I recently had the opportunity to speak with fashion stylist, Tamara Gaudin, as a follow up to NY and Paris Fashion Weeks for Fall/Winter 2016. She is one of the best in the business and is actively involved in the international fashion community. In addition to being an integral part of some of the biggest named runway shows she is also a personal stylist for celebrities, notables and television personnel. Her business travels take her to every major fashion city in the world and, here at home in the USA, she divides her time between her NYC and Dallas, TX offices.
Before you head to the mall or your favorite online shop, take a few minutes to read through the article and make the absolute most of your Fall/Winter 2016 wardrobe.
VEG: Thanks so much for the time today, Tamara. I am sure readers will greatly appreciate the advice you are sharing! To get started, what are the key and most prominent colors of the new season?
TG: First, thanks for inviting me to share some trends on your site. Here is a rundown on the must-have colors for this fall.
- Berry-Wonderful – All shades of Wine &
Berry. Think of a deep Merlot, a crisp Pinot Noir or a bold Cabernet. - Simply Stated Navy, the deeper the better
- Green is back in Evergreen & Military Green
- Purple Power – best expressed in all shades of Deep Purple, Eggplant and Plum
- The Neutrals – Brown, Camel, Winter White and, as always, Black & Gray
VEG: Any key accent colors?
TG: Yes, the designers were showing accents in Red and Mustard and lots of shiny metallic especially in Silver and Rose-Gold.
VEG: Are there any particular fabrics or prints?
TG: Fall and Winter Florals are evident everywhere whether it be as an entire dress or a subtle accent piece.
There are also lots more knits this season including typical sweaters but also in dresses, skirts and pants.
Ultra Suede, Faux Leather and Faux Fur! Great options from Stella McCartney and also a ton of more affordable mainstream design houses/lines.
Boho is back! The best of the 60’s and 70’s is evident in flared sleeves and pant legs, patchwork, crochet pieces, color block prints and lots of corduroy for both women and men.
Romance also makes a starring role with lots of lace, silk, velvet, sheer, brocade and flirty floral pieces.
And this season is also “mad about plaid”! Plaid in every variation from Tartan to Tattersall! The plaids are not just in shirts but make their way into skirts, dresses, sweaters and accent pieces.
VEG: What about looks? Simple or more complex?
TG: Definitely more complex and you will see lots of layering. Vests, bomber jackets, crop jackets, capes and more.
VEG: Any particularly notable accents?
TG: Yes! There is a ton of opportunity to individualize your style with fringes, hats, belts in chain or wrap styles. Also be on the lookout for scarves of any style…large or small best seen in prints, florals and faux fur.
For jewelry the key colors are silver and rose gold but on-trend styles also include tassels, chokers, oversized rhinestone earrings and necklaces. Layering is also seen here. Lots and lots of layers!
VEG: What about footwear?
TG: The over-the-knee boots from last season are still staples this year along with simple loafers, fashionable sneakers, booties. Best seen in metallic, pleather-patents, florals and brocades plus cute little tassel accents.
VEG: WOW! This seems like such a fun season and trends everyone can wear and enjoy! Can you comment on menswear?
TG: Absolutely! The same trends carry over to men but have their own point of view and interpretations. For instance the men’s color are definitely more muted than those seen in the woman’s collections. The metallics have a little less sheen to them and are often used in tones that just add a subtle sheen.
There is also a lot of knit in the menswear collections in everything from sweaters, vests, jackets and ties. Plus corduroy is a great option for fall along with velvets, faux suedes and leathers.
Pants are more tailored and a bit shorter than we are used to seeing. Think more European…shorter blazers, skinnier ties and tailored pieces. Even for men that are not super-thin the look is more tailored across the board.
If you are shopping for a man opt for plaids, checks, colorful socks, pattern-mixing, colorful pants and lots of layering.
For shoes, fashion sneakers are seen in both day and night, tassels & buckled dress shoes and loafers and short shoe-boots. All in tones of Wines, Camels, Browns, Navy, Gray and, as always Black!
VEG: Any last thoughts you can share with our readers?
TG: Yes. First and foremost anyone can wear a trend, no matter what age, body shape or lifestyle. The key is to select pieces that work for you and your lifestyle.
So many times I come across clients that think, for instance, they are too old to wear a certain style but that is not at all the case. It is all about pulling looks together that work best for the individual.
Second, I oftentimes hear that people will completely avoid a color because it doesn’t flatter their skin 
tone. I understand that everyone on the planet cannot rock mustard yellow, but the key is in opting for another shade of yellow that may be more flattering or try using it as an accent piece.
Third, DE-CLUTTER! I have so many clients that used to keep pieces in their closet year-after-year. My advice is to eliminate pieces you simply do not wear at the beginning of every season, whether it is something purchased from Target or Neiman’s.
And finally, tailored clothes make the difference in looking “o.k.” to “phenomenal” There are so many sizes and shapes of bodies and “one size” does not fit all. When trying on clothes make sure to check in the rear view mirror. Even though an outfit may look rocking-sensational in the front, the back may be more of a train wreck.
To find out more about Tamara Gaudin please visit her website: www.tgstylist.com or email tamara@tgstylist.com
