Ssummer is here, and stylist Lala Trips knows how to prep your look for the hot days and nights ahead.
The 32-year-old Detroit native has 10 years of experience in the fashion retail industry — doing styling, visual merchandising, and more. for Halston, Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie and Intermix – and recently established his consulting agency, The LT Studio. Through her burgeoning business, Trips does personal styling and wardrobe modifications for female entrepreneurs and public figures; consulting for small fashion brands and retail stores; and public speaking.
Here, she breaks down (and models) a few summer trends, gives tips for incorporating them into your wardrobe, and recommends a few boutiques.
Check the Trips website — lalatrips.com – for more information on her services, to shop her looks, and to see her top fashion, home, and lifestyle picks.
Orientation: Bright colors
After those turbulent two years, Trips says, people are craving to dress up more — and to do so in brightly colored clothes. “Statement colors like green – we’re not going to stray from that green color that Bottega [Veneta] famously created,” says Trips. “So we’re going to see variations of that green, whether it’s ‘Bottega green,’ grass green, or maybe a lime green.” Trips also says that orange and hot pink also have their moments this season.
Pro Tip: If you want to incorporate these bold colors in small doses, Trips recommends using bright accessories or pairing an all-black look with a single colorful item. “Whether it’s through a handbag, a scarf, maybe a jacket, a blazer – I think there are easy ways to add it to the wardrobe.”
Trend: Optical Illusion
According to Trips, an intriguing print or pattern can inspire fun, maximalist looks. And with patterned or printed sets, the outfit possibilities are endless. “What I think is so cool about [patterned] ensembles or suits is you can take this look and wear it together for a beautiful, bold statement. But then you can take these pieces and wear them separately, getting multiple uses of these pieces.
Pro Tip: Trips suggests wearing a patterned or printed garment in a softer pastel color if you’re looking for a muted but still bold look.
Trending: Y2K Fashion
Not everyone is looking to embrace late 90s/early 90s fashion (low rise jeans? No, thank you…). But Trips says there are ways to take certain style elements from this period and modernize them. “My take on the 2000s trend is a cute little crop top or a little sports bra. But I’d keep it there with a high waist or a mid rise [pair of jeans],” she says. “That way it just feels a bit more modern and fresh, as opposed to completely de
this time.”
Pro Tip: Another Trips-approved look is a bralette with a chic blazer and pants. Take this outfit to the next level by making it a monochromatic ensemble.
Plus, 3 local store recommendations from Lala Trips
luff
This up-and-coming streetwear brand created by Detroit-based designer Erica Hobson offers a curated selection of t-shirts, hoodies, trucker hats and basics. For a pop of color, Trips recommends the Luff Essentials Split Pants (she has a pair in the brand’s Kelly Green colourway). beinluff.com
S. McGee Collection
Fashion designer, illustrator and Detroit native Shawna McGee brings her illustrations to life on her kimonos and silk scarves. Trips loves the New York designer’s Eye See You kimono. “Pair kimonos with a bathing suit for a poolside look or with a silk tank top, denim shorts or jeans and strappy heels for a fun evening look,” she says. smcgeecollection.com
bird bee
According to Trips, this Detroit-based contemporary women’s boutique has something for anyone looking to get up to speed with Y2K trends. For a chic top to wear up or down, Trips likes its Open Your Eyes top, available in green and black. shopbirdbee.com
This story is from the June 2022 issue of Hour Detroit. Learn more about our digital edition.