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fashion
Dear Cheryl,
My new job requires me to wear pantyhose. How can I avoid looking like I’m wearing thick, surgical stockings?
—Caroline, Lee County
Hosiery technology is so good these days you can cast out any thought of over-tanned, orangey legs. If you have some leeway with your legwear, rather than go for flesh-colored hose (which rarely look like real skin tones), try a nude fishnet. By “nude” I mean the shade that is closest to your own skin tone. Fishnets are rarely out of style, look fresh and modern, and, in a small size of net, are business-appropriate in all but the most conservative environments. They have the added benefit of being cooler to wear than a standard stocking. I breathed a sigh of relief when you stated in your email that you’ll be wearing closed-toe shoes; nothing looks worse than a sandal or open-toe shoe revealing reinforced or seamed toes! For the evening events you need to attend, team sheer black hose with a little black dress and black pumps—they look effortlessly elegant and have a beautifully slimming effect on the leg.
Have a question for Cheryl? Send it to jfoerster@gulfshorelife.com.
What to Wear: FÊTE DU CIRQUE
MoniqueLhuillierweb
Opera Naples' annual gala promises to be festive and fun, with its “Fête du Cirque” event taking place on Feb. 19 at The Ritz-Carl- ton Golf Resort, Naples. Performers from Circus Sarasota will serve as a curtain-raiser to Opera Naples’ staging of Pagliacci there a few days later. While the dress code is formal, a carnival theme cries out for more than just a sea of black ensembles (however beautiful they may be). This is the perfect occasion to adorn yourself in jewel tones such as sapphire blue, emerald green, ruby red, amethyst and aquamarine. Gentlemen, if you’re wondering about an alternative to your tux, a smoking jacket in a rich, deep-colored velvet is sure to draw admiring “oohs and aahs”— all without the need for a safety net.