I Need Fashion Advice

[Jodi1980]

I may be going to a Army ROTC military ball next month. One of the things I was worried about was the price of a dress, well I found one that fit (I'm a big girl) at Dillard's. It a long 2-piece solid red dress with jacket. It is a nice dress. It was originally $100 and on sale for $18! I am not one to get dressed up and go out so my questions are:

1. What color stockings do I wear? The dress goes to between my ankles and knees.

2. What color shoes?

3. Do you think if I went to a make-up counter at a department store that night, they would make me up for free? I wouldn't be interested in buying any make-up and would want the salesclerk to know this.

4. Am I too old (46) to wear red nail polish and red lipstick?

Thanks!

 

[crazyme5kids]

I love to wear red and I think red polish is great looking too. Most department stores will do a make-over for free, they figure when all is said and done you wind up buying something anyway. You should purchase the lipstick though because you will need to re-apply it during the evening. Red lipstick is fine too, just let the cosmetic sales person help you find one that will be the right tone of red for your skin tone.
As far as stockings go, I would choose red too. Then pick out a pare of heels (white or black would be my pick, unless I found red that matched and they had nice shiny rhinstones on them!) Then I would buy a handbag to match the color of the shoes (it will off set the red too). Is the jacket red too?

 

[WDWAurora]

I'd go with flesh colored hose, black shoes, black purse, black everything else...red nails are good, I definitely agree with buying the lipstick, especially if they can make it a neutral red that could be worn later.

 

[Blondie]

Personally, I'd go with black or flesh colored hose and black shoes and purse.

Be careful when trying to match up the red lipstick/nail polish to your dress. I had to do this once and I didn't realize just how many shades of red there are, brick red, sunset ret, flaming red, etc.! I brought a piece of material with me to get the closest possible color match. Some reds have too much pink or orange in it and can throw off the whole look!

 

[TigerBear]

I agree with WDWAurora. I do think it is a gamble as to whether you will be able to get a make-over on the spot that night.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

I would wear natural hose and black shoes.

 

[IloveDMB]

I think black shoes are the way to go, unless you can find a nice dressy pair of red shoes that match the color perfectly.

Red nails and red lipstick are good, but find a shade of red that will compliment you. No matter how many different red lipsticks I've tried, I still can't find one that fits me.

If you can find red shoes, go with black panty hose.

I'm sure you'll look nice no matter what. Have fun!

 

[Kermit]

I'd also wear flesh colored hose and black shoes. You can get dyed-to-match red shoes, but they're not nearly as practical, since you can't wear them with anything else.

I'd go with a maroon or brick shade of lipstick that has more brown than your dress. That way it won't look like you tried to match your dress and failed. The nails can be either red or match the lipstick.

 

[annemariec]

I'm another one for flesh colored hose & black shoes & black purse. I second the maroon or brick shade of lipstick too, for the same reason Kermit stated.

Annemarie

 

[crazyme5kids]

Go the dept store before the ball and try on different shades of red lipstick, then when you find one see if there is the same shade of nail polish. Buy them so you won't have to stress about it the day of the ball.

I'm sure you will look stunning! Don't forget to post a picture of yourself.

 

[huey duey & luey]

I would actually wear a silver shimmer stocking with a silver shoe. Definatley nailpolish and red lipstick. Have fun
Tara

 

[adamak]

Flesh tone hose. Black shoes. (I think open toe / strappy heels are best. Red nails OK, just not the same tone of red. Maybe a darker burdundy red. Shorten the nails though, otherwise, it'll look like red claws.

I personally won't match anything else with the same tone of red. Too 80s bridesmaid feel if you have red shoes, red hair accessories or ear rings.

 

[MScott1851]

OH MY GOD!! I am officially pulling my fashion police badge out! Please please go with a dressy shoe, not a pair of black or white pumps... And NEVER match the hose to the dress, unless it's a black or white dress.

I would say ditch the hose, but formal wear, especially satiny finishes, shows every little bulge/cellulite ripple, etc. and I personally like a good control top for myself. SO... Hanes makes those wonderful body shapers that are just like control top pantyhose, but cut off either above the knee, or below. I wore these under my wedding dress and no one was none the wiser. This way you can wear a strappy sandal or dressy shoe without the hose. (Don't forget the self-tanner if you're pale like me)

If you must wear hose, choose a non-shiny pair as close to your skin tone as possible. "Suntan" hose rarely look natural on anyone besides George Hamilton.

