It’s about the fit and the fall. If you have cellulite and huge hips, pants won’t fall at all; they grip and cling to your thighs. If you have stomach rolls and a muffin top, dresses and blouses become tents on you. You are then a walking advertisement for a ‘fashion don’t’. So, you ask yourself, how do I transform into a ‘fashion do’? Think about what I mentioned earlier – it’s the fit and the fall. Commit this to memory. Pay attention to how clothes hit certain places on your body. Tight shirts shouldn’t emphasize fat arms. Aim for feminine, loose tops to accentuate your frame if you’re on the thick side. No matter what size you find yourself on the chart, be mindful of your skirts and where they stop on the leg. If you’re short, the bottom of the skirt should be above or at the knee to give the illusion of height. Even if you have fat knees, it will work BUT only with heels – NO FLIP FLOPS AND NO BALLET FLATS! If you have cankles (translation: fat calves that run into your ankles), avoid the colored heels. These are not your fashion friend. Find a nude shoe, one that complements your skin tone, and stroll the catwalk. Colored heels on fat legs do not work. It’s too choppy and you’ll wind up looking like the fat ballerina hippo.

Men, the rules of being fashion savvy apply to you too. Shirts should have a break in the cuff and not extend past the wrist. If the bottom of the cuff is touching your hand, it is tacky beyond belief. Your suits may not be designed by the demigod Tom Ford, a la James Bond style, but that is no excuse for you to resemble Steve Harvey or some of these athletes who have no fashion sense whatsoever. Try on the shirt prior to leaving the store. Have your pants tailored and look at where it breaks on the shoe. Find a style of jacket that works for you – single or double-breasted and make sure it fits! If you are accessorizing, please keep it to a minimum. Flashy does not look fab. You are not posing for a Versace ad! Wear a nice watch, with the appropriate number of links (it shouldn’t dangle), one ring – not on the pinky (you are not a hustler) and no bracelets. For the record, according to the Dripping Sexy standard (yes, there is such a standard), men wearing bracelets is a grand faux pas! However, men, if you find it absolutely impossible to resist the urge to wear a bracelet, keep your David Yurman and John Hardy (imitations are never acceptable) to weekend or evening wear. I find it necessary to ask and not rhetorically either, so if anyone can provide an answer please do so. Men, why do you strategically position your watch, just so, on the OUTSIDE of the already too long shirt and suit sleeve? It’s as though you think someone is impressed by your watch. Sweetie, we are not…especially if it’s a Fossil!! It’s gaudy. Find a nice leather belt and stylish shoes. Shine them and keep them suitable for the occasion. Slip on shoes don’t work all the time. A nice lace up might push you fashion forward. Pay attention to your cuff links – low key works best here too. Your tie knot should make me think of Daniel Craig but only when he’s in James Bond mode. Also, pay attention to the quality of your tie, whether traditional or bow.

We size one another up the minute an entrance is made. Ladies, be the arm candy that your man desires. If you don’t pull it together, he will find eye candy to fill your role while you’re home with les enfants. Men, all of the above mentioned items truly do make the man. In addition to having a man look dashing in his suit, it helps if he exudes confidence. Arrogance and cockiness – save it for the lady with the Steve Madden shoes. Name dropping and leaving your Mercedes, BMW or Range Rover key chain out so we can see how much debt you’re in…also not sexy. Save it for the girls who find athletes attractive simply because they play a high dollar sport but can’t pull together a cogent thought especially in front of the camera. Be humble. Be tasteful. Always be a gentlemen. We do pay attention.

Now that’s dripping sexy…

There was one pink button down shirt that stood out by Bespoke. It looked tailor-made for the guy’s body and caught my eye immediately. The fabric and detail of the garment lends itself to the fashion savvy consumer by giving the appearance of a high quality and moderately expensive top. This party go-er perfected the effortlessly chic look with the fit and fall.

A few fashion don’ts brought up the rear while toasting with oversized beverages – a superhero in the crowd sporting his blue fitted t-shirt with the S across his gym crafted chest and another in sheer cotton pants that not so fabulously revealed his thong and pockets. I wanted to tap him on the shoulder and shout, “Guilty as charged!!”. Remember that tailors can remove the pockets and enhance the look of your clothes so you don’t walk around looking like a pauper from Express. Pay attention to the detail of your clothing. Ready-to-wear should look as if it was designed for your build and frame. Get in the practice of having your mass-produced items custom fitted. It makes a difference and prevents you from blending in.

A few things to highlight – no matter how tres chic you are, the drunk look definitely bumps you down a peg on the best dressed list. Rubber flip-flops should remain in the privacy of one’s residence and if you are going to wear low-rise, tight jeans, undergarments are preferred. Ladies, if your thighs are riddled with cellulite, find a pair of shorts that covers all the cottage cheese. Daisy dukes are not the best selection.

Houston, we have a problem. In a sea of fashion guppies, there are too few who are brave enough to let individual style separate them. It’s the small things – Ray Ban aviator glasses do not fit everyone’s face. There are many styles and plenty of designers who make these sunglasses so find what works for you. Jeans with the back pockets down to the mid-thigh are tacky and talon, stiletto nails make me think you’re going to claw my eyes out. These are not good looks for anyone. Dare to be bold, be fearless and be fashion in front.

Now that’s dripping sexy.

Trendy clothes are not made for everyone although designers fool you into believing such madness by manufacturing them in sizes larger than a 4. Helloooo??? The girls on the runway look like hangers and skeletons for a reason. This might help you keep it in perspective – they are called Victoria’s Secret Angels not Victoria’s Secret Cherubs.

Not all accessories are created equal. Know what bag compliments your body frame. Every woman can’t pull off the hobo bag because frankly you might wind up looking like a hobo! Crossbody messenger bags are not cute if you look like you’re strapped into something and top handle bags are all about proportion.

Stroll the catwalk with confidence. Attention to detail and putting in the extra effort will pay off.

Now that’s dripping sexy…

No, I will not be foolish and purchase your ‘it’ bag and ‘what’s in now’ clothes because I don’t want to look like all of the other ridiculous women who can’t think for themselves. Find me a designer who refuses to be a supporting cast member and wants the lead role.

Now that’s dripping sexy!

Dear fashion industry – please help put an end to the mannequin syndrome. Just because you like the style, does not mean the style will complement or look good on your build. Remember it’s the fit and the fall. THE ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT: KNOW THY BODY.

Now that’s dripping sexy…