Some tips on what to wear where

By JUDIE SCHWARTZ and EVELINDA URMAN
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Judie: In the morning I choose my clothing based on what I have scheduled that day. Unfortunately, Not everyone does. Many people confuse how they look inside the home with how they should look outside the home. As an example, walking through the airport we saw two teenage girls wearing their pajamas. Traveling is not equivalent to a slumber party, even if we have to strip down and take off our shoes.

Evelinda: Pajamas past your front yard is disrespectful to other people, just as wrong as wearing sweats to a wedding or a bikini to a Taliban convention. It just ain't done. Here are some tips on what to wear where.

Grocery store: The television show "Desperate Housewives" has made running into the King Soopers a fashion show. Up the clothing wattage a bit, girl, and amplify the cleavage. You never know when you might want to bag the good-looking bagger. He could be 18.

Costco or Sam's Club: Ransack that pile of giveaways marked for the Salvation Army, and put on anything that you or your husband are donating. It doesn't matter how you look at these cavernous stores. Traipsing from one end to the other works up a sweat. And if, while balancing food samples, you happen to spill one on your clothing, who cares?

Home jewelry parties: Who hasn't received an invitation to one of these? Be very strategic. Wear old clothes (see above) so your "friends," who are trying to get you to buy their "creations," believe it when you say you have no money. Also, come loaded with all the jewelry you own, so they know you already have enough.

Live theater: Going to the theater is an opportunity to dress up, and we don't mean wearing jeans without holes or your newest flannel shirt. We mean dressy suits, fancy coats, jewelry, makeup _ the works. Plus with ticket prices climbing, how often do you really get to go? It's an occasion. Treat it as one.

Shopping Target versus Neiman's or TJ Max versus Saks Fifth Avenue: When you are having a "skinny day," dress up to go to the discount stores. You will feel great about yourself, want to shop, but won't blow a wad if you do. When going to fancy department stores, wear something from the dirty-clothes hamper. The store's well-dressed customers will depress you so much that you'll skulk out, and won't spend money you don't have.

Attending a parent-teacher conference: Every witch, dressed in her preppiest outfit, will be checking you out. Give 'em something to talk about. This is the place to don your tightest jeans, highest boots, lowest-cut top ... And after the meeting, hit the grocery store.

(Judie Schwartz and Evelinda Urman write on corporate office wear and the art of personal style. E-mail them at stylematters(at)comcast.net.)