By Sandra Colburn
Queer Eye guy Carson Kressley shares his summer fashion advice
Better known for his role as one of the stars of the hit series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,Carson Kressley has been dishing out fashion tips and tricks since the age of 10, when he helped his older sis pick out a prom dress. Kressley, who was in Canada recently to promote the Special K weight maintenance challenge, sat down with FASHION18’s Sandra Colburn to bring you advice on how to look and feel your best this summer.
FASHION18: What is the #1 summer must-have that every girl needs to buy?
Carson Kressley: A great sandal. Summer is the time when everything is all about easy breezing. The keyword being easy, so a great sandal is a must, followed by a great pedicure—and don’t be shy about trying a fabulous new colour that pops. Oranges, pinks and corals are big this season.
F18: The key to looking great is confidence. But it can be hard in the summertime when outfits are more revealing. What advice would you have for young women on feeling confident?
C.K.: Anytime your outfit is too revealing you’re not going to feel comfortable, you’re not going to shine and you’re not going to be yourself. There are great fabrics out there in lighter colours, like linen, that are easy to wear and will keep you cool. Think flirty and pretty. Laces and eyelet skirts are fast becoming a huge trend for ladies this summer. They are super cute and will keep you cool and confident.
F18: What would you say are the best eating and health tips for the summer?
C.K.: Firstly, the big secret is that there is no secret to looking great; it is all about eating healthy and exercising. That’s why I was eager to become the new Special K spokesperson—because it’s the real deal without the gimmicks and tricks. It’s as simple as following a low fat, high protein diet along with a great exercise plan and you can look and feel your best. When your body is in good order, everything looks better on you, you will feel better about what you are wearing, and you will feel more confident and flirty!
F18: What should every young girl keep in mind while shopping for a bathing suit?
C.K.: Shopping for a bathing suit is the most traumatic thing that any woman or young girl could ever do. It is just so nerve-racking. But you must keep in mind that it’s just a bathing suit. Go with the shape that flatters your body and maximizes your assets. There are great bathing suits out there for every different body type. Don’t be afraid to mix and match tops and bottoms. Use the same tricks that you use with your regular wardrobe. Really have fun with it because the whole idea is to go to the beach and have fun in the sun, so don’t get hung up on it. Go with whatever looks good on you!
F18: What are some different and interesting ideas for a beach cover-up?
C.K.: Something that is totally fun and very different is an African dashiki. You can usually find one at any ethnic market or African-theme store. They are beautifully detailed and will keep you cool while giving you the coverage you want. It is light and easy breezy and has that boho chic vibe. And don’t forget that a pair of fabulous cut-off sweatpants can look super cute with a tube top. Don’t rule out the sarong; just put a different spin on it. Take a cool looking scarf and make a little skirt out of it to cover up the bikini bottom. Again, just remember to have fun! It is the beach, after all.
F18: What is the worst beach faux pas every girl should avoid?
C.K.: Wearing the wrong footwear. Like a dressy shoe or a pair of heels is just plan wrong. Hello! Let’s save the heels for the Miss Universe Pageant. When I see a girl in heels at the beach it makes me think she just wondered off a Versace ad. It’s just too harsh. A great pair of flip-flops always does the trick. And don’t forget a great pair of sunglasses, ’cause a bad pair of sunglasses will ruin an otherwise fabulous look!
F18: What is the best summer accessory?
C.K.: There are some really great beach bags out there that are inexpensive. I think the best are woven ones or cool vintage designer ones that you find at a flea market. For the beach, I suggest either wicker or straw or bright, fun colours in terrycloth or canvas. Also try a cute hat. Don’t limit yourself to a baseball cap. There are some great oversized, floppy, super-fabulous hats out there. They provide great protection from the sun and will keep you cool and super cute, too.
F18: What are some of your best tips on dressing for summer when it is hot and humid?
C.K.: The most important thing to remember is to stay comfortable and don’t fight Mother Nature. If your hair is naturally curly don’t try to blow it out; embrace the curl. Wear a nice soft fragrance that isn’t heavy and overpowering. Wear the things that make sense for summer. Even if you are going to work or school and you’re in a situation where you have to look a little more professional. There is nothing more beautiful than a pair of linen slacks and a white tee with a bold printed scarf tied around the waist as a belt. Cool can still be cool!
F18: Nothing looks healthier than a nice sun-kissed glow. How do you achieve this look and avoid the harmful UV rays?
C.K.: You definitely want to protect your skin, and protecting it while you’re young is so crucial in preventing wrinkles and a whole host of problems later on. There are so many great bronzers that you can spray on. Spray tan is a great idea for the beginning of the summer, and then using a bronzer that has SPF in it. Also, using a powdered bronzer that you can apply just little bit of colour on your cheeks, the bridge of your nose and your temples will give you that sun-kissed look and it just washes right off.