As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, it's the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe and embrace the beauty of fall fashion. We're thrilled to sit down with Melissa de Leon, a personal and fashion stylist whose eye for style has transformed countless wardrobes. With a passion for empowering individuals through clothing and a unique ability to blend comfort with high fashion, Melissa knows just how to elevate your look. Join us as we delve into her expert tips, favorite fall staples, and how to incorporate P.F. Flyers into your everyday outfits.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your business/brand...
A: I'm a personal and fashion stylist based out of Raleigh, NC. I'm fortunate enough to be able to work with private clientele, small businesses, commercial brands, celebrities, and professional athletes. As far as my origin story, I'm one of those gals that always knew she wanted to be involved in the fashion industry. I suffered with mental health as a young person and like most teens, I was desperately searching to find my "place". Unexpectedly, I was able to find it in fashion, and was able to find my voice through what I wore. The confidence I gained through what I wore and being able to wear what I felt and couldn't express with words was really freeing. Though a lot of evolution and time, I was finally able to own my own voice and support it with solid confidence. As silly as it may sound, I credit fashion (along with real therapy) with helping me through some dark times. As far as my education, I received my degree in fashion design and researched fashion psychology, which solidified my interest in styling. Similarly to my own journey, I wanted to be able to equip my clients with the self confidence and tools they needed that enhanced their own styles but were wearable and functional.
Q: How would you describe your personal style?
A: My personal style is all about juxtaposition. I want my clothing to be sexy and comfortable, edgy and approachable, one-of-a-kind and versatile. I love wearable but unique pieces that can be styled in a myriad of ways for all occasions. I'm most drawn to modern silhouettes/shapes, vibrant and rich colors and unexpected texture.
Q: What are 3 of your favorite tips for enhancing personal style and confidence?
A: So much of your personal style stems from self-confidence. I believe that when you're confident, you instantly have a personal style. For clients that don't think they have a personal style, I try to help them look inward–think about what you truly love and what makes your heart sing. Those are the things that you want to wear and will wear for years to come.
My three tips:
- Don't look at others, look at yourself and what you love.
- Own your decisions. Most of the time when you own your fashion choices, people only see the confident person wearing them
- Just have fun and play! Fashion is supposed to be experimental! The more you experiment you'll narrow in on what you like and dislike and perfectly curate a more stylish, more "you" wardrobe. Building out your own style takes time, so enjoy the ride!
Q: What are a few staples everyone should have in their wardrobe this season?
A: Fall is my absolute favorite season to dress for, so there are several staples that will take you through this season and for decades after. I always push for well-made quality pieces because they'll last longer and become great heirloom items to pass down or resell. I would say consider a quality neutral sweater, a textural statement coat, a structural suede handbag in a medium size, a neutral 2" heeled boot in suede or leather, and one thing completely frivolous that you love with enough functionality to wear and rewear. Right now it's all about the textures, so maybe find something in a gorgeous suede, a luxe leather, shape-bearing satin, a fringy tweed, a faux (or real) fu...pack on the texture!
Q: How do you see shoes evolving in the context of overall fashion trends?
A: I'm a bit of a sneakerhead, so I'm really appreciating the transition from high heels to lower, wearable silhouettes like sneakers, flats, and kitten heels. After 2020, we care about looking put together but not at the risk of feeling uncomfortable, and I'm here for it. Personally, I'll be wearing sneakers, flats, and low-mid heeled boots for as long as I can.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the styling industry?
A: Work retail! Whenever I have the opportunity to speak with young people or college students who are curious about the industry and where to start, I always suggest working in the food industry or the retail space. Not only do you learn communication skills and how to work with every type of customer, you also learn more about the business of fashion. I find it helps you narrow in on where you belong in this industry. I say, work retail, apply for every free or paid internship, and just use the more flexible schedule you have as a student to explore. You don't have to write off your life to your career right out of college. It takes time to find your place, so why not use the time you have to try everything?
