Advertisement

Q: Last year I bought a...

Share

Q: Last year I bought a then-fashionable robe de chambre, or dressing - gown jacket, in silk foulard. This year it looks dated. Is there any way to save it?--D.T. A: You can change your jacket’s dressing-room context by switching its bathrobe sash for a classic reptile belt, as illustrated here. The robe de chambre was part of the fashion androgyny look. By cinching your jacket at the waist and wearing it with skirts and high heels, rather than with pants and tuxedo flats, you’ll bend its gender from male to female. Q: How do you dress to look rich?--C.S. A: If you want to look Joan-Collins-as-Alexis rich, wear curvy black suits with veiled hats and gloves. “Dynasty” costume designer Nolan Miller attributes the character’s look--more ‘30s-Hollywood rich than “rich” rich--as much to her hats and gloves as to her clothes. The just-plain-money look is more genteel--pleated skirts and cashmere sweaters for day, taffeta gowns and chinchilla stoles for evening. The idea is to look beyond fashion--never trendy, always happily preppy.

Advertisement