Minnie Driver's leather and lace

[Livia]

Drive Me Crazy

By XAZMIN GARZA
REVIEW-JOURNAL
Remember when Minnie Driver dazzled us on the red carpet? It was during her "Good Will Hunting" days, just after Matt Damon broke up with her on "The Oprah Winfrey Show." Not ringing a bell? Well, it's foggy in our memories, too, and we blame stunts like this for it.

The actress turned singer looks like a walking doily. That is, the kind of doily that comes with a jacket plucked off the set of "Thriller." Look, we understand that she digs Stevie Nicks and all but "Leather and Lace" was a hit in the '80s, not a dress code suggestion.

And the oversize peace sign earrings? Those weren't even cool when they were cool. She may as well throw on a pair of denim overalls and let one strap hang down. No, Minnie, we weren't serious.

Fortunately, we're here to help. We've come up with an alternative look that incorporates the same elements Driver started with but ends up conveying a much cleaner statement.

We stayed true to the length she favored because it happens to be a hot spring trend. The same earth tones show up but the vertical lines, as opposed to horizontal tiers, are much more flattering. To keep with the masculine edge of the motorcycle jacket, we threw in a menswear-inspired vest. Rather than overpower the look, it flavors it.

Driver's accessories needed as much help as her garments. The geometric bracelet resembles a studding detail, which takes the place of the jacket studs. We coordinated the bracelet to the earrings, which are as oversized as her give-peace-a-chance numbers.

Rather than pair boots with this ensemble, like Driver did, we'd prefer something with a little less heft. This peep-toe wedge in nude makes a fine compromise.

If you have a bad habit of going too far with too many themes the way Driver does, use these tips as a guideline. Or, if you used to look fabulous 24/7 and have fallen into an awkward phase, remember that snapping out of it will likely not involve a leather and lace combo.

Contact fashion reporter Xazmin Garza at [email protected] or 702-383-0477.

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