Q: What are some unexpected or innovative ways to style fashion-forward looks?
A: I'm not sure if you've ever heard of the "fine china" theory, but basically it questions why we take out the fine china to use when guests visit. Why do we save the quality, expensive, cherished items for people who come to visit once a year? We should be able to use these in our day-to-day, monotonous lives to make our lives maybe...oh, I don't know...not monotonous? In fashion, and in our culture, I love that there has been a push to bring out the "fine china" in your day-to-day life. Wear the outlandish statement coat with leggings, a t-shirt, and oversized sunglasses when you're in the carpool line. Ground your sparkly sweater with a pair of jeans and lug-soled boots and layered under a boxy utility jacket to make it work beyond just your holiday parties. I think styling what is typically reserved for a "nicer occasion" makes our everyday feel more special. We have a little less money and "I own this and never wear this" guilt, too. I think being fashion-forward is all about using your clothing to work for the day you have. I believe 90% of your closet should be fluid enough to be dressed up, dressed down, and worn in all sorts of ways. That, to me, makes for a very chic, very fashion-forward and smart wardrobe.
Melissa firmly believes that style should be accessible to everyone, and she's here to show us how to create a wardrobe that reflects our unique personalities without breaking the bank. Her philosophy emphasizes that you don't need a massive budget to look fabulous; instead, it's about curating quality pieces that you genuinely love and can wear in multiple ways. Ever wondered how you can make P.F. Flyers a standout staple in your wardrobe while embracing your individual style?
Q: What are some tips you'd give to someone looking to incorporate P.F. Flyers into their everyday wardrobe?
A: First, do you care about comfort?! Again, admitted sneakerhead here. When I first put my first pair of P.F. Flyers on, I couldn't believe the level of comfort. Truly like walking on a cloud. And, as far as styling goes, they're so easy to wear! I think starting off with a "tame" outfit is a great way to ease yourself into trying something new. Take a pair of your absolute favorite pair of denim and your go-to top. Maybe you love a t-shirt. Maybe you're a bodysuit gal. Do you favor a button up shirt? Whatever it is, pair it with your reliable pair of denim and throw on your P.F. Flyers. I also like giving my sneakers a moment to shine, so maybe cuff your jeans, so you can see the high-top. Just think of your typical daily uniform and style your outfit in such a way that your Flyers become your accessory to show off.
Q: What are some common misconceptions about styling that you'd like to debunk?
A: How much time do I have? But seriously, probably my number one is that it takes a lot of money to be fashionable. SO WRONG. Second styling misconception: everyone needs to keep up with trends. Third, only celebrities can afford a stylist...
Q: How do you stay inspired and keep your styling fresh and relevant?
A: Honestly? I just keep my eyes and ears open. I think it's all about what you allow your eyes and ears to consume. Go to art museums, listen to music, watch fashion weeks online, people watch at your local cafe... people watching is probably my favorite. My fashion psychology kicks in and I like to guess where they're going, what their home looks like, where they purchased the items they're wearing, and if they feel confident and comfortable. The more people I meet, strangers I observe and the more clients I have, the more I'm inspired just by people. We're each so unique and so complex, and I love being able to play architect with their personal styles. The more I learn about someone, the more I desire to puzzle together their perfect fitting wardrobe.
Q: What Flyers are your favorite?
A: The Center Hi! You can wear with jeans, wear with shorts, wear with dresses... the options are boundless.
Q: Where can our Flyers follow along and engage with you?
A: I'd love that! You can follow me on my Instagram @melissadeleonstyling or my TikTok @styledbymds. And, if you're curious about an in-person or virtual styling session, visit my website! www.melissadeleonstyling.com
So, whether you're a seasoned fashionista or just starting to explore your style, Melissa has you covered. Her tips will not only help you curate a chic and functional wardrobe, but also encourage you to embrace the joy of fashion in your daily life. We all wish we had a Melissa in our lives.
