My Style: Corinne McCormack
Photo: Courtesy of Corinne McCormack
Which designer never fails to impress you?
I love watching Miuccia Prada! Her take on fashion is so exciting and changes how we look at colours and patterns. I also love women designers because they really pay attention to details that are important to us.
Please describe your style in three words.
I love colour!
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Wearing clothes that don’t make you look great. So many people have clothes in their closets to wear when they don’t feel good about themselves. They consider these their go-to comfort clothes… I say throw those clothes away. Only wear clothes that make you look and feel great. Even if you are having a bad day, a great pair of shoes can turn your attitude around!
Do you believe in role models?
Yes and no (how is that for non-committal!). Role models are good when you are looking for people that inspire you to be your best and reach for the stars. But don’t pick a role model and then feel that you can’t achieve what that person has so you feel worse! I also believe that each individual is unique and that you need to find your own way to succeed in this world. To do that you need to follow your heart and it may be a path that no one else has traveled.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I love Zyl. It is a high end plastic and our reading glasses are made from this material. I love working with the Italian artisans who manufacture Zyl. The colours and patterns that we can achieve in Zyl are amazing. I just got back from Europe where I was developing our new FW13 collection and working on colours is my favourite part of the process.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I adore fashion and I love to see all different styles. Personally, I don’t mix plaids and patterns, but I love seeing them on the runway or in magazines. I think that we all need to see lots of styles so that our eye gets used to new things. That is how fashion evolves.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
New York is great. I live here and can spend hours just watching people. But I also love Paris and Milan. Women there are so classic yet fashionable. They believe in investment dressing so they always have great basics and add on wonderful accessories.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Neither, I don’t label myself.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
I don’t like rules. I got married twenty six years ago when no one wore black to a wedding. I broke that rule and had my bridesmaids in black velvet cocktail dresses! Today, people wear all colours to weddings… so rules are meant to be broken! My only guideline in dressing is to wear what works for me. If capri pants are in fashion and I don’t look good in them, I don’t wear capri pants! I wear only what works for my style.
Celebrities and style...
Is why I read People magazine and watch Joan Rivers on Fashion Police!
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Glasses (or reading glasses when you are over thirty five!).
A woman should always look like...
The best version of herself.
Who taught you what you know about style?
It was intuitive. I have been reading fashion magazines and shopping in great stores for unusual looks since I was twelve!
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I consider what I am going to be doing and then look in my closet for what works the best.
Your biggest regret is...
I don’t believe in regrets. I started attending workshops led by Ariel and Shya Kane about eight years ago. One of their principles is that we are all perfect and nothing that we have done is something that we should regret. Everything has led us to this place and to this moment. This moment is perfect. Check them out, it can change your life!
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
Wear what makes you look good and feel great. Period.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
No, I shop whenever it is convenient or when I need something.
We will never see you wearing...
Capri pants — except for at yoga class!
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I love Milly and Alice and Olivia. They have a fresh take on clothing.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
I don’t have one person; I love looking at lots of people and find all people interesting.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her eyeglasses!
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
I have a pashmina scarf that I bought in Hong Kong several years ago because I loved it. I didn’t need it. It is black and white and in a cheetah pattern. I LOVE that scarf and I wear it all the time. So my story about how I didn’t need this scarf was not true!
The one image that defined your approach to style...
There is not one image.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
You need to pay attention to the total look, not one article. If you have great fitting pants and the shirt doesn’t go with it, then you ruin the look. Keep your eye on your total image.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No, but it is harder to be comfortable and stylish… however it is wonderful when you achieve something that is both comfortable and stylish!
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Michelle Smith from Milly.
The best word of advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself. We are all unique and have special qualities. Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Lastly, follow your heart and go for your dreams. I did, I started my business during a recession when I was thirty nine! Lots of people told me I couldn’t do it! But I followed my dream and was passionate about what I wanted.
