Some Rules for Wedding Attire Are Still Black and White

Every society has its quirks of culture. In parts of Asia, you don’t wear white unless you’re in mourning. In this country, white is the traditional color of the bride, and it’s been taboo for any woman guest to wear white to a wedding--or black, because that’s a traditional color of mourning.

“Nowadays, those rules are pretty much gone,” says Lisa Valeriano of Twice the Style in Costa Mesa. “There are a lot of late afternoon and evening weddings where an elegant black dress is very appropriate. And a white dress is fine for a guest, as long as it doesn’t look like a wedding dress.”

A final caution for women who may be part of the wedding party, but not a bridesmaid. Their dresses should coordinate with the wedding colors, but they shouldn’t be white. The only member of the wedding party in white should be the bride.

Solid hair: From an early age, women are taught how and when to apply hair spray. Men, with their shorter hairstyles, aren’t usually as adept on spray use. Consequently, there are a lot of men out there with hard, over-sprayed patches of hair.

“Just before using spray, brush or comb your hair so that it’s in place,” advises hair stylist Peggy Gilbert of Mission Viejo. “Start in the front, and move the sprayer in one motion to the sides and back. And be sure to use a hand-held mirror so you can see if it’s getting to the back of your head.”

A good application of spray will make your coif slightly stiff, but it won’t make your head as hard as a brick.

The hair-spray rules get thrown out the window if you have a convertible and you drive to work with the top down. In that case, take along a travel-sized bottle of spray and do it when you arrive.

Inside the beltway: The Chanel belt is a hot accessory, one that’s versatile and always correct. Or is it? Many women are wearing the belt high off the hips, some are slinging it low, while others keep it right on the waist.

“There are really no rules as to how it should be worn; it’s whatever your preference is,” says Roger Martin of the Chanel Boutique in South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa. “I’ve even seen them worn around the neck.”

About the only way not to wear it is upside down, especially if the word “Chanel” is across the buckle or leather. You’ll get some strange stares as people twist their heads to see if the problem is their eyesight or your mistake.