Local Fashionistas Gives us the Lowdown on Celebrity Style
WANT to look like a celeb? Stylists and designers fill us in on what’s hot and how to make it work for you.
HOW do celebs always look so spectacular?
Truth is, most have stylists and designers working around the clock perfecting their look. Stylists work with them to come up with fabulous outfits day after day, while designers work hard to get celebs wearing their creations. After all, once a big name wears something well the public wants in on it, too. Just think back to Kate Middleton’s Down Under tour. Each morning she’d step out looking fabulous and whatever she was wearing that day would be sold out within hours.
We chatted to the who’s who in the fashion industry and have the ultimate guide for you. Just don’t tackle it all at once — that’s called fashion overkill.
Add a little print to your life
According to freelance stylist Cheryl Tan, who has worked in collaboration with some of Australia’s best magazines, it’s natural to gravitate towards black during the cooler seasons. “But the best way to add a special little something to your outfit is with a little print … a little animal print.” She recommends injecting a print punch in the form of a clutch, belt or loafers. “Miranda Kerr does this really well!”
Bright lips
Designer, television host, go-to fashion authority and renowned media personality Henry Roth, who is best known for his work on Project Runway, and TV makeovers on shows such as Beauty and the Geek, The Biggest Loser and Studio Ten, recommends bright lippy to stand out. “There’s nothing quite like passion in the form of lip stain to brighten up your perspective on a cold blustery day. From maroon to rouge and classic red — what may once have been reserved for post sunset has crept earlier and earlier into the day,” he says. “Take cue from Jackie Gillies from Real Housewives of Melbourne. She chooses vibrant shades of red to punctuate positivity.”
Throw a hat on it
Cheryl Tan says a hat can effortlessly change an outfit. “You can go from boring to chic by throwing on a vintage hat or a fedora. Nicole Richie and Delta Goodrem know this trick. It’s the perfect way to mask a bad hair day and also add some instant fabulous to your outfit.”
The classic white shirt
Fashion stylist and image consultant Alana Hope, who has worked with The X Factor, says that the classic white button-up shirt never loses its appeal. “This classic piece can be worn untucked over swimwear in summer, tucked into a pencil skirt for work or left out and unbuttoned at the top with boyfriend jeans. Find a sheer shirt for a fresh take on the look or get the cotton classic in a men’s style for an effortlessly laid back and sexy look,” she says, citing Audrey Hepburn, Diane Keaton, Olivia Palermo and Karlie Kloss as all regular classic white shirt wearers.
Add some edge to your wardrobe with leather
On the opposite end of classic, rock and roll works too — at the right time. “The key to pulling leather off is to layer and create texture,” Cheryl Tan explains. “Leather looks best when it’s layered with a scarf or a faux fur jacket. Supermodel Nicole Trunfio rocks this look.”
Embrace colour
Fashion designer and creator of the colourful homewares collection, Twiglee, Samantha Griffin, has designed clothing for Kim Kardashian, Peter Morrissey and Ben Sherman. Her advice is to embrace colour. “Just approach it in a sensible way,” she recommends. “Choose one statement colour and wear it head to toe with nude or black accessories like Kate Middleton. Or if this statement is a little too bold for you, mimic Nicole Richie and choose a highlight piece, like a red blazer, then pair it back with neutral colours and your favourite jean.”
Baby pink is in
According to Henry Roth, baby pink is one of the colours to embrace this season. “Fly against convention with baby pink clutch accessories, clustered chandelier earrings and a big coat,” he says. “Take a look a look Rihanna’s deliciously pink brilliance at Christian Dior Cruise 2015 show for inspiration.”
Get your slouch on
You either love or hate this look, but the slouch sweater isn’t going anywhere, in fact celebs are sporting it more and more often these days, with Kim Kardashian and Selena Gomez donning this look often. “The slouch sweater is the perfect knit on a chilly afternoon,” says stylist Mandi Takis of PureModa. “Choose a deep V-neck sweater and pair it with a midi skirt for a comfy, yet feminine look. Or for a more playful outfit go with an open back sweater and trendy leggings.”
The jumpsuit
For more casual fun, Cheryl Tan says that a jumpsuit is the best thing you can invest in for your wardrobe, and cites Rihanna as the celeb getting this one right every time. “The key to the right jumpsuit is knowing your shape and picking the one that hugs you in the right spots.”
Double-breasted blazer
Mark Ferguson, who has been responsible for dressing a range of local celebrities in Brisbane, as well as Nile Rodgers at the 2014 Grammy’s knows a thing or two about helping men get it right. He recommends men invest in a double-breasted blazer for ultimate sophistication. “David Beckham gets it right when he dons a double breasted blazer. The rest just compliments — the crisp white shirt and white pocket square, the tan chinos and the coordinated tie. That man has style!”
Contrast is key
According to Mark Ferguson, the general rule with shirt and suit combos is the more contrast between the shirt and suit, the more impact the combination will have. “Liam Hemsworth almost gets it right,” he says. “He could however focus on choosing shirts just one to two shades lighter to get the balance right.”
Get edgy with charms
Accessories can really make or break and outfit, and Santos Wish designer, Kellee Cruse, recommends adding lucky charms and talismans to turn a normal outfit into something hot. “Charmed leather and wooden wristbands look hot with a designer watch, as spotted on Peter Morrissey,” she says.
The bomber
For ladies wanting to suit up the Bomber jacket never goes out of style and celebs like Olivia Palermo and Alessandra Ambrosio know it. The good news is that it can work on just about anyone. Mandi Takis recommends going for the sport luxe look. “You can do this with a bold print bomber, leggings and trendy sneakers. Or go for corporate sexy with leather bomber with a crop top, high waisted skirt and killer heels.”
