By now we hope you’re enjoying our web series Style School For Moms, a witty, warm and savvy guide for busy moms to re-find their style and get back to chic. In the series we matched up witty mom blogger and NYF contributor Heather Chaet (an over-scheduled mom with no time to shop) with Beckie Klein and Martina Gordon, former models, fashion industry veterans and now professional “re-stylists.” Click here for our first installment (filled with tons of photos and great styling and closet-conquering tips), last week’s tips for savvy shopping, or see below for this week’s report, Easy Fixes for Fashion Faux Pas!
We’ve all had a fashion misstep. Maybe not as bad as Bjork’s swan outfit, but we’ve had one. Even our former models Beckie and Martina admit to a wardrobe hiccup here and there. Below are Beckie and Martina’s top fashion mistakes they see women make — and easy ways to fix them!
Tired clothes.
It’s your favorite white shirt. You’ve worn it a lot. Over and over and over again. But it has soy sauce stains, red wine spots and oh-so-faint yellow underarms. “We’ve all done it, I’ve done it, Martina’s done it,” Beckie laughs. “You love it and it may be a great piece, but you just need to let it go.” The re-stylists say take a good look at your clothes; if the stains aren’t coming out, you need to retire the item — but don’t forget about it. Be inspired by that old favorite and look for something similar when shopping for the replacement item.
Dressing too old or too young.
If you’re not careful, trying to dress with a classic style can easily give you a case of old lady-itis, while following a trend may border on TWS (teenager wannabe syndrome). “We’ll be standing in someone’s closet, pull an outfit out, and tell them this will be gorgeous on you when you’re 60, but you are 35! Don’t wear this now.” Beckie says. “We’ll hold up skintight, rock-n-roll pants and ask our client, who do you see wearing this?” Martina says. “Someone who is 20, not 35. Time to let it go.”
Black jeans.
“I love black and there are some groovy black jeans out there, but every time I buy black jeans, I never know what to do with them,” confesses Martina. “It’s confusing. You are trying to be dressier than the blue jean. They just never quite work.” That’s why they suggest buying black cigarette pants instead. “If you are thinking you need black jeans, go get the black cigarette pant—that’s the look you are trying for anyway,” adds Beckie.
Wearing dressy things only on special occasions.
Many women think they can only wear that dressy or expensive item when they’re invited to a black-tie event. “You spend all of this money on this fabulous item and it sits in your closet,” Martina says. They say to mix the dressy with the causal – wear it, use it, and be sure to pair it with casual items. “We had a client with a Lanvin coat, and she only wore it once or twice a year. It was very long, so we re-styled it. We had her hem it and now she wears it with jeans and boots and she’s rockin’!” Beckie says, “It’s like people who have china dishes and only use them for Thanksgiving dinner. Bring it out, use it!”
Leather Pants, Cowboy Boots, Asian Jackets.
“Unless you are 19, live in the East Village and have a boyfriend with a motorcycle, stay away from leather pants,” the re-stylists declare. If you want to incorporate leather into your wardrobe, they recommend getting a leather jacket, and suggest chic ones from designers like Vince and Helmut Lang. Martina says, “The leather jacket can be a classic, sexy thing to have on your body, but take those leather pants out of your closet!” What about the Asian jacket? “We love the color, but leave the cheap versions of authentic pieces in the stores,” Beckie says. “As for the cowboy boots – keep them for your trip to that ranch out West!”
Schlumpy travel attire.
For everyone, comfort is number one priority when traveling, and the re-stylists agree, but add there are so many ways to be comfortable and stylish. “You don’t need to wear sweatpants,” Beckie says, “Think jeans, maybe in a boyfriend-fit, with boots and a cute layering top with a sweater. Keep your cashmere wrap handy for when it’s cool on the plane or in the airport.”
For more style wisdom, visit beckiemartina.com, or stay tuned for next week’s installment: Shopping For Every Type Of Mom!
