of the Month : Hollywood Glam

Glamour. Is it really in the eye of the beholder? Or is inherent in every tiara or bauble, or lipstick case, to be transmitted to the wearer. Some say, that glamour makes you look better than you really are. Others admit that a bit of glamour lurks in every being, only showing itself at the right moment or in the right light or next to the right gemstone.  

Kelly Osbourne is no stranger to glamour and what it can do for her aura.We couldn't help but notice how the now face-of-the-Glamour-Queen-Madonna's fashion line at Macy's has bear-hug- embraced the Hollywood look of updos, and oh-so-Ivanka, when she presented Glamour's Woman of the Year award to Constance McMillan, the accidental activist, who stood up for her rights as a lesbian who was banned from going to her own prom. 

As Kelly told Constance... " **** prom, you're dancing with me tonight!" 

We've been paying attention ever since. And we'd like you to pay attention too, so this month, we are handing out our own glamour award to :::

Kelly Osbourne.

Listen UP!

 Check out these new celebrity hairstyles

More:

Prom Dress Directory
Hairstyle Gallery

New Hairstyles : 3 ways to change up a short style

Question:
Dear Gigi, I am on the swim team at my school and I have to keep my hair short. Are there any really cool hairstyles I could try for my prom? My hair is straight mostly, but with a little wave.

Answer:
We don't know who to thank but trends like this are just so fun to play with. Rhianna, Halle, Victoria, Carey, gave us who love shorty hairstyles, the most hope, when it came to short, short hairstyles.

No longer just a way to save primping time, short hairstyles are finding their way into the hearts of glamorous women everywhere.

Trick is, there are a few actually, you must add some major drama if you want to change it up for a special occasion.

We recommend :

1. color - no need for a hostile takeover, just use a tint or a temporary spray in blue or purple for a trendy night time look 

1. texture - wax or spray, its your choice, just make sure a lot of new strands are showing off

1. volume - freshly washed, do a huge blow-out and barrel curls like Drew  Barrymore for an instant red carpet look

I've added 44 brand new short hairstyles just today, so come on and have a look see~

More:

Prom Dress Directory
Hairstyle Gallery