If you need proof that parenthood is no excuse for sacrificing style, look straight to Shayna Mace. The Madison-based editorial director, style expert and mom of two has styled editorial and brand photo shoots for more than ten years and is regularly tapped to share tips on television and with professional groups. We got her to spill her secrets for looking chic this fall and beyond.
Do you live by any style rules?
I really only follow two style rules loosely for myself and when I style people: Wear what you like, and wear what looks good on you! If you adhere to those two things, you will look good and feel confident in how you present yourself. Everyone’s had that feeling of when you don’t feel right in an ensemble; and similarly, everyone has had that confidence of feeling great when you kill it in an outfit! When I style people for an event or photo shoot, I always make sure to ask them what types of items, colors and silhouettes they like and what they don’t like. It’s a palpable feeling when I’ve picked out something that the person loves — they’re smiling ear to ear and they hold themselves proudly.
Do you have any style non-negotiables?
One of my style non-negotiables is wearing ill-fitting clothing. Pieces that are too tight or too loose are simply not flattering and can add bulk or make you seem larger than you actually are (this goes for men and women). There’s a reason why those guys in GQ look so good — they’re wearing trim, tailored ensembles.
Not dressing correctly for a special occasion, your job or another event is another style no-go for me. I read a quote once that said, “No one ever got their dream job in sweatpants.” So true! How you present yourself on the first day of your job or your four thousandth day on your job makes a difference. Like it or not, how you dress makes an impact and communicates who you are. And to me, it shows a level of respect to your employer or the event you’re attending to be thoughtful about what you wear.
How can one go about developing their personal style?
Think about the colors and silhouettes that you like the best. Then, think about your body type. There are all things that we like to emphasize or de-emphasize on our bodies. I’m not an advocate of “hiding” anything — you should embrace what you look like! It all just comes down to what you’re comfortable with wearing and what’s flattering on you. Using those key pieces of information, you can then look at your current wardrobe and be critical about what you should keep or what you should toss. Then, go out and fill any holes you may have in your wardrobe of items that you need.
When I shop, I like to make sure that the item will match with other pieces in my closet. This is a key way to develop your personal style —as you build your wardrobe, it will start to gel what things you like and what does and doesn’t work. Another key component of this is to dress for your life and to be realistic about what you wear day to day.
Let’s talk fall fashion. What are the biggest trends you’re seeing — and how can women in Wisconsin get in on the fun?
Here are some things to look for: Velvet, dark florals and pieces with a bohemian touch to them. Jewel tones like mustard, teal and burgundy. Pleated midi skirts, ruffles and statement sleeves (like bell sleeves on tops). Plaid and menswear suiting. Athleisure looks and fashion sneakers and walkable heels (like block and kitten heels — yay!).
And how can we stay warm and stylish this season?
There are a few tricks I like to employ. One is that tall boots can make any outfit feel a little more polished and dressy — and they keep your legs warm! Investing in a pair of waterproof but also stylish boots like Sorels can make you feel cooler when you have to wear snow boots and there’s no way around it!
I’m also big into layering. On a typical fall or winter day you’ll usually find me in an Express Portofino shirt, T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt with a moto jacket, blazer or shearling vest over it. Depending on how cold it is I may throw on a lightweight scarf, too. I love layers on guys, too — a button-up with half-zip sweater or long-sleeve tee with a nicer zip-up sweatshirt always looks great.
Sometimes, as life gets busier, some parents turn to comfortable, easy and not-so-chic clothes. Any advice on how to combat this?
For the last several years, the athleisure trend has been going strong, so using elements of that mixed into your look can work well for on-the-go weekends. Think: cool joggers with fashion sneakers and a casual sweater or a long-sleeve workout top with fashion elements to it, like lace-up detail on the front.
But it’s not hard to step it up a little bit and still look good while being really comfortable. For women, a great plaid button-up topped with a light fitted down vest, skinny jeans, boots and a baseball hat is a really cute look. Or you can wear a fashion sweatshirt, stylish sneaks and skinny jeans for effortless style. Guys can also do the button-up/light down vest thing, too, and layering always helps make a look appear more put-together.