If the Sleeve Fits, Cuff It; If Not, See a Tailor

The Long and Short of It: Details make the man, as the saying goes. And something as simple as the shirt cuff that extends from his jacket sleeve can be a telling indication of his sense for fashion details.

A number of guys have been spotted with exposed cuffs ranging from a few millimeters to two inches in length. Is there a rule they should stick by?

“Generally, the cuff should extend no more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch,” says Steve Ramenofsky of Garys & Co. in Fashion Island Newport Beach. “When you see one that’s too long, it’s often a French cuff, since the weight of the cuff link pulls it down.”

If you’re sure your jackets are properly hemmed, the first step in solving a cuff conundrum is knowing your exact sleeve length.

Have a tailor take a measurement for you (on both arms if you notice one side is more consistently off than the other).

Heading for the White House: Jackie Kennedy created a fashion furor for white gloves and pillbox hats. Nancy Reagan in her trademark red dresses quadrupled sales for designer Adolfo. But will Hillary Rodham Clinton create a headband craze?

“Headbands are cute. You probably will see more women wear them, but I think the question is, ‘Will Hillary still wear them?’ ” says fashion designer Brian Mayne of Mission Viejo. “I’m sure her consultants are telling her that a headband makes her look too much like a Girl Scout and not enough like a First Lady.”

If those days selling cookies are just a memory and you want to try that Hillary look, don’t make the mistake of wearing it tilted forward to catch more of those bangs. It sits straight up like a Walkman headset, only just behind the ears.

The Tan Ban: Since its inception, the objective of leg length hosiery for women was to create an appealing, natural color and sheen. Colored hosiery was for costumes.

But since the mid-’70s, colored hose have outsold natural tones four to one, with white and black coming out as the two favorites. However, without much fanfare, now tan and natural tones are making a comeback.

“Natural tones create a softer look that don’t overshadow a dress that’s cream or beige,” says clothing and color consultant Debbie Forrest-Gould of Irvine. “You should always have at least a pair that’s not white or black.”

Natural or tan hose do have some no-no’s. It’s not OK to wear them with black or white skirts or dresses, and when shopping for them look for the sheerest, most complementary shade for your skin.