Dressing tricks from Fashion Fix

Paula Molino, CHEP ’85, grew up with a love for clothes. When she was 11, her mother taught her to sew, and in high school, Molino made all her own clothes and prom gowns.

Molino began her career in the fashion industry by working in Baltimore department stores even before she graduated from college. Her friends, recognizing her eye for style, always would ask her to clean out their closets. After 25 years in the fashion industry, as a buyer for Macy’s and QVC, a designer for accessories manufacturers and design professor for Philadelphia University, Molino started her own business, Fashion Fix. Fashion Fix provides fashion consulting, wardrobe analysis, closet organization, personal shopping and group presentations.

Molino is a QVC on-air guest host for jewelry products and has been featured on 10! on Philadelphia’s NBC-TV 10. Her clients include Johnson & Johnson executives, RE/MAX Realtors, Bloomingdale’s, various women’s organizations, human resource companies and the Channel 10 consumer reporter, Tracy Davidson. A member of the Lower Bucks County (Pa.) Chamber of Commerce, Molino has presented at women’s conferences such as the chamber’s Career Women on the Move.

Molino says she cannot believe some of the fashion mistakes she sees, often at some of the most inappropriate places.

“The flip-flop situation has gotten out of control,” she says. “People are wearing them to weddings and well into the fall and winter months.”

But, those who have committed fashion blunders should fear no more. Molino has solutions for every shape, age and profession.

Dressing for the job interview:

“You always want to dress to impress,” Molino says. “You only have once to make a first impression—that old saying is so true.”

For a job interview, Molino suggests both men and women should wear suits. Blouses and sweater sets can be paired with the skirt of a nice suit, she says, and shoes should have a closed toe. Pantyhose should always be worn, Molino says, no matter what the weather, and she discourages any denim or camisoles at job interviews. For the men, Molino advises a suit with a long-sleeve dress shirt and tie and polished shoes.

For casual Friday, Molino suggests a nice shirt with khaki pants but no jeans or sneakers.

Ageless dressing:
Molino says she has witnessed many fashion faux pas while she is shopping with her clients. “We always want to dress on the younger side of our age,” she says. “But, we can still dress appropriately within our own age group and be in style.”

For older women, Molino suggests a spandex blend pant with a hidden elastic waistband that will increase stretch and comfort. A flat front pant with a lower rise will slim tummies, she says. Molino advises that stirrups and tapered pants of the past are not flattering to most body types, and she tells her clients to stick with a slight flare or boot cut to balance out the body. Shirts and jackets should not fall past the hip because a longer length will visually broaden the hips. To prevent what Molino calls the “little old lady look,” pick a handbag or shoes in a neutral color instead of solid white.

If self-conscious about leg imperfections, Molino suggests using makeup on legs. Older women also should shy away from bold makeup and instead wear more natural colors on the face, as bright colors can drain the complexion, she says.

For older men, Molino recommends replacing pastel pants in favor of khaki. A hidden elastic waistband will be comfortable as well as fashionable. To make the body look taller and thinner, toss light colored socks and, instead, match socks to the color of pants or shoes. If finding comfortable shoes is a problem, Molino says to forgo sneakers and look instead for online options at such sites as[www.footsolutions.com]. She also recommends that men and women update their eyeglasses every three to five years to stay contemporary.

Gray hair is a dreaded experience for many men and women, but there are options. Molino says that men and women will appear more youthful by maintaining their natural hair color. Hair kept above the shoulder for women and short hair for men will help deduct years. As you age, Molino suggests wearing more vibrant colors, avoiding pastels, neutrals and gray tones, which will wash out complexions.

A mom’s wardrobe:
Molino says mothers often are neglected when it comes to fashion.

“I am of the mother of twin boys, so I understand the need to dress everyone in the household first,” she says. “A lot of moms tell me they get frustrated when they can’t find anything for themselves, so they buy for the husband and kids.”

But, Molino says mothers can still look good while running errands or picking up the kids from school. She recommends pants with stretch, such as khakis, with a nice shirt and a denim jacket. Complement the pants with black or brown boots and a casual belt, and moms will be prepared for any adventure, she says.

For the workplace, Molino suggests mothers stick with the basics: black pants or skirt with sweater sets in either a neutral or bright color. No-iron woven shirts are a great time saver, she says.

“Moms are the busiest people out there,” Molino says. “It’s important for mothers to get a sense of self back again. The best way to get it back is to look great for yourself and the family.”

Molino says building a wardrobe piece by piece will make it easier for busy mothers
to get dressed. “It’s all about simplifying life.”

Students on a budget:
For college students living on a budget, there still are places to find professional clothes without breaking the bank. Molino recommends looking at department stores and specialty stores to find business clothes.

“A lot of people are intimated by a department store because they don’t know what section to shop in,” she says.

Molino suggests students research nearby department stores to find the brands that fit them best. “In any given week, the major department stores offer store-wide coupons, which are great money savers,” she says.

The beginning of the season offers the best selection.

Molino also advises students to invest in one good suit. For young women, she suggests a jacket, skirt and pant combination in a traditional color such as black, navy or gray.

“You’ll definitely get a lot of use out of it,” she says.

Molino says she wanted to be a fashion designer since she was a little girl. “I’ve always had a sixth sense about fashion and how to pull it all together,” she says. “I enjoy re-dressing people.”

A client’s immediate gratification makes her job worthwhile. “My job is so rewarding because within a few hours, my client can see immediate results,” she says. “It’s a great feeling to know that I’ve helped someone bring out their best. Clients are grateful for the transformation, and it makes me feel good, too.”