My Style: Caitlin Mociun
Photo: Bill Gentle — courtesy of Caitlin Mociun
A woman should always look like...
Whatever they want to look like. Style is about doing your own thing honestly, and pulling it off well.
Please describe your style in three words.
Sexy but tasteful.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Wearing something that doesn’t make you feel good about yourself.
Do you believe in role models?
Sure.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Rayon, linen, sheer fabrics and these days denim or chambray.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Nope. Long ago I realised that if the right person gets their hands on something that is ‘ugly’ or ‘tacky’ it can still look amazing.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
New York City and Stockholm. Totally different, but I love both styles.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Bold.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
I now know what I look good in at and have stopped trying to wear things that don’t suit my shape. I can’t wear big drapey outfits because I look like a dumpling. I look best in things that show my waist since its small and I have a somewhat exaggerated hourglass figure. I go for classically sexy (but tasteful) clothing.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Shoes.
Who taught you what you know about style?
No person really. Just being open minded and open-eyed. To be stylish is looking good in what suits you and not trying to pull off something that you know doesn’t work for you.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
Some days it’s easy and I know what I want to wear. I put it on and go. Other days I try on half of my closet. I never know what sort of day it’s going to be.
What is your biggest regret?
I don’t have any.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
Wear what you feel good in. Wear what looks good on your body type. Wear your size (I think the worst is something being obviously too small).
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Not really. I do my best to be thoughtful in my purchasing and not impulse buy (unless it can be returned).
We will never see you wearing...
Never say never, but probably a dropped waist dress. I don’t like the way it looks on me.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I haven’t been paying much attention to fashion for the last two seasons. I have been very wrapped up in opening my store and also more interested in product and furniture design. Just what I am into right now I guess.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
That’s a hard one. I know a lot of people that have great style and since I live in NYC have passed by so many people in rad get-ups.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Whether she seems light and comfortable or downtrodden.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
Thigh high shearling Chanel boots, a denim summer dress from D&G that has a tight waist, really full skirt, and a pretty criss cross back and great neckline. Mociun high waisted jeans. Two Rag and Bone men's cardigans with patch pockets that are super warm and amazing for the winter. A random black cashmere cropped wrap sweater that looks good with all my high waisted pieces.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Marilyn Monroe inspired me from a very young age. I just think she was amazing looking.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
There has yet to be a designer or design house that ALWAYS does a whole collection I like.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
I think it depends on the person. Everyone has their best feature so I suppose one needs to pay attention to the article of clothing that will highlight it. There is one thing I notice a lot of women do, at least American women. They wear bathing suits that REALLY cover their butt. I find that the larger the bottoms are, the bigger one's butt looks so I recommend that ladies go for something a little bit smaller. It makes their butt look better.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Sometimes. I think part of really good design is making things that are amazing looking, like heels and tight waisted things, comfortable. It doesn’t happen often but when it does, it makes the piece so much better.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Cara Campagnoli — she’s my best friend and the head knitwear designer for Alexander Wang. She’s adorable and funny. An amazing designer and always looks good in what she wears.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be a dick, be nice — it's that easy.
