Play It Safe With Stocking Shade, Even in SoCal
Dear Fashion Police: I have a question about what to wear to an interview. I was always taught (as a good Southern girl) that flesh-colored hose is for business and black sheer hose is for parties. Does this still hold true in Southern California? Keep in mind that I am interviewing in a very conservative field.
--NERVOUS INTERVIEWEE
Dear Nerve: One thing you will learn about Southern California is that people’s approaches to fashion don’t begin with strict adherence to fashion rules. We’re talking about an area where men and women wear jeans to the opening night of the opera, where parents let their preteen girls run around in tube tops and leather pants, and where people never seem to run out of body parts to tattoo.
Not that everyone thumbs their pierced noses at the notion of appropriate attire, but we don’t have the same long history of fashion do’s and don’ts found in other regions.
So no, sheer black stockings aren’t just for parties here; they’re also seen at everything from bar mitzvahs to baby showers. Opaque black tights have been a wardrobe staple since the mid-’80s or so--especially in L.A. and New York, where black rules.
However, because you’re interviewing in a conservative field, sheer black hose is not going to be your best choice, even in SoCal. Neutrals are fine as long as you don’t go too dark--like those hideous coffee or suntan-colored shades popular in the ‘70s. Ick.
We use this rule of thumb: Find a color closest to your skin tone, then go one shade slightly lighter. We’ve talked about Donna Karan’s The Nudes line in the past; we like them because they’re very sheer and natural looking. But try a few different brands to see what suits you best.
Once ensconced in your new job, you may find that your company’s dress code allows for some variation, so you might break out of the neutral zone with opaque black stockings or monochromatic looks.
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Dear Fashion Police: I am hosting a birthday party for my husband at a restaurant/banquet facility. We expect about 100 guests. My husband plans to wear a black tuxedo. Does that dictate that I wear a long dress? Or can I wear a very nice black dress with the hem hitting just above the knee?
--KNEED TO KNOW
Dear Kneed: There’s no problem whatsoever with you wearing a short style, as long as “very nice” translates to a dinner or cocktail dress in an evening fabric (i.e. silk, as opposed to linen or cotton) and you accessorize accordingly with appropriate jewelry and/or a scarf.
What we’re a tad concerned about is your husband’s plan to wear a tuxedo. Does this mean the party is black tie and you will require all your male guests to wear a tux as well? Is a black-tie dress code specified on the invitation?
As the guest of honor, we suppose your husband could show up in a clown outfit if he wanted to, but please keep in mind how your guests will feel. If they find both of you in formal attire, they might feel terribly underdressed and wonder if they, too, were supposed to come in black tie.
As a hostess, your most important job is to make your guests feel comfortable and welcome. If they know ahead of time how to dress, you’re getting them off to a good start, and they’ll be more relaxed and have a better time.
We’re assuming you didn’t put “black-tie optional” or “creative black tie” on the invitation. We’ve explained before why this is a bad idea, so don’t make us go there again. Pick a dress code and stick to it. And please wish your husband “Happy Birthday.”
Write to Fashion Police, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, fax to (213) 237-4888, or send e-mail to socalliving@latimes.com.
