Q: How can I wear a monochrome look in a fresh way? —Sarah, 24, Park City, Utah
A: The most important thing is the mix of textures. It’s very similar to decorating a house: If you have a plush velvet couch, don’t put a velvet pillow on it. Add something totally different that complements it. So if you’re wearing blue flannel, maybe your shoes are a blue satin or patent—something a bit shinier. Another thing not to lose sight of is mixing tones. There’s nothing I love more than a milky pink chino with a hot pink t-shirt or silk blouse. As long as you don’t mix blue pinks and yellow pinks, it’s OK. Blue undertones are harder to wear with other things. They have a tendency to go dark and gray, as opposed to going bright. Especially if you’re pale, they’re not as flattering. That’s why I walk around with a red sweater all the time in the winter! Also, I do think that if you’re doing monochrome gray, it’s absolutely beautiful to do a red lip. But if you’re wearing a red lip, please, please, please, don’t wear a smoky eye!
Q: What are the easiest ways to transform a look for fall? —Erica, 47, Philadelphia
A: Hello, accessories! Right now I’m having a big earring moment, and the bigger and more sparkly and crazy, the better. That’s such an easy look-changer: I can wear something with my hair down and casual during the day, then up with earrings at night, and it looks so different. Also, if I’m wearing long chinos or cargoes with flats at the office, I’ll roll up my pants, put on ankle-strap shoes, and change into a crisp white shirt unbuttoned low. All of a sudden I look dressed up. I love that I don’t have to change everything, because who has time to change everything?
