7 Easy Tips To Perfect Your Wardrobe From Bradley Cooper's Stylist
Sometimes, the journey to creating the ideal wardrobe feels like an uphill battle. It can be a vicious circle of buying garments we're certain will elevate our style, wearing them once (if at all) and then glaring at them with contempt when they don't serve the purpose we thought they would. From not knowing how to make certain looks work, to having taste that doesn't always align with our budget, there always seems to be some roadblock to getting it right, every single time. It's time to break this cycle, once and for all! That's where Celebrity Wardrobe Stylist Ilaria Urbinati comes in. With a client list that boasts the most dashing leading men, like Bradley Cooper, Ben Affleck and Ryan Reynolds and stunning leading ladies like Shailene Woodley, Lizzy Caplan and Nina Dobrev, Ilaria knows all about creating looks that are as significant as they are effortless. The Hollywood Reporter has included her in their coveted Top 25 Power Stylists list and Eddie Bauer created a limited edition collection with her. Take a look at these 7 easy tips for taking your wardrobe to the next level. 1. Cohesion Is Key
It doesn't matter if the look is super minimalist or a little risky, as long as you know what you're trying to say with the look and let it be cohesive head to toe.
2. For An Added Touch Of Chic, Reach For The Accessories
My grandma always told me you can be in a t-shirt and jeans, but if you've got chic shoes, bag and a good watch, you will look put together. I don't wear a lot of heels, because I have to run around all day, so I have a closet full of chic flats.
3. Find A Tailor You Like & Stick With Them
I always explain this to my clients: Tailoring is not a perfect science. Sometimes it takes some further tweaks and adjustments, a second and sometimes even third fitting (especially if it's for a big event) and a little patience. No tailor gets it right the first time every single time. The good tailor is the one who gets it right in the end every single time. It's the final result that counts. Just make sure they aren't charging you for the additional adjustments - it should all be included unless you yourself added a new request.
4. Be A Savvy Spender
People who splurge on trendy items that they will wear one or two seasons before it's out of style aren't spending wisely. I always splurge on classics and basics like a good cashmere sweater, the perfect fitting pair of pants, a chic flat. Those will last me for years and years. If I want to try out a trend, I go to Topshop or Zara (i.e. the cheap route). That way, when it ends up in the giveaway pile 6 months later, I don't feel so bad. I also would prefer to splurge on every day basics I'm going to live in than on a fancy dress I'll only wear once.
5. Every Man Should Have A Killer Suit In His Closet & Every Lady Should Have A Great Pair Of Jeans in Hers.
Every guy should own a great, classic, well tailored suit, shirt and suit shoes they can wear to an event, a wedding, or dinner. Make sure it's always dry cleaned and ready to go at last minute's notice. For shoes, my go to are Johnston & Murphy, because most of the big designers make shoes that are way too fashion forward - too pointy or too round, too many bells and whistles. J & M's are classic and, I've been told time and time and again, incredibly comfortable.
BONUS TIP FOR THE GUYS Every man should also own a great flat-front slim pair of chinos. They are such a great alternative to jeans and way more comfortable, especially in the summer. I personally love the Jbrand "Tyler", as it's universally flattering and not too skinny, but still nice and slim.
For women, a perfectly flattering and comfortable pair of jeans are a must-- ideally ones that doesn't show your entire backside when you bend down. I always opt for a mid rise. My current favorite is Redun. They have the most amazing, reworked vintage Levis.
6. Don't Be Afraid To Let Your Style Grow With You. Change Is Good!
I would say I took Nina Dobrev from CW teen star to fashion "It Girl". I also feel like I found a way to hone in on Shailene Woodley's laid back tomboy style to make her look cool and chic and but still like herself. It's been fun to watch Lizzy Caplan go from quirky funny actress to Emmy nominated dramatic actress and have her style reflect that, while still retaining that quirky edge that makes her so cool. I wish I could do a before and after style retrospective on all my male clients--it would be pretty entertaining! Most of them, when they first come to me, are wearing the wrong sized clothes (too big), bad shoes and pink or purple dress shirts.
7. Be Yourself!
When it comes to my clients, I'm not interested in creating little Ilaria clones. I want each of them to look and feel like themselves, for their personality and mood to be reflected in their clothes and for each look to be individual to them. That's what everyone should strive for.
Original story found on FORBES by Sarah Boyd.