What Would Allison Want Me to Wear?

Allison Jones is a stylist with years of experience in advertising in New York City and Portland, Oregon. She’s worked in TV and film as a set dresser, wardrobe and prop stylist, set dresser, styling product stills and lay-downs, both in studio and on location for photography and video. Today she give us advice about dressing for dating.

Tell us about our current project What Would Allison Want Me To Wear?

“What Would Allison Want Me To Wear,” came about as a means to share my thoughts and inspirations on style with the world. The blog is a an archive of  fashion happenings, trend reports, (WEAR) to find resource guide for both men and women. Cultural inspirations and visuals that spark the creative soul.

It is a platform of communication to share my styling philosophies and reach an audience who may need assistance with defining their style. I provide individualized personal styling services, working alongside each client so they may realize that style is not something that you buy off a rack or gets hung on a hanger.  Style is “Beauty From The Inside Out!”  I have a unique way of assisting people in defining their own individual style.

Is what we wear on a first date important? Why?

I believe that what someone wears in general says a lot about who that individual is, where they are at in their lives.  A first date holds a little weight, in the sense that you have the opportunity to “make a first impression.” What is the message that you wish to convey in your dress to another individual?

If someone is re-entering the dating world after getting out of a long term relationship, would you recommend a fashion make-over? If so, how does one go about that?

That would be an ideal time to give yourself a style-tune up, put the “S” back in sass as I like to say. It is a wonderful way to nourish yourself and perhaps take the steps to feel a bit lighter emotionally.
Once the dust settles, it would be a wise investment to hire a personal stylist.

If you were to give advice to a woman going on a first date to meet someone for coffee, what would you tell her to wear?

Coffee is a casual setting, so the dress should compliment the activity and the environment. As far as exactly what pieces, well that depends on the individual and their own sense of style. If you are not sure “what” your style is, this is where I come in.

What if the date was at a wine bar?

Meeting at a wine bar you have the opportunity to play it up a little bit. Incorporate a bit more flash through apparel and accessories, play around with prints and textures a bit more. Bump up the shoe selection for the evening to a heel.

What would you advise a man to wear on the above dates?

Style really has nothing to do with gender. I believe that each individual has a certain essence that is all their own and this is where the magic happens. So, for a man, it is figuring out the message that he wishes to convey through his dress. What motivates a man with what he pulls from his closet is different then what motivates a woman.

What if the date is more casual, like a walk in the park? How can someone show off their fashion sense on a date like that?

The jacket is a great form of self-expression, don’t you agree? Wear a smashing looking Topper and you have a great statement piece.

Should you avoid certain colors?

Each individual has colors that they should stay away from. To create harmony and a well-balanced look takes really getting to know yourself. Paying attention to how all of the components involved, garment construction, prints and colors, hair cut and color, make-up…How does it all make you FEEL? It damn well should make you feel like a million bucks and you certainly do not need to spend a million to tap into “it.”

And what about footwear?

Personally, I believe that what you choose to wear on your feet can make or break an over-all look. Push it over the top or leave it sitting by the curb. Quality over quantity is always best.

How would your advice differ for a 20-something, 30-something, 40-something or older?

Not everyone agrees with this statement but it is a part of my styling philosophy.  I firmly stand by Designer Rick Owens- “Working out is modern couture. No outfit is going to make you look or feel as good as having a fit body. Buy less clothing and go to the gym instead.” If you connect with your own personal way of being and create your own style, you can wear just about anything and at any age.   Fashion is something that comes four times a year. Style is what you extrapolate from the fashion. {Know Thy Self:: Dress Thy Self}

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