Nina Gracia's Fashion Do's and Don'ts

Nina Garcia is the type of fashion genius who gets right to the point. She wants to raid my closet.

Why not? She's a fashion fairy Godmother – and a very nice woman.

Gently, she notes my midlifer status and tells me to toss the following in that big Hefty bag: "Too short-short skirts. Toss our vintage '80s clothes.

"And make room for a nice pair of cheaper jeans," Nina says

It's time for a confession. I'm a jean phobe.

"I don't buy $300 pairs. Ever," I tell her. "Plus, I sort of hate jeans. I'm always a few pounds away from them. My thighs aren't ready. And they haven't been ready since 1995."

"Cindy, you need to buy some jeans," Nina insists. "Just don't go spending hundreds of dollars on them because frankly that's not necessary"

BOOK HER

Nina knows her stuff because writes amazing fashion columns and books including her must-have last tome "Nina Garcia's Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion."

Got a big anniversary dinner? She covers it. Divorced and going on a first date? Don't show too much skin. Job interview? It's in there.

That woman at the pool you hate in the too low halter? "Don't pay attention to her. That clothing is about her insecurity. And she's the one dressed like a tramp," says our Nina.

By the way, Nina isn't just the fashion editor of Marie Claire, but is known for being a judge on "Project Runway." She knows her fashion rules for gals like me…and you.

NINA's NITTY GRITTY MUST HAVE TIPS

• DO keep an open mind about making fashion changes. "That's why I wrote the new book. I wanted to provide a road map to situational dressing. Most women make mistakes because they don't have enough information about clothing. Even I wish I had a fairy stylist Godmother," she says.
• DO toss out shoes that scream I have my broomstick ready. "I'm done with angry, pointy, witchy shoes," Nina says. "I love beautiful, feminine shoes. I think we've seen enough studs and grommets to last us a lifetime. My other pet peeve is those angry platform shoes." Open the Hefty.
• DO NOT go into summer wearing mostly black. Nina admits, "I can get in a black rut myself because I love it. But color is especially wonderful. If you're someone who wears black then wear color to an event." She adds, "Find a color that works with your skin tone. Watch how well people respond to you in color – especially if you've been wearing black for a very long time. Color is to enhance your beauty."
• DO calm down about workplace dressing. "I think the work place outfits are easier because they're far less emotional. I've always said you have to dress for the job you want or the job you aspire to have in five or ten years. You can't ever afford to go sloppy. Think about what you're conveying because image is everything."
• DO be careful if you're dating again after years off the market. "Never go too low cut or too short. It's all about mystery. Remember not to go too low with your shirt. It's too much, plus it's not the right message. You want to leave something to the imagination. It's a very powerful thing. I'm serious – never go too sexy on a first date. It's a big mistake"
• DO go conservative while meeting his ex-wife or mother. "When you meet his ex, be as conservative as possible. Do trousers and not tight jeans. Do an A-line skirt instead of a mini. Don't show any insecurity," Nina says.
• DON'T scrimp on one thing "I'd say if you have the funds go out and buy one really good pair of shoes. You can't fake good shoes."
• DO shop around for lower costs purses. Nina says. "You will also need a good handbag, but you don't have to necessarily splurge here. There are so many options at various price points. Or you can look at a bag as a very good investment. It doesn't have to be a designer name. Look for quality."
• DON'T drive Nina nuts by buying costly T-shirts. "A $200 t-shirt is nuts. I don't care if it's cotton from the Himalayas. That's just insane. No, no, no!"
• DO buy those damn jeans, but don't break the banks. "Forget a $300 pair of jeans. Come on! There is so much out there that doesn't cost as much and is very good. Prices are better than ever before. There's no excuse for not being fashionable. It's out there,"Nina says. 

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