Photo by Christa Tousley
“A good outfit can introduce you before you introduce yourself,” proclaims local stylist Radmila Dolokhanova. We are at Corner Coffee in Minneapolis on a sunny Wednesday morning chatting about style—or more specifically, what it takes to find one’s style amid a digital landscape of increasingly ephemeral microtrends. And while she ensures there’s no exact formula, Dolokhanova has managed to reduce it to a science of sorts.
Where this science begins is usually on the messy floor of a client’s abysmal, overflowing closet—a setting Dolokhanova describes as her “happy place.” As a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant, Dolokhanova offers closet audits, vacation and event styling, and personal shopping services, all tailored to instilling a sense of everyday comfort and confidence in her clients. As summer fashion trends continue to crowd store windows, we sat down with Dolokhanova to help cut through the noise, collecting a few simple tips to help restore harmony and ease in your summer wardrobe.
How do you recommend shoppers interact with trends?
I am a firm believer that individuality outweighs trend following. Trends are forever evolving and changing. If you are chasing trends, I feel you’re going to be overwhelmed and let down. I put way more emphasis on dressing for your body type than dressing for a trend.
Do you have any resources or advice for learning how to dress for your body type?
There are plenty of resources online. There’s some debate about the different body structures, but I think there are five: hourglass, pear, straight, inverted triangle, and athletic. I would say, look in the mirror and compare your body type to these visual charts that you can find online. When you wear clothes that enhance your unique figure, it will just be more visually appealing—versus trying to wear something that looked good on somebody else, but you two have completely different body types and then you’re let down. Measurements are also super important, especially if you’re online shopping. It can be really disappointing if something arrives and it doesn’t properly fit you.
What do you think finding your personal style entails?
I think getting inspiration, whether it’s magazines and Pinterest or just walking outside and seeing what other people are wearing and what stands out to you. I always say, go into a department store and try on a variety of clothes that maybe you wouldn’t normally be drawn to, and you will be surprised. Your style should also reflect your lifestyle and personality. If you are a really upbeat, spirited person, experiment with colors and contrasting fabrics. I think naturally, your style will evolve once you feel a little bit more comfortable experimenting.
What is one staple every woman should have in her wardrobe?
It’s between a good pair of denim and a simple white T-shirt. Both those things are so versatile, and oftentimes I notice that clients will have a variety of things in their closet, but they’re missing staple pieces. If you find a good pair of denim, you can hold on to it for years, and a white T-shirt can really tie an outfit together.
Why is a white T-shirt so important?
You might have a really cool jacket, but what are you wearing underneath that jacket? How are you going to make that jacket stand out and pop? It’s also a great layering option. Even to have it peeking out from underneath your sweater, it can completely elevate a casual look.
Do you pay attention to fashion faux pas, like ‘Don’t wear navy with black?’ Or do you think it’s better to be creative and throw these out the window?
I don’t necessarily believe in fashion faux pas. If you’re wearing something because it reflects your identity and who you are, you can’t go wrong. I personally love navy with black. Mixing metals now is so on-trend, so sometimes the faux pas become trends of their own. Things are always changing.
What are some simple rules you can offer to people who struggle to put together outfits in the morning?
I mean, truly just streamlining your wardrobe, in my opinion. Which means, go through everything you have and get rid of the clutter, because most of us have items in our closet that are cluttering our space and our mind, and I think that’s where the overwhelm comes into play. Think, do you have duplicates? Are there things on your rack that aren’t in season? It’s summer, let’s get rid of all the big, heavy sweaters and the coats that are polluting your closet. If there’s a way for you to store them in a different closet or put them in bins and slide them under your bed, it will really help.
What are some of your favorite brands to shop from right now, for clients and for yourself?
For me, personally, I’m on Depop or I’m thrifting. I’m going to vintage markets throughout [Minneapolis]. As far as sustainable brands, I like Reformation and Sézane, if I’m sourcing for a client who has the budget. Some cheaper options are Kotn and Pact, which both have great sustainable initiatives in place. Otherwise, I love Dissh, Leset, and Haikure—a higher price point but really fun, funky pieces.
What are some of your favorite stores in the Twin Cities?
I like 316 Vintage, Legacy, and Corner Store Vintage.
What are some of your favorite corporate or office-wear staples? Any tips for spicing up office outfits?
When it comes to office wear, things that are well-tailored make a big difference; a high-quality blazer, for example. My advice is to always invest in a nice blazer. That blazer can be worn with denim, it can be worn with a skirt and tights, it can be worn with trousers. Belts are no longer just for function, they’re an accessory. Try incorporating a funky metal belt with a nice trouser. You can find blouses that have exaggerated collars. Also, accessories. Put a cute headband on, that makes a difference. A necktie, a mesh flat, a colorful sneaker. Those little things are noticeable.
What are some styles or pieces you’re excited to wear or see clients wear this summer?
I think this is the summer of sports. What I have been doing and seeing a lot of is mixing sporty pieces with more elegant pieces. Like a track pant with a really feminine, dainty top or a skirt with a track jacket. I’ve been seeing a lot of lace, which is really cool. I’ve also been seeing a lot of silhouettes that have exaggerated proportions—big, puffy sleeves or a funky, dramatic skirt. But again, I think the trendiest thing to do is dress for your body type.
