Homecoming is just around the corner, which means football games, dance parties, and (most importantly) the return of old friends. With so much going on, the last thing you should be doing is stressing about what to wear, so we brought out the big guns: Brad Goreski, stylist to the stars. Think of this as your own private styling session, without needing to drop a dime.
You might recognize Brad from his sidekick stint on The Rachel Zoe Project or from his always-entertaining Bravo show It’s a Brad, Brad World. But nowadays, when he’s not busy being Kate Spade New York’s executive brand stylist, he’s helping dress the likes of Jessica Alba, Rashida Jones, Shay Mitchell, and Sarah Hyland. “I adore working with Sarah,” Brad told us. “She loves playing dress up, so we’ve done everything from ’90s minimalism to super high glam.” In other words, when you start walking the red carpet, you’ll know who to call.
We caught up with Brad for some serious insight into what it takes to find the dress for the big event. Curious? Read on.
1. Think outside the box. “My go-to advice is that there are so many different ways to look flirty but still be sophisticated at the same time. I always start by looking at things on the runway and then saying, ‘Oh, I have something that kind of looks like that in my wardrobe—how can I make it work?’ And then turn it into your own idea. The collections this season have been so incredibly wearable and approachable, and there were a lot of combinations that I would never have thought to put together myself.”
2. Plan your endgame. “What’s the overall inspiration? Start with one piece, whether it’s the dress or the shoes, and build on that. Who are you trying to be? It can be a mishmash, but try to have a fully realized look from head to toe.”
3. Stand out! “Search for a dress that’s original. Every girl is trying to look for the one that nobody else has, so look in vintage stores or online. Of course, high-end designers are always great way to go, but it’s exciting (and budget-friendly!) to find something that’s different and undiscovered.”
4. Fit is everything. “Choose a shoe and a heel height you feel comfortable in. Everyone wants the six-inch stilettos, but if you have trouble walking in them, it’ll show. Remember, all shoes can be enhanced and made to feel better with the right insole or insert (hello, Dr. Scholl’s DreamWalk!). For your dress, find a really good tailor and make sure it fits properly. What I’m drawn to most after the overall look is complete is how the gown fits—that’s something I’m always concerned about for my girls on the red carpet.”
5. Be YOU. “There’s a time for doing things together with your friends, but there’s also a time to really express your own individuality—be true to your style and let it shine. Allowing yourself the freedom to try out different characters is the best way to build confidence and figure out what works for you. Personally, I always feel my best when I’m wearing something great and not worrying about the responses from other people. I say that to my clients, too: ‘If you love what you’re wearing, it doesn’t matter what anyone else says.’ And that’s the most important advice for picking out your dress.”