An Exclusive interview with personal style guru

Lloyd Boston

Pull quote: “Take a moment to look aspirational because the people around you--and especially the people above you--notice it.”

Lloyd Boston, author of Men of Color and Make Over Your Man is the former vice president of art direction at Tommy Hilfiger, where he started working 10 years ago. He is also an on-air fashion editor for Today, America's #1 morning show. Lloyd has spread his style philosophy on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View and CNN's red carpet Oscar coverage. Based in New York City, he is a regular on E! Entertainment's Style Network and New York’s Fast Forward during Fashion Week. Named one of Crain's magazine's "40 Under 40," he is also a national spokesperson for companies including Tommy Hilfiger, Jones New York, and LensCrafters. As Boston himself says, "Nothing makes me happier than helping real people look their absolute best." Whether the occasion is lunch with a new client, a catch-up drink with friends, or a special holiday gathering, providing classic ideas that will usher readers through every event with confidence and panache. Nathan Scott spoke to Mr. Boston about life, love and his new book.

Who were your style influences growing up?

I went to Catholic school for most of my life. Uniforms had little or no style wiggle room. So I really didn’t get hip to fashion until I started reading GQ and Ebony Man [EM] in the mid-1980’s. Top models of the day like Rasheed Silvera and Renauld White wearing great suits and wild sweaters started the fire. EM Fashion Editor Jeffrey Tay had a lot to do with that I am sure. What a joy 10 years later to be able to shoot and honor both of those models in my first style book, Men of Color (Artisan).

There is a story floating around about how you met Tommy Hilfiger. I've never heard the story straight from the source so tell me... how did you meet Tommy Hilfiger?

I attended Morehouse College in the 80’s to study Fine Arts. A bunch of dorm mates convinced me to hit the mall for an event where Tommy Hilfiger was signing autographed duffle bags. I dressed up, got on line with other 200 students and waited my turn. By the time I got to his table I was ready to give him more than my name. I offered advice on how to present his collection in a stronger way. He was shocked at my Black College moxy, yet seemed impressed. He offered me an internship on the spot, and handed me his home and office numbers. I transferred at the end of the semester back to Rutgers University to get closer to New York. He paid for my last year of college. I began with him, and left 10 years later as his Vice President of Art Direction. I still remain regular consultant to the brand and a friend. Guess I made “The Cut” before there was one.

Who would you say are the 3 best dressed women in entertainment right now?

Halle Berry: she keeps it simple. Michael Michelle: she snapped back from a baby and looked even better. Erykah Badu: she follows her own vision all day long.

So give me the inside scoop on your new book.

Speaking of stylish women, my new book, Before You Put That On (Simon and Schuster), is the first ever book of 365 Daily Style Tips for Her. Women kept asking for a book for themselves after I appeared on Oprah with Make Over Your Man (Doubleday), so I obliged. I also went back to my art roots and illustrated the book myself. It is a fun, daily read with quick affirmations that any woman can use to look fabulous right then and there. No need for a huge, fussy makeover!

Okay, I want to delve into your personal life for a hot second. Are you currently in a relationship? If not, then what exactly are you looking for? Be as specific as possible.

Not much of a personal life to jump into. [I’ve] been single for a while now. My work seems to be the only relationship that has succeeded so far. I suffer from that bad combination of personal shyness, and high professional drive. So I wind up going solo for the most part, I think because people may think I am taken and off somewhere fabulous! Not the case. My ideal relationship is based on trust and just good old fun. I like to laugh. I am very different off-camera and away from fashion. Sometimes I feel that potential dates expect me to want to eat where the fashion sets are, and hang out in the hippest areas. Just the opposite. I want Jerk wings and DVD rentals on the weekends, since I do “hip” spots all week for work. And the last thing I want to do is dress up and eat tiny portions of “cute food.” I am not into the perfect body and model face.  I am hugely attracted to someone with a sweet spirit, unapologetic intellect, and a passion for something more than just punching in, and punching out.

Do you have plans on producing clothing line?

No time soon. I am interested in partnering with a mass retailer, possibly doing wares of some sort. I’ve had a few great meetings. I am currently the national spokesperson for both Lenscrafters and Jones New York. No complaints for now.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Strangely, I have been really getting into Halloween in the last few years. I was little jaded about it in my 20’s. It was so not cool. Lately, I have been thinking about my costume months ahead of time. Thinking about a beast from Greek Mythology for this year, but with a sexy edge. Where’s the party, Nathan? 

Here are ten tips from Mr. Boston (culled by the HW staff from his books and interviews):

1.     Choose tops and bottoms that can be cross-matched and then enhanced by simple accessories. Choose a pantsuit with a skirt. Underneath, wear a soft ruffled blouse or a white T-shirt.

2.     There's a return to femininity and comfort. Don’t leave you femininity at home. Women look great in pinstripes, but they should choose a silhouette that's soft and figure flattering, not a female translation of a man's boxy suit.

3.    Updating your wardrobe is really about rethinking some traditional elements and then finding what's comfortable for you. It's worth your time and effort. Oftentimes executives get bogged down in the work. You don't want to look like a worker bee all the time. Take a moment to look aspirational because the people around you--and especially the people above you--notice it.

4.     Keep it simple and classic. Great jeans, black pencil skirts, nude sling backs, and vintage bags never go out of style.

5.     Balance thrift and consignment shops with better department stores (both sales and regular prices), as well as outlet shopping.

6.     Absorb what is deemed hot for the season, but don't think of it as gospel if you want to look unique. As my mom once taught me, "style begins where the rules end."       

7.  Style has everything to do with confidence and "nix-you-if-you-don't-like-what-I'm-wearing-posture." Do your thing and own it with head held high, or else it will look like a mistake—and you will be dead on the street.

8.  Focus your energy on your best assets and never look over your shoulder. 

9.  Flats are back for fall--from some of the biggest designers from Oscar De La Renta to Luca Luca! Sneaks are fine, but why not any of the amazing ballet flats around today? From ethnic to preppie with a twist of luxe you'll never limp again and you’ll still feel sexy.

10. Last: Shop early for the holiday season. Once it is here, your size will inevitably be a ghost.

Here are some places to go:

-         Girlshop (www.girlshop.com)

-         Girl Props (www.girlprops.com)

-         Club Monaco's amazing markdowns!

-         J. Crew (www.jcrew.com) —preppie gone sexy

-         Target (www.target.com) —they’ve really stepped up the accessory department.

Well if you didn't know, now you know. This is the perfect gift for the special women in your life. To check out the rest of Lloyd Boston’s style tips reserve your own copy of the fashion bible, Before You Put that On, on www.amazon.com, or grab one or two at Hue Man Books where he signed books in October 2005!

—Nathan Scott