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Preparing with Alix Earle hit a little differently when you Carly Stern.
The famous stylist and founder of a styling company Carly Jordan helping the TikTok star decide what makes the cut, what stays on the rack, and how to put it all together. Now, she shares some of the same secrets with ET.
“We started working together on holiday looks and finds, and the relationship grew from there. … You solve one fashion problem, then another, and eventually you understand the wardrobe, the schedule and the taste so well that it becomes much more collaborative,” Stern explains.
These days, that means knowing when to steer Earle toward something unexpected and when to let the TikTok star’s instincts do the talking.
“Alix knows herself very well. She can look at something and know immediately if she feels like herself in it. … I give her things that she might not have picked up on her own, and then we build the scene together,” she notes.
“Her style is classy, effortless and fun, and she’s not afraid of a fun fashion moment. … We play with so many different types of pieces, but the end result still feels very Alix.”
Of course, building a better line starts with taking care of what you already have.
“Before we shop, I want to understand your life, where you go, what you always reach for, what is untouched in your closet, what you feel amazing in, and what you need,” she says.
“I never want someone to have a closet full of beautiful things and still feel like they have nothing to wear. The goal is to build a collection where everything has a purpose and works together.”
From there, unexpected color combos, flattering proportions, statement accessories, and go-to staples can bring a look to life.
“Everyone needs a really solid foundation. A great pair of jeans, well-tailored trousers, button-downs that fit right, beautiful knits, jackets or blazers that instantly pull an outfit together, a simple dress that you can style ten different ways, and an everyday Birkin that you love.”
And if your wardrobe is bursting at the seams, there’s one easy test for what’s worthy of staying.
“If you haven’t worn it in two years because you’re waiting for the exact imaginary vacation, dinner, or version of yourself that suddenly likes it, it might go.
The same rule applies to whatever movement suddenly seems impossible to escape online.
“Stop buying something just because you have a moment online. If you haven’t had it before you saw it on ten people on Instagram, you probably won’t like it. …
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