03 Aug Fashion Expert Seth Cohen answers your style questions

**UPDATE-07.03.09**
Dear Readers,
My dear friend and fashion consultant for this blog Seth Cohen passed away in late April of 2009. I was not sure what to do with his helpful advice given on this site, so I decided to leave his advice on my blog in memory of his passion for art and fashion. Please do not submit style questions as directed by the original post from last year. Feel free to leave your comments about Seth if you’s like. We all miss and love you Seth. ****

A few months ago I asked my good friend Seth Cohen to lend a hand to my blog and answer many of the style questions many of my readers submitted to me. Considering that Seth is a an actual fashion designer and style expert with years of experience and knowledge of this industry, I figured he would bring some experience to my blog that my readers would appreciate. Here is a compilation of questions answered by Seth, the newest question are first. Please feel free to submit your own question to Seth in the comments area of this post. Please try not to submit questions that’s already been answered by Seth. Enjoy!

1. Question from MegfromDC-
   Is it ever in good taste to wear open toe pumps with blue jeans?
   Seth’s Answer–It can be if you follow a few simple rules. First, make sure that your feet are well pedicured.
   I think that you can pull off an open toe pump if the heel of the shoe is high (at least 3 inches) and the jeans are long enough to bunch a bit at the hem.   
2. Question from David-
   Long hair on a guy with a business suit? Yes or no? My hair is in a ponytail and reaches the middle of my back. My girlfriend thinks it’s time to cut it. I can’t. Your advice? Be honest.
   Seth’s Answer-Unless you are seventeen years old, or a rock star or both, it is time to grow up and get a hair cut. It is not appropriate for a business situation and you will not be taken seriously. With “Mad Men” style so chic right now, try a short clean “brush” cut that is so much easier to care maintain.
   
3. Question from Amanda-
   I’m 17 and want to dress more stylish and wear heels instead of flats but I can’t get the hang of high heels, is there any advice for me?. It’s seems easier for everyone else except me.
   Seth’s Answer-Why not start with a wedge and work up to high heels?  You will have a bit more support this way and you will get used to the pitch of your feet in heels without so much pain.
   
4. Question from Ni Ni-
   Are there certain colors to wear during the summer that always work for slimming purposes besides black?
   Seth’s Answer– Navy is always a classic and looks great during the Summer months. Also, try wearing a vertically pieced top with a darker color in the center and lighter shades at the sides. It instantly shaves off  pounds…
   
5. Question from Sltiz667-
   How can I make my waist look smaller in general? Do belts make a difference?
   Seth’s Answer-Belts are great to define a waist and they are very chic accessories right now.A v-neck blouse with a gathered or a-line skirt is another great option. Add the belt to the mix and you’ll shave off inches in that area.
   
6. Question from Devone-
   Seth , my husband  doesn’t want our clothes to match, but i like it when we do, can you tell us how we can dress alike without matching? He doesn’t want to be made fun of. I like it when we look the same, we live in Florida so it’s hot alot.
   Seth’s Answer-Unless you are on a sports team or play in a marching band, I see no reason to match your clothes.If you both choose clothes that have the same feeling rather than being “matched”, you will make your husband a happy man. For example, a pair of linen trousers or shorts and a polo shirt for him and a knitted tee shirt and cotton skirt for you, should put you both in sync without being too much alike.
7. Question from Gabby-
   Seth I have a question, can I wear panty hose with cocktail dresses or is that unflattering? My sister tells me not to wear panty hose with cocktail dresses but my mother says I’m supposed to, I have no clue. Help!
   Seth Answer-If you have nice legs that are flaunt-worthy, it is infinitely more modern and chic to forgo the hose. If you have not shaved, or your legs are best left covered, than find hose that work for your body type and lifestyle. Not everything works across the board on every woman, so use your judgement, ask a friend what he or she thinks, or send me a picture and we will figure it out from there!
   
8. Question from Lisa-
   Hi Seth my question is. What kind of skirt should women with shorter legs wear? I’m 5′1.
   Seth’s Answer-For someone who is petite in stature, a fitted, above the knee skirt, (about one inch) is usually a flattering length. This elongates the leg. Try this with wedges or sandals without an ankle strap, rather than closed toe shoes, to further stretch your silhouette!
   
9. Question from Havesumfun78-
   Seth, I would like to know what is the best type of look for me. I have a very short neck and I want to make is appear longer. Is there any way I can dress to give my neck a longer appearence?
   Seth’s Answer-Any type of v-neck, halter or scoop neck will create a longer leaner line for your body. If you are able to find a narrow vertical stripe in these types of necklines, all the better. These all draw the eye downward and will instantly give you the illusion of length in that part of your body!
   
