Fashion Rules!

Fashion lovers, trendsetters, and the idly curious alike vie for front-row seating along the runway at Fashion Week El Paseo. Seasoned stylist Michele Oppenheimer of Saks Fifth Avenue offers advice about the  proper attire and etiquette during next month’s fashion shows from April 2-9.

What to Wear (or Not)

Elevate your look. Everyday wear such as jeans are acceptable, but they should be the latest cut. This year, that means cropped jeans or those featuring a slight flare. Pair them with modest heels, a sleeveless or short-sleeved top, and an elegant jacket. You’ll look good and remain comfortable in fluctuating  temperatures.

Wear designers you usually favor. It’s not necessary or expected that people will wear articles from the designers whose fashions they’re going to see.

No one looks good when their feet hurt. Skip the sky-high heels so you can maneuver to your seat easily, and can tolerate standing in line if required.

Hats make a fashion statement, but they also annoy the person sitting behind you. Leave them at home. And unless you’re outside or don’t care if you look pretentious, leave your sunglasses in your purse.

Wear whites and colors — the sidelines along runways tend to be dark — if you don’t want to disappear.

Refrain from using heavy perfume, lotion, or soaps: Fashion shows are tightly packed affairs.

Bottom line: Dress as you would for a party, a date, or a celebration. Fashion Week El Paseo pays homage to the designers and celebrates their work, and your attire is a statement of your respect.

Mind Your Manners

Do not text or talk on the phone during the show. Unless instructed otherwise, snapping photos generally is accepted. (What designer doesn’t appreciate images of his fashions uploaded on Instagram or Facebook?)

Remain seated for the duration of the show.

Applaud whether or not you like the designer’s work. Like all hard workers, they put a lot of effort into their presentations, but their results are public; it’s disappointing when a program elicits little or no response.

Leave the dogs and small children at home. Some creatures are not fascinated by fashion, and their boredom is disruptive.

Don’t chew gum. A roving photographer might catch you with your mouth wide open.

After the show, approach your favorite designer if the opportunity presents itself, and compliment him or her on a job well done.

If they’re offered, take only one goody bag as you exit the show.

Bottom line: Courtesy and kindness are never out of fashion. Good manners helps assure that everyone has a good time.

Must-See Designers

Date: Saturday, April 2
Designer: Monique Lhuillier’s classic, flowy dresses, printed trousers and skirts, and sophisticated, floral-themed gowns from her Pre-Fall 2016 collection will grace the runway during this fashion show presented by Saks Fifth Avenue.

Date: Friday, April 8
Designer: Zandra Rhodes has been designing remarkable textiles and fashions since 1967. Celebrities ranging from Princess Diana to Debbie Harry have worn her designs, and her unique prints and fashion are collected by Tom Ford and Anna Sui. Count on a colorful and entertaining show of fantasy.

Date: Saturday, April 9
Designer: Marc Bouwer will present his newest collection for Spring 2016 at the Fashion Week Finale. Look for sexy red-carpet fashions as well as party dresses and ensembles for dinner and daytime infused with this New York’s designer’s aesthetic of Hollywood glamour and elegance.

Inset photos: Saks Fifth Avenue