Gloria Johnson, Celebrity Stylist, Shares How She Prepares for the Fall Season

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Grab Your Pen And Paper And Imagination. Styling Is In Session…

Meet celebrity stylist and current East Coast Editor for Flaunt Magazine, Gloria Johnson. From a makeup artist to working with brands like Jason Wu and Christian Cowan and now styling celebrities like musician J Balvin. Gloria is no stranger to the style world and understands how to make sure you look your best — in any season. 

This time the category is fall and if you’ve been telling yourself that you’re going to up your style game or sartorial inclinations, now is this time.

We spoke to Gloria to get her expert tips on making not only a style but a mental transition from summer to fall with ease and these gems are worth taking notes on.

It All Starts With A Jacket…

If you live in a place like New York City, you’ll know that the seasons change. It’s like flipping a switch.

One day it’s 90 degrees and then, without warning, it’s 55 with a crisp breeze coming from the east and the only thing in your closet is a pair of shorts.

Sometimes grabbing a jacket is the quickest way to keep you warm and your outfits looking cold-weather-ready without having to put in too much effort. Gloria’s go-to-grab is jeans or a leather jacket,

“You can wear a blouse and put a jeans jacket on top, said Johnson. It’s warm, but it still has a full-style aspect. Whatever I wear it’s always edgy,” she said. “If it’s the summer, it’s cut-off shorts, over-the-knee Rick Owen boots with a crop stop. Something on my body is edgy. Whether it is chunky jewelry, statement rings, or a tooth gem.”

It’s All About Being True To Yourself And Maintaining Your Aesthetic…

But, what does that mean? Your aesthetic is whatever you’re drawn to when you first walk into a clothing store, the first outfit that comes to mind when you get dressed to go out with your friends.

If you can find the adjectives to describe your vibe, that’s your aesthetic. According to the veteran fashion guru, keeping this in mind will eventually help you even identify the stores that don’t have the clothes that match your look. 

With time, you’ll know what you like, stick to it, and don’t get discouraged. Show yourself grace in the process,

“I’m very specific because I know my body, said Gloria. “It’s important you know your body, angles and what’s going to look good.”

Pro Tip: Before You Shop, See What Your Favorite Celeb With Your Body Type Is Wearing… 

If you have a style muse that you love or a celebrity that has a similar body type to you, consider paying attention to what they’re wearing and use their looks as a mood board also to help guide you while shopping.

However, Johnson also advises that you keep in mind these celebrities usually have a stylist and tailor to guide them to the perfect look and fit. So, consider investing the extra money into getting some items tailored to fit your body perfectly.

And if you’re wondering about whether you should put all your summer clothes away a big seasonal transition is not needed.

If anything, your summer items should be added to your fall looks. This gives you more options and a reason to have some fun, layer, or go the DIY route and repurpose,

“If you have a crop top that you wore in July, I’ll take that same crop top and put a long sleeve shirt underneath it. I don’t really put anything away because I find a way to utilize it year-round.” 

Reduce, Reuse or Recycle…

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA), in 2018, 13 percent of textiles are recycled, but in comparison to the 17 million tons of textile waste in landfills, we need to increase our efforts of getting rid of items we don’t want in a way that protects the earth while still keeping your closet free.

Gloria’s tip is to donate to a local donation center, or shelter or give it to the homeless. 

Above All Else… Take Care Of Yourself…

As the seasons change, and the sun is setting at an earlier time, it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of your mental health. Gloria connected how her line of work alongside a tremendous mental space is imperative, 

“Fashion is the one thing that saved me,” she said. “[Fashion] created space where I can be my authentic self. I can experiment with tattoos and colors, latex, and leather. By the same token, fashion can be a very hard space because you’re dealing with people who are creatives which can be very emotional. It’s the way we express ourselves.

The stylist concluded,

So, I will say this to people, in the fall months, it’s cold, dark, and damp. Be very present in your emotions. Rather than run from them, press into them and try to figure out why I’m feeling the way I am.  Find a person or a thing that’s a safe space where you can express yourself. When the situation or thing happens again you can find your way out of it.”