Q: Can you recommend a foolproof Secret Santa gift?
A: Put your trust in gift cards. Some of my favorite retailers that work for both genders and most tastes: Starbucks, Macys, Amazon, and American Express. Be advised that most retailers consider a gift card like cash—if you lose it, you’re out of luck—so keep a close eye on it until it gets to the intended party.
—Kelly Machbitz, owner, Totalfashionmakeover.com, Clearwater, Fla., and author of Wear This, Not That! Stylish Solutions to Flatter Your Figure
Q: Do you have any tips for wearing colored or patterned tights to the office?
A: While highly trendy, wearing bright or excessively patterned tights carries risk in many office environments. Err on the side of subtlety by choosing tights in black, navy, brown, or gray. For a more conservative look, keep the color of your tights and shoes in the same hue. In less formal or more creative environments, darker accent colors, such as burgundy, plum, or teal, may also be appropriate. If you want to add a bit more visual interest, choose neutral colors in a classic menswear-inspired pattern, such as a pinstripe or herringbone. If you decide to wear snazzier tights, pair them with a tall boot or long skirt, as less will be on display. In business, you want to keep the attention close to your face, so remember the blink test. While standing in front of a full-length mirror, close your eyes and then open them. If you see your tights before you see the rest of your ensemble, save them for evenings or weekends.
—Carol Davidson, StyleWorks of Union Square
Q: Is a 15 percent tip still acceptable in restaurants?
A: The generally accepted tip for good service at a restaurant is still 15 percent of the bill. If service was excellent, you may wish to leave 18 percent to 20 percent. Keep in mind that the majority of servers’ income comes from tips, not salary. (Most restaurants pay servers less than minimum wage.) A good tip—as well a poor one—is always remembered and might mean the difference between a great meal and a not-so-great one next time you visit. Also, try to leave the tip in cash, handing it directly to the server, if possible.
—Kelly Machbitz, owner, Totalfashionmakeover.com, Clearwater, Fla., and author of Wear This, Not That! Stylish Solutions to Flatter Your Figure
Q: What color nail polish is right for work?
A: The more conservative your office wardrobe, the more conservative your nail color should be. You can never go wrong with a nude, light, or subtle color. In many work environments darker colors such as a brick red, wine, or plum may also be acceptable, particularly in the winter months. While nail color in shades of gray, dark blue, and black are on-trend this season, they are often perceived as too “Goth” and are generally frowned upon in the workplace. Ditto for shades of silver, gold, and anything that sparkles; save them for a night on the town.
—Carol Davidson, president, StyleWorks of Union Square
Q: When my boss invites me to lunch, should I assume I don’t have to pay?
A: When you are “invited” to lunch by your boss or anyone else, it is customary for the inviter to pick up the tab. For more clarity, turn the tables. Ask yourself: ”If I invited a client to lunch, would I expect him or her to pay?” Also consider that offering to pay your share of the bill may indicate a lack of appreciation for the invitation. So sit back, enjoy the occasion, and be sure to mind your manners during the meal—and afterward. Always send a thank-you note the day after. Understanding the subtleties of etiquette lets your boss know you can handle social situations appropriately, which just may put you at the front of the line for a promotion.
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