What does it take for someone to qualify as ‘influential dresser’?
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I do my best to keep up with fashion and style trends. I read Vogue magazine and lots of fashion stuff online. For me, it is mostly just entertainment since I’m not in any position to spend thousands on a single sweater, skirt, etc.
I feel like I am pretty up to date but in a “Vogue Daily” email, there was an expression that was new to me. Below the photo of model Hailey Bieber, married to singer Justin Bieber, was the revelation that she “swaps baggy jeans for a new denim silhouette” adding “there’s a notable shift happening as influential dressers are embracing a sleeker look featuring high-waisted, straight-leg denim.”
My question is: How does anyone qualify as “an influential dresser”?
— Annie G.
Dear Annie: Because Vogue says so. Or celebrities with a big following are wearing a new style. Or people with giant Instagram or TikTok or X followings are wearing whatever.
You are right to consider what they wear as entertainment. But the fact is that entertainers, models married to entertainers like Bieber and WAGS (wives and girlfriends of sports figures) actually influence how some of us dress. It’s fun to look at but not many of us have the time, money or interest to actually work at trendsetting. Which, among other things, brings influential dressers lucrative endorsement deals and freebie clothes and accessories.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Do I have any options when a costly cosmetic product doesn’t work? I purchased a gel that’s supposed to get rid of under-eye bags. My decision was based on a recommendation from a national magazine. I followed the instructions. My eye bags are still there, just as big as before. I still look like I haven’t slept in 10 years.
— Adrienne B.
Dear Adrienne: Researching this column, I too pay attention to glowing recommendations from national magazines. But I don’t trust them. You’re much better off to use the Internet to see what actual users say about their real world experience.
As for your options? Not great. Some stores will accept your return of the product and give you your money back because you are not satisfied. It is worth a try, especially if the product was “very costly.” If you bought it through Amazon and have Amazon Prime, you’ve got a decent shot at reimbursement. I’ve had some limited success by emailing the store or website where I bought the product, asking for a refund. And in the future, be especially wary of products that supposedly will drastically alter the way you look. I’ve never found
one that lives up to the promises.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen:
I work in a science lab
(lab coats, safety glasses, hair back, closed-toe shoes and no skin can show from foot to the pants). We cannot really wear loafers because they would look super goofy with socks! What kind of shoes to wear? In winter it’s not hard — I have ankle boots. But for warmer weather, what is a fashion-conscious scientist gal to do? Besides running shoes?
— Lynn L.
Dear Lynn: What’s wrong with running shoes? All the “influential dressers” are wearing them with everything. Especially classic white Adidas with striping on the side in an array of colors. I don’t know why you think socks with loafers look goofy because those same influential dressers are wearing all kinds of socks with their designer loafers. Warm weather is a perfect time to wear low-cut or high-top Converse Chuck Taylor
All Star sneakers. And they started at about $40.