Answers and scoring

Check your chicness:
Test your sartorial sensibilities with this quiz
By Jackie White
Knight Ridder Newspapers

What’s the deal with fashion today? The world of chic has been decidedly chaotic since the millennium turned the corner, and the events of recent months have added to the confusion.

Are celebrities setting the pace of style in America? Or does personal taste win out over
Britney Spears? Is low-key (not low-riding) fashion still the more appropriate approach over flamboyance in these times?

The eclectic selection of clothing in stores and magazines only adds to the confusion.

Compelling have-to-have items are decidedly absent. Role models run a wide gamut from Spears to Laura Bush. But in a world of chic where we give lip service to no rules, we still make judgments about what’s right and wrong. And every day we witness fashion victims and bad choices.

If you think you are up to speed on today’s ins and outs, take the following quiz.

1. You want to update your wardrobe with one item that will go from work to dinner. Consider:
a. A peasant blouse.
b. A gypsy blouse.
c. A soft silky blouse with a subtle ruffle.
d. Motorcycle boots.

2. You’re planning your spring wardrobe and you want to invest in something that fits the current moment in world events. The best color to add is:
a. Green.
b. Chartreuse.
c. White.
d. Black.

3. The best place to look for fashion guidance is:
a. HBO’s “Sex and the City.”
b. Katie Couric.
c. Magazines.
d. Your own research and a full-length mirror.

4. The most attractive way to wear today’s trendy stuff is:
a. Pile on as many hot looks at one time as possible.
b. Wear everything with rock-style motorcycle boots.
c. Pair a new item such as a ruffled blouse, flared skirt or even low-slung belt and tone it down with other, more classic looks.
d. With a new hair cut with chopped and/or spiked ends.

5. If a man wants to look professional and credible in this new world, he should consider:
a. A pinstriped suit with open shirt.
b. A dark suit with a novelty tie that shows you have a sense of humor.
c. A sports jacket with crew neck sweater.
d. A dark suit with a pale blue tie.

6. They were designers’ vision for hip for spring, but they’re not likely to fly high in warmer parts of the country. They are:
a. White leather motorcycle boots.
b. Wide heavy belts.
c. Spring coats.
d. Suede shirt jackets.

7. Marked-down apparel has been almost the rule in retail stores in recent weeks. If it’s on sale you should:
a. Always buy it.
b. Buy it if it fits.
c. Buy it if you need to wear it tonight.
d. Pass unless it goes with other things in your wardrobe, fits perfectly and suits your lifestyle.

8. You’re a woman going to the upcoming Golden Globe awards. To fit in with everyone else, you wear:
a. A simple black dress.
b. A stunning designer gown that’s going to set off the cameras.
c. Something under the business dress category.
d. A short miniskirt.

9. Your budget is tight in this economy. You want one new thing to cheer you up. It could be:
a. A long-term accessory such as a silver cuff, a soft classic leather bag in a color such as red or a lace shawl.
b. A classic such as a tartan plaid skirt, black dress, a print silk scarf.
c. Something unique enough to make you feel special, ranging from a new red lipstick, lace-trimmed flared skirt or floral print dress.
d. Any of the above.

10. The fashion faux pas of the moment is wearing:
a. Fishnet stockings.
b. Camouflage print.
c. Stiletto heels.
d. Shoulder pads.

11. The fashion image most likely to stick around through the year is:
a. Peasant blouses.
b. Lace-up boots.
c. Feather boas.

12. It’s a garment that’s been around for years. It’s in fashion now and so versatile you may wear it with jeans or flannel trousers. You can buy it at vintage stores, discounters or with a designer label at upscale specialty stores. It is:
a. Lace top.
b. A peacoat.
c. A beret.
d. All of the above.

13. The current fashion item, loved by Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez, but most hazardous for many women to wear is:
a. Denim jeans.
b. Lycra anything.
c. Low-rise pants.
d. Cropped tops.

14. You may wear this look to work more frequently in the coming year. It is:
a. A sweater
b. A tailored professional suit
c. Lace
d. Ruffles

15. You’re all dressed up this winter in your current designer jodhpurs, riding boots and equestrian cape and you look stunning. You’ll wear them to:
a. A luncheon
b. To work
c. The barn
d. A cocktail party

16. The hot spring accessory that definitely doesn’t go with everything is:
a. A straw bag
b. A lace camisole
c. A patriotic pin
d. A wide, low-slung belt

17. You want to feel hip and modern. While shopping, you spot sunglasses that have silly dangles and an important designer label. What do you do?
a. Put them down and walk away.
b. Buy them so you can sport the name.
c. Look for others with a hot designer name.
d. Look for copies.

18. You love, love, love fashion. You save up your money to:
a. Buy a high-priced designer handbag.
b. Purchase high-heeled ankle-wrap sandals.
c. Give yourself a shopping trip in a big city.
d. Donate to charity.

19. The worst mistake you make with clothing is:
a. To look simple and boring.
b. Opt for a uniform that everyone else wears.
c. Be too trendy.
d. Have too much going on with your clothing — a wrap jacket, a heavy belt, several mixed prints and a strong color.

20. If you were old enough to vote when George Bush Sr. was first elected president, you should think long about:
a. Miniskirts (without tights) so short you can't bend over.
b. Low-cut pants that reveal too much when you sit down.
c. Clothing and accessories decorated with Winnie the Pooh.
d. All of the above.

credits

TCU Daily Skiff © 2002