These stylish ladies have all graced our pages as a More-anointed Woman of Style and Substance. We've combed through their words of wisdom to find the best tips and style ethos from each.
“A structured, hard dress is not very flattering because it doesn’t allow for movement. It ages you, for one, and I don’t think you feel alive when you can’t move. Don’t be afraid to show your hips!”
Donna Karan Collection twisted jersey dress, $1,295; nordstrom.com
“Women don’t always have time to think about how to put things together. Color combination can be a challenge.” Solution? Choose separates that use black and white in varying textures and designs to make the look more appealing.
“The classic cuts always look polished. They’re perfect on her, and they never go out of style,” said the woman who dressed her on Good Morning America for more than 7 years, Evelyn Mason.
“She’s all about clean lines, minimal jewelry, natural hair. She never makes a fuss,” said What Not To Wear‘s Stacy London when asked about the actress’s much-imitated style.
“I love skirts. They’re like my T-shirts.” She chooses cuts that are feminine and flattering (A-line, often pleated), falling just below the knee, and pairs them with understated tops.
When it comes to dresses (her speciality), “pay attention to the neckline. When you put on a dress, it should speak to you, and the element that frames your face should be magical.”
Nicole Miller stretch linen and cotton dress, $320; nicolemiller.com
When it comes to accessorizing, designer Josie Natori has easy-to-follow rules. “One big piece is great, maybe a big ring and earrings, but nothing else. If you look like a Christmas tree, you’ve gone too far.”
“First, you have to strip down and assess yourself. If you’ve got a great back, show it. If you don’t have great arms, cover them,” said Chicago-based designer Maria Pinto who knows a thing or two about the first lady’s style. She’s a big advocate of the sheath dress, which works “from the morning until you’re done at the end of the day.”
The designer calls the tunic “just the perfect quick way to look pulled together. It works no matter your shape and size.” What to wear down below to temper its boxy fit? “Skinnier pants to accentuate the proportionality,” says the pro.
“Be careful where your waistband hits. If the band hits too low and creates a rollover, then avoid something fitted on top.” With high-waisted pants, shown here, “you can hide a tummy, create a slimmer middle and really lengthen the look of your frame.”
Speaking about the jumpsuit she first designed in the 60s, the designer explained, “once you find one you like, you understand the efficiency of having a one-piece item that you can accessorize or wear as is.”
