Fashion Secrets from Celebrity Stylists: Kate Young
The stylist to the stars spills on her favorite spring trends and the affordable lines she loves to shop.
Kate Young is one of the most powerful stylists in Hollywood. Her signature looks are—in a word—innovative. Young continually takes fashion risks with her A-list clients while staying true to the unique style personalities of each and every one. Her looks are covetable and fresh. Despite being a self-proclaimed minimalist, Young doesn't do anything on a small scale. She started as an assistant at Vogue and after striking out on her own, penned her own style tome Dressing for the Dark.
We caught up with Young to get her take on spring's biggest trends and which affordable lines she loves to shop.
What is your go-to, no-fail outfit?
"A Saint Laurent jacket, an Equipment shirt, Reformation jeans and a heart-shaped diamond from Forevermark."
What trends from the Spring 2015 runways were your favorites and why?
"I love the '70s trend because it's sexy and easy. I love '70s jeans like at Sonia Rykiel. It's fresh to see denim in these shapes and it feels good. Honestly, who doesn't love the '70s? I love the super fancy little dresses at Saint Laurent styled with denim, army parkas and leather jackets because they make girls look cool—like they're in a band or making good art in some awesome neighborhood that is still dangerous. Lastly, I'm always attracted to modernist minimalism. Christophe Lemaire manages to make utterly simple clothing feel compelling and fresh and luxurious, and I always leave his shows wanting to change the way I dress."
What closet staples do you love to stock up on?
"Vintage jeans, striped T-shirts and sweaters, and architectural jewelry."
What is your favorite item in your closet and why?
"My great aunt's blonde mink peacoat because her name is embroidered inside and I think of her whenever I wear it."
What is the best style advice you've ever received and why?
"Make sure you feel like yourself. It seems so obvious—but it's easy to dress for a man, a trend or your peers and just feel ridiculous."
What red carpet look that you've styled is your favorite and why?
"Dakota Johnson in Saint Laurent and Forevermark diamonds was a favorite because the color was clear and strong, the shape effortless and fresh, and the hair and makeup was easy. There was nothing fussy or too grown up about the look."
"Also, Sienna Miller's Oscar de la Renta gown and Forevermark jewelry because the look was gamine and classic. She looked like Jean Seberg to me—just retro enough. I was very excited to work with the new designer, Peter [Copping], and also to celebrate such an amazing American brand."
"Finally, Michelle Williams in the orange Louis Vuitton dress with Forevermark by Fred Leighton is just a favorite because the dress was breathtaking and had so many special details, and that dress marked the end of a really amazing, fun awards season with Michelle."
What fashion trend are you ready to see end and why?
"I'm tired of normcore—it's depressing."
If a woman is struggling to find her own personal style point of view, what is the best way to get started?
"Look at books and magazines and blogs, and find someone you identify with and whose style you like and then copy it."
Are there any affordable brands that you love? What do you stock up on from those brands?
"Zara for everything! Also, J. Crew cashmere and swimsuits, and American Apparel T-shirts."
