Elementary, My Dear Elle

A plethora of peplums

Far from withering after the defection of their top fashion editor, Nina Garcia, Elle magazine has emerged intact and on point in their coverage of fash with dash. They actually gave us several pages in the February issue of really useful information— how to wear four key silhouettes of Spring 2012.

They are:

the peplum top

the knife-pleat skirt

the boxy jacket 

the maxi skirt 

This is news you can take to the store or your closet. I will share what I've learned without subjecting you to photos of tempting $2,095 Marc Jacobs handbags or those items labeled "price upon request"

Add some pep

The peplum hasn't made a real appearance since the '50s. As a stand alone blouse or jacket the peplum makes a flip fashion statement that is more flattering than one might expect.

Key to the look:

DO wear with an elongated pencil skirt or slim pants

DON'T wear with a maxi skirt or shorts

DO carry a classic lady-like bag (in a bright color)

DON'T wear with a backpack

DO wear with a wedge, platform or ankle strap shoe

DON'T wear with a kitten heel

(lady-like bag but tough shoe— who knew?)

ALWAYS pair with a rhinestone collar

(uh-oh— shopping trip)

Sharp as a knife

The knife-pleat skirt is another lady-like look from the archives. Keep it simple, for the most part. You can kill two fashion birds by making it a knife-pleat maxi skirt, but different keys will apply.

Key to the look:

DO wear a simple, long sleeve blouse or classic cardigan

DON'T wear a ruffled blouse or tiered tank

DO carry a lady-like Kelly, bowler or doctor bag

(that lady-like bag is already getting some use)

DON'T lug a messenger bag

DO wear a simple pump, ballet flat or Oxford shoe

DON'T sport a platform heel

ALWAYS pair with statement earrings

Think inside the box

The boxy jacket is probably in your wardrobe already in the form of your well-loved jean jacket or motorcycle jacket. The newest ones are— yet again— reminiscent of the '50s.

Key to the look:

DO wear with short, high-waisted shorts (uh...maybe not) or skinny ankle jeans

DON'T wear with a knee-length circle skirt or flared pants

DO tote a tote or hobo bag

DON'T wear a long shoulder-strap or Kelly bag

DO wear a bootie, chunky heel or sneaker

DON'T wear those ballet flats

ALWAYS pair with a soft blouse underneath

To the max

The maxi skirt swept in a season or two ago and appears to have staying power. Pick your own era or foreign nation to emulate.

Key to the look:

DO wear a Western button-down, t-shirt or motorcycle jacket

DON'T wear a bow blouse

(Little House on the Prairie is not the idea)

DO carry a clutch, cross-body or hobo bag

(Hobos and motorcycles are both showing up often this spring)

DON'T carry your Kelly bag

DO wear a cowboy-shaped shoe or gladiator sandal

DON'T wear a Mary Jane or ballet flat

ALWAYS wear with a statement belt*

*ALLWAYS IN FASHION urges you never throw away a belt unless it's just plain worn out as belt styles come and go in and out of fashion. They really take up little space and truly are an item for which you can "shop your closet".

There you have it. It would seem that Opposites Attract and one should Do the Unexpected. I'm going to feel quite frumpy at times as I wear ballet flats with almost everything. Perhaps I will be energized to switch handbags more often.

Thanks to Elle for sharing. I should have these keys memorized by the time the doors open to Spring 2012.