Fashion Dos & Don’ts of 2022

Fashion DOs & DONTs of Early 2022

BY JAYME JACKSON

In a world that is still stuck somewhere between Covid, working remote, and party time, our normal list of Dos and Donts have shifted from being strong recommendations to a collection of ideas and suggestions. Basically, we fi nd ourselves asking, what looks good and for whom should we dress? So, over the past few weeks we asked the opposite sex some of the best dos and donts that keep them looking just a tad longer or can’t turn a head altogether. This is what the gentlemen and ladies of Lexington had to say..

DO

The number one rule for dressing is to complement your shape and your age. Every suggestion doesn’t work on every body type and even though Harper Valley PTA may have frowned on a miniskirt, at the right age and right build they are one of 22’s top trends.

Super High Waisted Tweed Mini Skirt, $80 | Express The Base Bra, $40 | Harper Wilde DO

Start with a good foundation. This applies to men and women. Invest in good bras women. Invest in good bras and underwear, VPL’s are a and underwear, VPL’s are a major no-no and whitey-tidies major no-no and whitey-tidies are your daddy’s underwear. are your daddy’s underwear. Ladies, a sports bra does not Ladies, a sports bra does not count as a bra unless you are count as a bra unless you are exercising. Fellas, throw away exercising. Fellas, throw away your bacon necked white t-shirts and opt for new ones, t-shirts and opt for new ones, every guy needs a great, bright white t-shirt.

DO

Find a great white tennis shoe. Not too athletic looking, these shoes will carry you straight through fall and look great with dresses, shorts and ankle pants. Our suggestion: don’t spend too much, it is easier to buy 2 pairs of inexpensive white shoes than agonizing over keeping one pricey pair white.

DON'T

Wear black socks with athletic shoes!

DO

wear a classic blazer. This goes for both men and women. A well fi tted blazer (we’d suggest buying one a tad big and having it tailored or, if you have the option, have it custom made) to pair with slacks or jeans. Pick a fabric that is seasonless and a silhouette that enhances your build.

Gold Button Blazer in Navy Blue | $120, Love and Labels Women's Darleena Leather Sneaker, $89 | Lucky Brand DON'T

Wear cargo pants or shorts. Unless you are a soldier, a hunter or medical personnel. You can’t possibly need that many pockets.

M5 Slim Legacy Stackable Straight Leg Jean, $59.95 | Ariat DO

get a great pair of jeans. These are an investment. We would suggest a classic pair of straight leg or bootcut to lengthen your legs and give a more tailored appearance. For ladies, low waist jeans are coming back in style. Don’t worry, we aren’t style. Don’t worry, we aren’t talking about Britney Spears low rise; just a waist band that sits rise; just a waist band that sits at your well, waist. Men, your jeans should be a mid-wash rinse; not too light and not too dark and they need to be fi tted. A great loafer or boot can dress up any pair of jeans so go for a up any pair of jeans so go for a classic fi t that accentuates your classic fi t that accentuates your best assets.

Custom Navy Blazer, price upon request | Jameson Douglas Original Bootcut in New York Dark, $225 | 7 for all Mankind

DON'T

buy cheap leggings. Some things you can get on sale, but leggings should not be in this category. Remember the saying that “Leggings and small children cannot keep secrets”. Opt for a thicker, yet breathable fabric which yet breathable fabric which will help hide your sins. will help hide your sins.

DO

Invest in a great belt. For jeans, slacks, oversized sweaters and to nip in the waist of a dress. A great nip in the waist of a dress. A great belt is second only to a great pair of pointy toed pumps or saddle brown shoes for men.

Fashion Circle Belt in brown, $39.50 | Levis Classic Belt, $45 | Coach Outlet

DO

Wear bright colors in the colder months. Colorful clothing bounces light back into your face and eyes which make you appear rested and which make you appear rested and energized and let’s admit it, we do energized and let’s admit it, we do love a man in pink. love a man in pink.

Morgen Jacquard Sweater, $108 | Lily Pulitzer

DON'T

Show your midriff unless it’s a night out on the town no matter how perfectly cute your tummy is. No one wants to have dinner or lunch with you while looking at your belly button.

Saltwater Quarter Zip in Blue Heather, $98.50 | Vineyard Vines

DO

Wear metallics, sequins and shimmer all year and shimmer all year long anytime of day. long anytime of day. 2022 calls for sparkles. During the day opt for a During the day opt for a mixed media shirt such as a solid sweater with as a solid sweater with sequined sleeves

Mixed Media Round Neck Long Sequin Mesh Balloon Sleeve Statement Sweater by Vince Camuto, $99 | Dillards

DON'T

Thou shalt NEVER wear DUDES shoes. The overwhelming answer from both sexes was a person who looks “put together”. Some attention to hair, makeup, clothes and shoes. It’s not enough to have a great shirt and a terrible haircut. When you choose your clothing you should keep in mind the total appearance head-to-toe. One of the most attractive things that anyone can wear in 2022 is confi dence. Make this your best year, be confi dent in what makes you feel great and then you will look great. Don’t get us wrong, the TOPS team loves our leggings and tunics but we will admit that when we put together a total look, we do feel better and feeling better about yourself is the greatest gift you can give in the new year!