10.  Question from Jessica-
    Whats the best colors and patterns for a plus size woman?
    Seth’s Answer-I believe that if you are a plus size, you should be big bold and beautiful. While most rules may be proudly broken today, the one thing that I would avoid, is the dreaded horizontal stripe. It simply is not flattering on a plus size. As to colors and patterns, reds and pinks warm skin tones and look great on most people in one shade or another. Try to look for patterns that move the eye from top to bottom, thereby creating the illusion of lengthening the body. If you are in the mood for this Spring and Summer’s floral trend, by all means go for it in a way that works for you. Keep your flowers small if they are on an all-over print or pattern on a garment, but go big and bold with an accessory such as a handbag or shoe. If you are able to find a tunic or dress which has two colors laid out vertically, with the lighter shade running down the middle and the darker colors along the sides of the body, you have hit the jackpot. This scoops out your sides and makes you you look thinner right away…
    
11.  Question from Vickie-
    Seth, whats the best way to look dressed up while wearing blue jeans? I want to look stylish but casual.
    Seth’s Answer-To dress up your favorite jeans, why not pair them with a beautiful blouse in a dressy or embellished fabric and a pretty pair of high heeled sandals, mules or ballet slippers
    
12.  Question from Dat Girl Kelie-
    I’m gonna be starting school again soon and I want to look different from everyone else. I like jeans and crop tops and sneakers, but now I want to wear stylish clothes but not spend too much money. I just want to look different. I’m a junior in high school. My face is oval shaped and my hair is long to my waist, I just want something new. I’m about 5′7 127 pounds. Pleeeeeease give me some ideas!
    Seth’s Answer– You are in a  great place to be able to experiment; You are young and have a nice shape and the height to try some of the fun trends out there while on your journey to discovering your personal style. This season, you might try working a punk or rock and roll look from the way-back eighties with skinny stretch jeans, a belted oversized tee and neon accessories, or, do your own version of geek-chic preppy style with a button down shirt under a skinny (belted!!! very important this season no matter what look you choose) cardigan with a wide leg flared jean or pencil skirt with a platform heel or a comfortable flat, or go new look disco diva with ONE (only!!) shiny component in your outfit like a sequined tee or shiny tight with a twin set pinned with a (shiny ) bold brooch and short stretch skirt paired with a stacked or platform heel that is comfortable enough to wear throughout the day.       
    
13.  Question from Melvin-
    My shoulders tend to slope, I want to give a more square even appearencein my business suits. What can I do?
    Seth’s Answer– This is a problem easily solved, as you do wear business suits and these are a great way to camouflage the imperfections in most of our physiques. To counterbalance a sloping shoulder, choose a suit with a slightly roped shoulder. This will give you a little lift in that problem area and will provide you with the appearance of a broader shoulder.
    
14.  Question from Carla-
    Seth, please help me. I am very bottom heavy, and not top heavy so my clothing doesn’t balance out my oddly shaped body. I’m a size 6 and my stomach and waist is porportionate but my clothes fit me oddly. Are there any suggestions for a person in my situation? I was thinking I should try to reduce from the bottom, what can I wear to make my butt and thighs appear smaller???
    Seth’s Answer-Try outlining the smallest part of your body, your waist, with one of this season’s must have wide belts cinched over a tunic or peplum style blouse. Pair this with a handkerchief hem skirt to break up your bottom half. Also, try a blouse style that gathers just under the bust and releases from there. Couple this with a slim pant silhouette to complete your new slimmed down you!  

15.  Question from Micheal J. Knox–
    I have dark wavy  hair kinda like the Jonas Brothers, I want to add some color , I’m in a rock band at night and during the daytime I work at a school. Can I m ake this work? I want to lighten my hair but this is a trickey situation. Would it be a smarter move to get a trendy cut?
    Seth’s Answer-Why do the chemical thing when a cool cut will do the trick. You can always decide later to add some color. In the meantime, a new doo is always fresh and your hair will grow back if you don’t want to stick with the new style.
    
16.  Question from Nevil-
    Can a dude wear pink and not look too girly? I like the way I look in pink but I do not want to look metrosexual. I noticed the rapper Camron was wearing pink a while back but he is the only one. Is this against the rules for men’s fashion. or is this acceptable nowadays?
    Seth’s Answer-If you feel good, you look good. If you want to wear pink, try it out. There are no rules to follow except what makes you happy and feel good and the last time I checked, it was totally acceptable to feel good…Go for it!

17.  Question from Monica Freeman-
    I want to look fuller, i am naturall a skinny person, in particluar I want my back end to look fuller in shirts and pants. I have very skinny legs, I can’t gain weight easily. Do you have any clue what I can do to look more shapely.
    Seth’s Answer-Although most women would kill to be in your position, an a-line or peplum silhouette in blouses, skirts and dresses will add a bit of fullness to your rear end. Opt for skirts with horizontal patterns to widen your derriere. You should also try tiered, bubble or bell shaped skirts or dresses and wider flared pants to achieve a fuller shaped you.