With season upon us, the first thing we think of, obviously, is supporting our community. But it doesn't hurt to do it in style. So we talked to one of our favorite authorities on style, celebrity stylist and co-host of "Fashion Police" George Kotsiopoulos, to get some advice on how to avoid a season on the lam as a fashion criminal. Here's to a fashionably fun and fabulous season!
Society Scene: What is one thing you wish all women knew about fashion or how to style themselves?
George Kotsiopoulos: Fit! Women don't want to admit to their true size or know what their correct size is and how things are supposed to fit their bodies so they try to fit into something that doesn't work. It is important to factor tailoring into your wardrobe budget (most celebrities get everything tailored). Once you see what it looks like to be in clothes that fit you properly and what it feels like, you have a better understanding of how it is supposed to look and you feel better, you look better and you wear your clothes more. It is not some much about trends but what looks good on your body for your coloring and your age range. So find the right fit, definitely.
SS: Do you have any "tricks" you can suggest to women in order to get their men to dress better, especially when going to an event?
GK: It goes back to fit. Fit is important - know your size. Don't forget the power of the suit. It is so easy to put on a suit. Every man looks good when they put on a suit. Bring back the glamour. Take the opportunity to get dressed up when you go out - life is too short. Back in the day men wore black tie to dinner parties. If you are going out for the evening - get dressed up! You can throw on dark, dark jeans, a nice shirt, tie and blazer and still be dressed up. Put a little effort in it. I get into this in my new book "Glamorous by George" (coming out in January - the book offers easy-to-achieve tips and practical advice for looking like a movie star).
SS: What's the best part about being on "Fashion Police" and what's the most challenging part?
GK: The best part is being with my friends - Kelly, Joan and Giuliana. It's my two favorite things - talking about fashion and laughing, I'm in heaven.
The difficult part is I go to many events and see friends or acquaintances and tell them they look beautiful and the next day you have to say ooh that outfit did not photograph well. You have to say things in a diplomatic way and express that because it may have looked nice in person it just didn't look good in photos. Still, I have the best job in the world.
SS: What's your ideal luncheon attire (for men and women)?
GK: For women its easy…a light weight dress. A dress is like a suit to a man. You don't have to worry about putting separates together. Add nice shoes and a lightweight trench if it is raining season - I think every woman should have a chic wardrobe of raincoats.
Don't dress for the season, dress for the weather. For men, a knitted polo shirt with banded waist, great blazer, slim chinos, brogues - without socks! I don't wear socks and people think it is scandalous.
SS: Good thing it's hot in Florida, so no socks are the norm!
SS: Is it OK to wear tea-length gowns to a black-tie gala or do you live by the floor-length rule for black-tie?
GK: Yes it's OK as long as it is an opulent dress, very dressy and not something you would wear to work. If it is super formal though, go with a gown.
SS: Do you have any suggestions for our male readers on what to spice up their wardrobe with this season?
GK: Accessories are the easiest way to up the ante on his wardrobe - fashionable tie, different color shirt than you normally wear, pocket square, tie bar, collar bar, shoes, fun socks - they are the hot thing now. Men are lucky. They can have two to three good suits and change them up with a different shirt or tie. Or wear a blazer with dark jeans. Make sure your clothes fit. That makes a huge difference. Be confident in what you want to wear.
SS: What's your rule for white after Labor Day (keeping in mind its summer weather most of the year in South Florida)?
GK: No issue with wearing white but avoid blatant summer outfits - a very summer fabric or print (i.e. madras), not something so iconically summer. Women have more leeway than men do.
SS: What are some of the hottest colors of the season?
GK: Navy is big for fall; pastels; and ecru.
SS: Do you know any labels that make a philanthropic impact by either donating to charities and/or employing good causes?
GK: Most designers are very into supporting efforts for children, the arts and women's issues. I am on the board of Ddirectors of P.S. ARTS and many designers support our annual "Bag Lunch."
{P.S. ARTS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring arts education to the public school system. In 2003, Kotsiopoulos co-founded the annual "Bag Lunch" charity event where designer handbags are donated to and auctioned off with one hundred percent of the proceeds going to P.S. ARTS' arts education programs.}
SS: Who are your male and female fashion icons?
GK: I have so many. I love old Hollywood. Steve McQueen, Robert Redford, Marilyn Monroe - she knew how to fit her clothing and had great fashion sense… Grace Kelly, Raquel Welch, Lauren Bacall… Sharon Stone was one of the best dressed in the '90s. Now I love Emma Stone, Hailey Seinfeld - a young girl who is fashionable and dresses appropriately for her age. Ryan Gosling - he is not afraid to wear fashion… and Andrew Garfield.
SS: We just read an article that said by the time a woman reaches age 46 she should no longer have long hair. Agree/disagree?
GK: Long hair does have an expiration date. The flip happens around 35 - before that you want to look more mature, after you want to look a little younger, maybe 5 years. Hair just below your shoulders is long hair and still sexy - think Charlie's Angels. They were known for their long hair but it wasn't that long. Unless you have the boho '70s look, then you can have hair down your back.
You can meet George this Friday, Oct. 25, when he hosts the Sawgrass Mills "Tour de Fashion" taking place at The Colonnade Outlets. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy a day of fashion shows, food and drink and exclusive shopping access. Tickets are $30 for the Designer Level and $75 for the Couture Level. 100 percent of profits will go to more than thirty local charities. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.ColonnadeOutletsTourDeFashion.com.
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