Ask the Image Expert

Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success

Class Reunion Attire

Question: I will be attending a 25 year class reunion which is dressy/casual. I am a full-figured woman 5ft. 5in tall, medium brown shoulder length hair & green eyes. I also have a disability and can't wear shoes with a heel. Can you help with this crucial decision? I want to look as stunning as I can.
Amy

Answer: Oh, those class reunions really put the pressure on to look terrific, don’t they?

While you have many options of types of outfits for dressy casual, here’s what I recommend to wow your past classmates. Begin with one of the new fashionable mid-calf or knee-length tunic sweaters or lab coats. What to wear under it? Select a long (ankle length) straight-lined skirt, made of jersey knit or a soft fabric that drapes well. Choose a turtleneck, mock turtle, basic shell top, or collared blouse in the same fabric and color tone as the skirt or pants. (Or you could choose a sleeveless, long knit dress (straight lined) to wear under the lab coat. The sweater or lab coat should also be straight-lined; it can be in a contrasting color or in the same color tone as the under pieces for a monochromatic look. The monochromatic look (all garments in the same color or shades thereof) will make you look taller and thinner. And it’s a sophisticated look. The lab coat can be made of the same fabric as the under pieces or it can be a sweater type of another fabric. Keep in mind that a bulky sweater type will add visual pounds. If you love the sweater-type, look for one that has a vertical cable design.

If you feel that you do not wear jersey knits well, create the same look with garments made from silk or tropical wool. But keep in mind that the tunic top or lab coat should cover up any lumps and bumps. When trying on this outfit, do not judge it until the belted lab coat is in place.

Brown is the “hot” color this fall season. With the hair and eye coloring that you describe, it sounds like brown and camel tones will look great on you. With your green eyes, be sure to wear a pink toned lipstick and blush if you select a brown outfit. If not, consider an olive, grape, or burgundy-toned outfit, as those colors would also be smashing on you.

Ankle boots should top off this look. Buy a flat-heeled pair with the fashionable square toe and you will look exceptionally chic. If you go with a brown-toned outfit, get a dark brown boot. Don’t skip style, just because you cannot wear a heel. There are many snappy shoes and boots that have flat heels.

Don’t forget to wear great-looking earrings, ones that really draw attention to your face, ones that look rich, and ones that make you look rich. The neckline of the under-outfit piece determines whether or not a necklace or scarf is needed. Turtlenecks and mock turtles rarely require jewelry.

If you are on a tight budget, look in your closet for what pieces you can put together to go under your new lab coat. This really is a great look; it is cutting-edge fashionable and it is slenderizing.

Enjoy your reunion. I hope you look so stunning that you knock them out!

Best of luck to you,
Sherry Maysonave

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