I agree with Tara.. A nice silver shoe, with bag to match would be nice, or even gold. But if you already have a nice black evening bag, a pair of black shoes would be good too.

As far as nails/lips, if you can't find the right color, you can't go wrong with a good french manicure, or a nice shiny natural nail that is well-kept. Also, avoid a dark matte red lipstick. Clear glossy reds with a hint of brown are more flattering to most skin tones. I particularly like layering Clinique's Ginger Cookie over Vanilla Brownie chubby stick...red, but not too red...

GOSH..I sure am wordy! Let me be concise: If it were me:

-Hanes Her Way bodyshapers, but no hose on the feet.
-DRESSY shoes (no church or work shoes) and matching bag.
-French manicure
-Get the makeover done NOW during a slow time, and recreate the look that night with cheaper makeup or some you already own!


HAVE A BLAST! I'm going to one with my brother this month and I'm so excited about dressing up...we should have a great time!

 

[Jasminesmommy]

I agree with mscott1851. One thing panty hose are not an "in" thing. So I would ditch the hose also no opentoe shoes if you wear panty hose. Your purse should match your shoes and I would try to find open toe with while jewels is the best way I can to desribe them. I wouldn't worry about a tan but if it is a must go to a salon a let them do the spray never try yourself. Nails I would not do red but a French Manicure also open toe shoes get a pedicure. And simple Jewelery

 

[Serena]

Hi Jodi.

Here's my suggestions. If the dress is a bright color red, I'd opt for more natural neutral accessories, shoes, nails, etc. If the dress is a subtle red, then matching nails and shoes wouldn't seem too much.

I think the french manicure on nails and toes would look really nice.

Have fun trying things out.

 

[kadaten]

Originally posted by WDWAurora
I'd go with flesh colored hose, black shoes, black purse, black everything else...red nails are good, I definitely agree with buying the lipstick, especially if they can make it a neutral red that could be worn later.

Ditto, except black "mist" (transparent) hose would also be ok.

Sometimes you can get an appointment for the make-up counter...call and ask! And do get the lipstick!

 

[FreshTressa]

Originally posted by Kermit
I'd also wear flesh colored hose and black shoes. You can get dyed-to-match red shoes, but they're not nearly as practical, since you can't wear them with anything else.

I'd go with a maroon or brick shade of lipstick that has more brown than your dress. That way it won't look like you tried to match your dress and failed. The nails can be either red or match the lipstick.

Just what I was going to say.

 

[CarolA]

I may be flamed, but....

I would NOT plan on having the cosmetics counter do your make up unless you at least plan on buying few things. Those women (and a few men) work on comission and I think that would be rude to use up their time knowing you plan not to buy anything

The other problem with that plan is that I would assume the ball is on a Saturday. Saturday afternoons are normally pretty busy at a mall and sometimes they just won't do makeovers then.

While hose are "out" I would wear them for this event unless you have great color on your legs (which I don't).

My other suggestion would be to go with a higher heel then you normally wear. NO FLATS,

Also, if you are taking a purse go buy an evening one. At our firm Christmas party there were women in full evening wear with the purse they carry every day. Ruined the whole look (even my fashion impaired boyfriend noticed! LOL!)

 

[ducklite]

I would do black strappy shoes/sandals with nude hose.

Sever things to think about with the makeup...

1. Many places require a minimum purchase for a makeover now. I agree with the other poster, those people work on commission, and to take their time on a busy weekend afternoon with no intention of buying anything is somewhat rude IMHO.
2. Many places only do makeovers by appointment, when their "National Makeup" people will be available. In some states the person behind the counter is not allowed to do makeovers by law anymore.
3. What if you don't like what the makeup person does?

Anne

 

[disykat]

I had to LOL about the "pantyhose are out" comments. Sorry, unless you live in a year round warm climate, I don't know ANY women in their 40's who would go to a big event without pantyhose. Two words come to mind - brrr and gross! (I can say this because I'm in my 40's)