From the Editor

The questions are mine to get things rolling for our focus on fashion in this issue. The answers come from Joanne Walsh, the manager of Saks Fifth Avenue in Naples. We asked Walsh and Jennifer Williams, owner of Jennifer’s in south Fort Myers—both on the frontlines of style here—to share their best tips for the fashion-forward crowd. (See more of Jennifer’s advice in "How Stella-May Got Her Smooth Back," starting on p. 92.)

Joanne’s Dos

DO go for color, color, color.

DO update your Palm Beach wardrobe for more casual chic. Naples is slightly less dressy than Palm Beach.

DO keep up. Fashion here has evolved in the last five years or so. People are much more fashion savvy.

DO have these flattering basics in your closet:

DO be bold. For the woman who is willing to be a little daring, a backless dress is a perfect choice.

DO accessorize. A South Seas pearl necklace will make any ensemble shine.

DO mind the Gulfshore’s fashion role models. Who are some of them? Jean Ackerman, Martha Fligg and Elizabeth Star.

DO the following if you meet your gown on another party guest: walk up to her, smile and tell her what great taste she has.

DON’T discard tried-and-true wardrobe favorites for all new trends. The key to looking good is the way you mix current trends with basics.

DON’T always match.

DON’T tuck your shirt in. Relax! Tops should be worn out and belted or just loose. But if you’re wearing fuller pants, go for a fitted top and save the baby-doll top to pair with a slimmer bottom piece.

DON’T squeeze into the wrong size. Fit is everything.

DON’T forget the foundations, literally. Proper undergarments are key.

DON’T over-accessorize. Jewelry is larger now, but don’t do large earrings, a large necklace and a large bracelet. Pick one area to feature and let that piece stand out.

DON’T forget the appeal of the little dress. They’re great for our climate and easy to wear.

DON’T be afraid of color.

DON’T throw away all of your sweaters when you move here. If it’s cold, dress accordingly. It isn’t always tropical in Florida.

DON’T get stuck in a rut. Fashion is fun. Have fun.

Our new managing editor of Gulfshore Business, Hope Cristol, tells this story of her interview with Steve Wheeler, director of major gifts and planned giving at Fort Myers’ Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida: "He reached into the pocket of his sports coat and pulled out a diaper the size of a folded handkerchief. ‘This little diaper is too big for the size of some of the babies here,’ he said. His gentle voice cracked and trembled as he shared the story of one baby who barely survived. Wheeler lifted his glasses and dried his eyes with the doll-sized diaper. ‘This comes in handy sometimes,’ he said, before returning the diaper to his pocket." Along with his sensitivity, score another one for Yankee ingenuity.

—David Sendler