Q&A WithDesigner Alice Roi
by Celeste Perron
Read the Article at russellgrant.match.com
Q&A With…Designer Alice Roi
by Celeste Perron
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Designer Alice Roi
By Celeste Perron
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Want to dress to impress a date? We went straight to the source to bring you a fashion genius’ tips on what to wear.
“What should I wear?” is a question that plagues many single folk as they’re getting ready to rendezvous with someone special. Luckily, it’s a question that fashion designer Alice Roi can answer with ease. After launching her namesake collection in fall 2000 to instant acclaim, the 29-year-old’s clothes—which have been described as “eclectic luxury sportswear”—are beloved by both celebrities like actress Julianne Moore and director Sofia Coppola, and regular women who want to look hot.
Alice’s Spring, 2005 show created even more buzz than usual when her boyfriend Marc Beckman sneakily gave the models signs reading “Will You Marry Me?” to carry down the runway during the show’s finale. Alice joyfully accepted, and although her dating days are officially over, Alice still has a wealth of advice on how men and women can ace the perfect fashion formula for a date. Try her advice to dazzle your date…
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What are the best outfits for a first date? |
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For an evening date, women should start with a nice pair of jeans. Jeans say you’re both classic and easy-going, and those are two messages you want to send on a first date. Then, wear something on top that lets your personality shine. If you’re a hopeless romantic, go for a ruffled floral-print blouse, but if you’re more no-nonsense you can wear a black sweater with a white men’s-style shirt underneath. And try wearing shoes with a small heel. Flats are too casual, but in tall heels you might teeter around and look uncomfortable. Plus, you risk being much taller than your date if you’ve never met him before.
Men should follow suit: Try wearing jeans, and let your personality shine with your top. If you’re a metrosexual type, you can wear a printed shirt or a fashion-y designer shirt, but if you’re more preppy, wear a classic button-up shirt in a color like light yellow or even pink. Those colors are warm and inviting. I don’t think it’s appropriate to wear sneakers or flip-flops on a first date. Wear a moccasin or loafer instead, to look casual but not sloppy. |
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What if it’s a daytime date, like lunch or an afternoon movie? |
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A girl can’t go wrong with a casual dress, like a sundress if it’s warm out but wear a sweater around your shoulders to make it more laid-back. And stick to flats, not heels. For men, shorts are a no-no. Men can wear classic khaki pants paired with a crewneck sweater. |
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Any advice on how to look sexy without going overboard? |
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For women, you definitely don’t want to wear too much makeup. Stay away from dark or really bright lipstick, and wear neutral hues or glosses instead. In terms of clothes, a general rule is that layering always makes you look approachable and natural. If you wear a sexy dress, wear a sweater over it. And again, don’t wear heels above three inches. Wedges are often better than heels—they’re comfier and you can walk more naturally in them, so you don’t wobble. Struggling in really high heels definitely looks like you’re trying too hard. For men, I’d say no visible chest hair, and don’t put too much gel in your hair. I see that a lot. |
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Have you ever had any fashion disasters on a date? |
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I had a huge one once; it was so embarrassing. This guy invited me out to his house in the country for the day, and I was wearing super, super tight pants and I didn’t want a visible panty line so I didn’t wear any undies. When I was getting out of the car, they split straight down the back! Luckily he didn’t notice and I had a sweater I could tie around my waist. So my advice is, always have a sweater on hand! |
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How did you dress on your first date with your husband? |
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Well, I’m much crazier than your average dresser! For our first date I wore black pants, black heels, and a Ghostbusters t-shirt. Oh, and a little silk scarf. So I don’t think the Ghostbusters t-shirt would work for most people or situations, though I guess it worked for me! |
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Celeste Perron is the author of Playing House: A Starter Guide to Being a Grown Up. |
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