Black Clothes Aren’t Cool for Summer

Dear Fashion Police: It is summer in California. Why do people continue to wear black from head to toe?

I realize that no thought or imagination is necessary to dress this way and that black doesn’t show the dirt.

I can accept black in winter, but summer is supposed to be fresh. Perhaps too many people here are transplants from the East Coast and have not tuned into the freedom California represents.

--GIDGET WAS RIGHT

Dear Gidge: You think most of those people clad in black are East Coast transplants? The same ones who complain that you can’t get a good bagel and that people in L.A. are too plastic?

Well, maybe. But, sorry to say, we think there are plenty of Angelenos--natives even--who have bought into the black-is-cool-no-matter-what-the-season look.

Frankly, we’re a little tired of it too. Although we will give the benefit of the doubt to those who wear black in case they have to make an emergency nightclub visit. And for those who are doing a homage to Johnny Cash.

However aesthetically unappealing this look is, there is something to take comfort in: Once these people set foot outside in this toasty weather, those heat-absorbing black garments are going to turn them into a roast chicken on a spit. So when you see someone like that sweating profusely, just smile and tell them to have a nice day.

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Dear Fashion Police: To me the demise of denim is a fashion crime. Who killed it? Mine are wearing out. Two of my favorite shirts succumbed to many washings. I’ve searched for replacements with no success.

--WASHED UP

Dear Washed: The demise of denim? Who said? Has anyone noticed a denim shortage going on? Honestly, Washed, we don’t know where you hear these things. And sorry about your shirts falling apart, but we are very skeptical about your fruitless searches for similar styles. Have you tried Eddie Bauer? The Gap? J. Crew? Old Navy? Structure? Catalogs like Land’s End and L.L. Bean? Shopping isn’t a party, pal--it’s a challenge. You have to be ready for it, train hard, get in shape. No cursory glances around a shop and then bolting out the door.

When you do find a new denim shirt, make sure you don’t wear it with jeans of the same shade or you’ll look like Prison Man.

And although you didn’t ask, here’s a tip anyway: Wash your shirts in the gentle cycle in Woolite and don’t even think about putting them in the dryer. They’ll last much longer.

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Big Girls Don’t Cry: A couple of weeks ago we ran a letter from a Latina, signed “Not a Kate Moss Clone,” who was frustrated at not being able to find clothes to fit her curvy size 14 figure. “We desperately need a designer who knows how to work with our figures!” she wrote. She even received some unsolicited advice from a saleswoman who suggested--get this--breast reduction surgery.

Since then we’ve heard from a reader who encouraged “Not Kate Moss” to not get discouraged.

“Ask around among friends and co-workers concerning where to shop,” she said. “Take a sewing class and create some of your own designs. . . . Switch from button-front blouses to tunic tops or sweaters. Thank God we are not all shaped like little runway models. Always remember that variety is the spice of life!”

She also suggested trying Lane Bryant stores and the Roman’s catalog, at (800) 436-0800, both specializing in large sizes for women.

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When reporting or preventing a fashion crime, write to Fashion Police, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or fax to (213) 237-0732. Submissions cannot be returned. No telephone inquiries, please.