Style SOS with Ingrid Hoey

Q: I really loved seeing all the mixed prints on the runways, but I’m not sure how to make them work. Any suggestions?

A: Here’s the thing?you have got to be careful wearing full mixed prints. You may look like you threw yourself head first into a dressing-up box, took a deep breath, and emerged, hoping for the best. That is not beautiful.

Always mix prints of similar tones. As a general rule, if I’m wearing a big print on top, I would wear a smaller one on the bottom or vice versa. No one does clashing prints better than Olivia Palermo. Head to Pinko for some great, easy prints that work well together as a first time print clasher.

Q: I am going to a black-tie event, and I’m not really a formal dress kind of girl. I want to wear a black jumpsuit, but I’m afraid I’ll look like I’m wearing pajamas. What can I do to make it look more stylish?

A: What’s wrong with PJs? Kate Moss recently went out in a vintage pajamas ensemble. You know what that means, don’t you? We can all now wear bedtime-inspired pieces on a night out. Simply do a Kanye shrug and just say, ?Kate did it?. A black jumpsuit is like a blank canvas simply waiting to be adorned.

Steady on, though – as with everything, less is best. I would simply pop on a neckpiece from Alexis Bittar. Maybe a cocktail ring too. Then a slick of red lippy and a pair of black cut-out or lace-up stilettos, and away you go. You’ll not only look great, but you’ll have the double excitement of coming home and putting on the Miss Moss PJs.

Q: I am obsessed with bright accessories, but how does one incorporate those eye-catching pieces into a simple, classic wardrobe?

Having a classic wardrobe makes it so easy to incorporate eye-catching accessories. Forty coats was a classic example of someone with a pretty extraordinary wardrobe trying to include a jaunty hat accessory into the mix. It. Did. Not. Work. I wear pretty much a black palette and add a great scarf or hat.

Scarf, €295 at giovannaborza.com

This scarf, by Irish designer Giovanna Borza, above, is the perfect addition. It has a Mongolian leather fringe trim and can be custom ordered in any colour. Also, milliner Martha Lynn has included these really fun beanie hats, above right, into her collection. Throw on with a classic camel or navy coat, and it’s a far cry from the Fortycoats look.

Hat, €125 at marthalynnmillinery.com

Q: Do you have any advice on how to dress if you’re bottom-heavy and want to wear skinny jeans?

A: Skinny jeans almost broke me once. Let me take you back…I was about 14. I had on skinny jeans and flat shoes. I’m 5-foot-10 with a size 41 shoe (picture this?it’s important to the story).

A boy I liked called Rambo (he wore a headband and camo jacket – yes, really) walked by and said I looked like a golf club. I was distraught. The point is, dress for your shape and size, not what’s in fashion.

I think a straight leg jean would work better for you – they are more flattering than skinnies. Try JBrand straight cut jeans, roll up the ends in a haphazard fashion, and team with a chunky heel boot or stiletto. Then, let’s walk together, holding hands, wearing a headband, in a two-finger salute to Rambo.

Got a style dilemma? Send Ingrid your questions on Twitter @image_magazine or @Ingridhoey #IMAGEStyleSOS