Jumpsuits for men are high fashion and turning up on runways all over the place, writes Answer Angel Ellen Warren.
Dreamstime/TNS
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I read in your column that you’re a big fan of women’s jumpsuits because they’re a one-stop solution for “what to wear.” But you didn’t mention men’s jumpsuits. Are they considered fashionable, or would I be laughed out of town if I wore one?
— Thomas J.
Dear Thomas: Jumpsuits for men are high fashion and turning up on runways all over the place. To say they’re not for Everyman is an understatement. But if you hang out with people who are on the cutting edge, plenty of moderately priced options won’t make you regret experimenting without the wallet pain of Prada, Bode, Alexander McQueen, etc.
Macy’s (macys.com), to cite one example, carries the Indiana-based Berne label, the venerable workwear brand (established 1915). They’re from Berne’s “heritage collection” at prices under $50. And, in the same what’s-old-is-new-again vein, my grandpa wore bib denim overalls on his Ohio farm for practical/frugal reasons. Overalls too are enjoying a fashion moment. Workhorse utility brands like Levi’s, Carhartt, Lee and Dickies all sell them.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I am sick and tired of hauling out an ironing board and iron to get the wrinkles out of clothes. This is especially irritating when the fabric is supposedly no-iron, wrinkle-free. Got any suggestions?
— Maya P.
Dear Maya: Try a clothes steamer. It isn’t a perfect solution but will work quickly and pretty painlessly on most jobs.
I wanted the steamer I bought to make my all-cotton pillowcases feel like they’d been professionally laundered and pressed. Nope. And if the job requires a sharp crease, forget it. You will still need to haul out your iron for those.
However, the steamer does work on everyday wrinkles and is especially useful on delicate fabrics like silk or wrinkle-magnets like linen. It will save you on dry cleaning bills.
The consumer testing site I favor, wirecutter.com, led me to the Conair CompleteSteam handheld steamer (amazon.com, $24). But you need to follow instructions scrupulously to keep it from leaving wet spots, which can stain a silk blouse or dress. It is too bulky for travel, but some hotels are catching on and starting to offer in-room steamers instead of traditional irons and boards.
Here’s a no-brainer tip I can’t seem to follow: Take the clothes out of the dryer immediately, before they have a chance to settle into a wrinkly mess.
For my no-iron favorite shirts (foxcroftcollection.com, which I buy on ebay.com gently used for under $15), I air-dry them on a hanger right out of the washing machine.
Angelic Readers
Anonymous says, “Like many women, since the pandemic, I’ve decided I’d like to go braless. I’m small-busted but have prominent nipples, which are clearly outlined under my clothes. I found this embarrassing. The very best solution is Hollywood Fashion Secrets Silicone CoverUps sold in different skin tones (amazon.com, $11.90 and up). They are good for 25 wearings, can be worn in the shower and detach easily. They’re far superior to any others I’ve tried. I buy mine at DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse (dsw.com, $15.99).”
From Ellen: I found them for $11.90 and up on amazon.com.
Angelic Readers 2
From Tracy S.: “For your reader Sue S. looking for a couch blanket/throw that won’t shed, I love “The Big One” oversized SuperSoft plush throws by Kohl’s, and can often get them on sale and with a coupon for $10 or less. I have four of them, each purchased in a different year, and I have no issues with shedding.
Justine T. also is a big fan: “We have several Big One SuperSoft Plush Throws from Kohl’s that are warm, soft and don’t shed. The throws are 5-by-6 feet. Kohl’s larger SuperSoft Plush Blankets can be purchased in twin, full/queen or king size to use on a bed. They are quite reasonably priced and are often on sale.”
Angelic Readers 3
Janice writes, “So happy you recommended Maybelline eyebrow pencil (the classics that look like red pencils on the outside). I have tried numerous products. Due to chemo years ago, my eyebrows really never came back. The only product and the least expensive is the two-for-$6.99 drugstore Maybelline eyebrow pencil, which is actually a versatile brownish color. The only drawback is they need to be sharpened quite often, but at that price, who cares?”
Reader Rant
Kathy C. gripes: “My husband’s problem is finding shirts and T-shirts with seams that don’t rub and irritate his skin. He even turns his T-shirts inside out, and that doesn’t solve the problem.”
From Ellen: Let’s hear some reader suggestions to help Kathy’s husband out.
