It’s Fall and She’s Back in School, to Boot
Dear Fashion Police: I’ve just started working again as a high school teacher after 10 years as a stay-at-home mother. Since my entire wardrobe used to consist of jeans and sweats, I’ve had a wonderful time shopping for work clothes--mostly pants, skirts and sweaters in black, gray and red. Here’s my question: Boots are everywhere, and I love them, but I’m not sure what kind of boots are worn with short skirts, long skirts and pants. I’m also unclear on the dreaded issue of pantyhose. My legs aren’t 18 anymore, and I don’t want to show them off. Will wearing hose make me appear hopelessly middle-aged? (I just turned 50.) Would tights be the best thing to wear with flat shoes? I want to look professional and put together, but neither trendy nor dowdy.
--STUDENT OF FASHION
Dear Student: Welcome back, Teach! We envy your shopping spree--oh, to have a whole new wardrobe! Sounds like you’re stockpiling some good pieces while following our advice to stick with three basic colors.
Boots are all the rage for fall, with a variety of looks, from short, spike-heeled leather styles to classic equestrians to thick-soled suede boots perfect for walks down a country road. They’ll instantly update any outfit and will fit in nicely with your new pieces. Here are a few rules to go by: Tall boots look good with knee-length, mid-calf and ankle-length skirts. The style of the boots should reflect the clothes, so if you’re wearing a classic, Ralph Lauren-ish ensemble--gray mid-length tweed skirt, white blouse--some low-heel, equestrian-style boots would look great. A casual, long skirt worn with a chunky knit sweater can be paired with sturdy riding boots with a buckle detail, or lace-up fronts.
Short boots go best with long skirts or pants, and again be sure to pair them properly. With tailored trousers choose a sleek side-zip boot, for instance. And since you’ll be on your feet most of the day, we suggest staying away from high heels, unless you’re a glutton for pain.
As for pantyhose, you won’t look dowdy if you stick with ultra-sheer styles that match or complement the color of your skirt (e.g., light gray with a gray skirt). Tights are a fashionable alternative and can be worn with any length skirt. To draw less attention to your legs, choose shades that match the skirt, and stay away from patterns.
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Dear Fashion Police: I have three children, ages 1, 3 and 5 and am searching for Halloween costumes that do not reek of television commercialism. No Pokemon, Blue’s Clues, Powerpuff Girls, etc. Is there any place in Los Angeles that sells primarily generic costumes of nurses, doctors, bunnies, horses or birds? I don’t have a computer and cannot shop online. It’s not that I want to limit my kids’ choices, but I’d like to let them know there’s more out there than what they see on TV.
HALLOWEEN HUNT
Dear Hunt: There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to put the young ones in a generic costume, broadening his or her horizons past the television screen. After all, Halloween existed way before SpongeBob, Buzz Lightyear or even Superman drew their first cartoon breaths. No doubt there are lots of parents like you around the country who feel the same way.
The good news is that there are plenty of costumes not linked to movies or TV for all ages in a range of prices. In your area, Baby Gap stores carry monkey, bear, lion, cat and unicorn costumes in sizes extra-small (3 months) to 2 years, for $42 each. They’re also online at https://www.gap.com, or call (800) GAP E.
Toys R Us and Imaginarium stores, also nationwide, both offer costumes, including bumblebees, ladybugs, paramedics, astronauts and knights in shining armor. They also carry separate pieces such as a wizard’s hat and fireman’s helmet. Prices vary from about $20 to about $100. Both are also online at https://www.toysrus.com and https://www.imaginarium.com.
Magic World in Chatsworth anticipates a big demand for generic costumes, so it has stocked up on aliens, angels, dragons, ghosts, genies, hippies, devils, vampires, cows, clowns and cowboys. Prices range from about $15 to $35, and you can reach the store at (818) 700-8100.
Halloween Club in Santa Fe Springs has costumes to let you turn your little ones into police officers, firefighters, nurses, construction workers, pirates and monks, and prices are about $20 to $40. Call (562) 407-3284.
If you’re craftily inclined, there are a slew of current magazines and books with great suggestions for homemade costumes. This month’s Martha Stewart Living features directions for making wacky astronaut costumes, including one with a Styrofoam cup helmet.
Some books to check out: “Halloween: 101 Frightfully Fun Ideas,” by Carol Field Dahlstrom (Better Homes & Gardens Books, 2000) and “Clever Costume Creating for Halloween,” by Suzanne Singleton (Twenty-Nine Angels Publishing, 2000).
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Write to Fashion Police, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles CA 90012, fax to (213) 237-4888, or send e-mail to jeannine.stein@latimes.com.
