How to Find the Right Investment Pieces With Celebrity Stylist Ali Levine

StyldLife held their first MasterClass with celebrity stylist Ali Levine this week. Her topic: Wardrobe Investment Pieces. The class had a casual and intimate vibe, and all of the participants got the chance to speak and ask Ali all the questions they had throughout the MasterClass.

Ali shared a key piece of advice that rang true throughout the entire class: confidence is your best accessory. Ali's love of supporting clients to exude personal confidence from the inside out, expressed through fashion, was the biggest message. "Fashion can change your mood and impact your daily life. Being willing to step out of your comfort zone can make a big difference" says Levine.
 
Primarily because of the pandemic, many of the attendees said they'd had trouble rebuilding their wardrobe. They aren't sure what they lack or need, which is where Ali came in. For anyone looking to add accessories or revamp their wardrobe, Ali suggests starting with your foundation, aka your undergarments. A well-fitting bra or seamless pair of underwear can make or break an outfit. It can also help boost your confidence.

Ali recommends Spanx for undergarments, like their Bra-llelujah Lightly Lined Full Coverage Bra and Breast of Both Worlds Reversible Bra. She suggests stores like Nordstrom, Macy's, and Bloomingdale's for a bra fitting.

After you get your foundation figured out, next ask yourself, "What is your style?" Everyone has their own style based on their different body types, and it's important to take both into account. Ali points out "your fashion should reflect your personal style and not trends that come and go. While trends can inspire your style, don't focus too much on them for your investment pieces. You should be able to wear your investment pieces in multiple ways with whatever you have in your closet." Ali says to ask yourself about the four F's: Fit, Fabric, Function, and Fashion.
 
For where to start, Ali listed some key items of clothing to build your statement piece: undergarments, a top or structured blouse, jumpsuits (which surprised the group!), a pair of well-fitted jeans that will hold up over time, shoes, a versatile dress, and jewelry. For jeans, Ali recommends Lucky Brand, Joe's Jeans, and Not Your Daughter's Jeans.
 
The group went around and talked about their own styles and their investment pieces, or lack of investment pieces. The casual and lighthearted environment made it easy for everyone to share. Ali also shared example investment pieces she wears as a mother, public figure, and stylist. A standout example was a floral jacket she showed when talking about how an investment piece doesn't have to be just a black jacket. It can have a loud pattern or full of vibrant colors. It all comes back to wearing what fits your style and what makes you feel confident.
 
As people shared, Ali answered questions that came up. She spoke about how it's okay to have different investment pieces for your professional and personal lives. She touched on how fashion will change as people begin to go back to the workplace, and traditionally casual pieces, like jeans and athleisure, will be dressed up.
 
For women, Ali says it's important for them to be honest with themselves. Women's bodies change a lot. Ask yourself if you think you're going to be this size for whatever amount of time you want to wear your statement piece. Think about the flexibility and stretch of each piece. Remember, tailoring is always a great option if you're going to resize a piece of clothing and is a statement piece in its own way.
 
Ali reminded everyone that a statement piece doesn't have to break the bank. It's about investing in yourself and what will make you feel good. While a more expensive piece might be more durable, it all goes back to the four F's.