Clinton Kelly knows fashion.
He also knows that it's not brain surgery. The co-host of "What Not to Wear" and star of "The Chew" doesn't hesitate when you ask him….anything!
We start with my habit of wearing all black. (Don't even get my wonderful husband started on that one!)
Me: Clinton, can I continue to wear all black? Please, please, please?
Clinton: "No, no, you can't Cindy. I going to tell you this right now!" If my hubby is reading this, I love you and you were right. Even Clinton is on my case now.
Some fashion advice from the guru was in order before the holidays. Clinton was happy to share his over 40 fashion tips and give us some pointers on holiday fashions.
REALLY, I CAN'T WEAR ALL BLACK…AT LEAST MOST OF THE TIME?
CLINTON: "No, no you can't. I'm going to use logic on you. If a woman has a lot of red in her face should she wear a red sweater? No, she should not. It brings out the red in her face. If a woman has yellow undertones to her skin should she wear a mustard sweater? No! If you have imperfect skin including some pimples should you wear a cream colored sweater? No. It brings out your flaws. Now, if you're getting older and have some dark circles, wrinkles or crow's feet around your eyes then you shouldn't just wear black. It's bad! It brings out all the shadows on your face and shadows under your eyes and skin imperfections."
IS BLACK DURING THE DAY THE WORST FOR MIDLIFERS?
CLINTON: "It's very hard for most people to wear black during the day. Wear it at night if you must when the light isn't as harsh. During the day your shadows are more pronounced. Go for softer neutrals. Or go to navy or grey with a pop of color."
WHAT IS YOUR BEST HOLIDAY FASHION ADVICE FOR WOMEN OVER 40?
CLINTON: "Spice it up, baby! This holiday season, I want you to go crazy with the sparkle. During the year, you might be a woman of very good taste who listens to Coco Chanel's advice – that you should take one thing off, so you don't over-accessorize. It's the holiday season, so break that rule. Pile it on. If it shines or sparkles and you can put it on the body then do it. You can't over-accessorize this time of year. This is the time to wear all the jewelry you've loved all year long."
HOW CAN ONE WOMAN STAND OUT AT A HOLIDAY PARTY WHERE EVERYONE IS SPARKLING?
CLINTON: "Mix your metallics. Don't listen to your mom who told you that you could only wear gold with gold or that you weren't a silver person. Layer on multi chain necklaces. Do a bunch of different colored bangles on your wrist. Mix bronze, silver and gold. Just have a good time. You should also add some sparkle to your sweaters. Let's say you have a beautiful cashmere sweater. Embellish it. No one will look at you during this time of year and think you're tacky. Tacky comes from showing too much skin. Again, the holiday season is about sparkle and shine."
TOMORROW: CLINTON TALKS ABOUT MIDLIFER FASHION FAUX PAS…IS THAT SKIRT TOO SHORT OR THAT TOP TOO LOW POST 40? PLUS, WHAT FASHION MISTAKE SHOULD YOU ABSOLUTELY AVOID IN 2013. HINT: IT'S BELOW YOUR WAISTLINE!
