Atlanta’s Fashion & Fitness Influencers Share Their Style Secrets

by Wyndi Kappes

After months of staying inside, living in our leggings and perfecting our “I just woke up like this” look, it’s finally time to emerge from our chrysalis and step out in style this spring. But if you, like me, find it hard to pull together a stylish outfit again, spring fashion can make you feel less like a beautiful butterfly and more like a caterpillar. Have no fear, though; we’ve brought in the experts, Atlanta’s top fashion influencers, to offer up real-world inspiration, advice and insight into the latest trends. Whether you go bold with color or focus on fit, remember the most important thing about any outfit is confidence! See what our local fashion influencers had to say about today’s top trends.

Timeless Feminine Fun

Sharron Clear, @arrayoffaces

What’s one item you can’t live without?

Wide-leg pants have been my staple for years. They not only flatter most body types, but they can also be dressed up or down, making them the perfect item to add to your wardrobe.

What trends and looks are hot this year?

Color, color, color and more color. Bold, bright colors are here to stay. Platforms, maxi skirts and dresses and oversized pants are all hot trends this season.

What are your favorite local shops?

One of my favorite stores is Village Retail in Ponce City Market. I also love Alexis’ Suitcase, the Beehive and God is Dope.

What’s your best piece of advice for those looking to be more fashionable?

Take the time to play with colors and shapes to find what looks great on your body. Make sure to add staples like a little black dress, a pair of fun jeans, a great blazer and button-downs. It’s important to invest in capsule pieces and learn how to style them Photography by Kaylin James. in different ways.

Adaptive Athleisure

Katherine Mason, @katherinemason_

What trends and looks are hot this year in athleisure?

We saw a shift away from a lot of patterns in 2021, so this is why we tend to see fun solid colors, color contrasting or color blocking in 2022. This year we will also see different silhouettes introduced. Think layering, introducing accessories like hats and socks, and flair and slit leg pants, in addition to the standard skinny legging style.

What’s one item you can’t live without?

Because I am in athleisure 99% of the time, I love adding a designer handbag to my outfit to elevate the look. At SculptHouse, we sell pre-loved, authenticated designer handbags for this exact reason. Yes, athleisure is about fitness, but it is also about fashion. My favorite piece we carry is the Black Prada Nylon Backpack because it goes with everything, is perfect for an on-the-go person and is a total classic!

What’s your best piece of advice for those looking to be more fashionable?

Start by investing in great basics, like a crisp white button-down, a leather jacket and a simple designer handbag and then build outfits around these pieces. Some of the most fashionable people put an expensive designer bag or shoes with an outfit from Zara, with athleisure, or mix different styles and price points throughout their outfit.

Classic Chic

Robin LaMonte, @robinlamonte

What’s one item you can’t live without?

My favorite red statement bag from London. You can style it in so many ways and it is so versatile. It comes with a snap-on clutch for extra storage and can be used as either a tote or a crossbody bag.

What trends and looks are hot this year?

Taking our queue from the French, we will see striped tees again this year, as well as wide-legged pants, faux leather, cropped cardigans and scarves.

What are your favorite local shops?

I love to support Ivy Lane in Marietta and Tootsies in Buckhead. What’s your best piece of advice for those looking to be more fashionable? Dress for you. Wear what you love and don’t let your age stop you.

Confidently Colorful

Chelsea Patricia, @chelseapatricia

What are some of your favorite statement pieces?

Conversation-starting bags, shoes and accessories. This includes brightly colored jackets, wraps and purses with witty sayings. Accessories are worthy investment pieces when you think of the cost per wear. If it makes you happy, wear it!

What trends and looks are hot this year?

Color is definitely in this year, and I couldn’t be happier. The brighter, the better. All the fun, happy parts of early 2000s’ style are making a return as well.

What are your favorite local shops?

I love Scout & Molly’s in Avalon. They carry denim, suiting pieces and everything in between. What’s your best piece of advice for those looking to be more fashionable? Think in terms of what we view as being inherently masculine and feminine pieces, and then blur those lines, combine them and switch them up.