While in theory fashion presents a free, artistic landscape, it has historically come with rules, especially within the feminine. Things that, as an unwritten law, “can” or “cannot” be worn, dependent on your size, age and height. Stylist, fashion editor and author of the book ‘The Forever Wardrobe’ Anna Cascarina is a creative seeking not just to reframe these boundaries, but break right through them.
For this month’s Curated Chat, we’ve had the opportunity to speak with Anna about her thoughts on style diversity, how to confidently dress for your body, her new book, and insights into her personal style, with guidance to find your own, consciously.
For this month’s Curated Chat, we’ve had the opportunity to speak with Anna about her thoughts on style diversity, how to confidently dress for your body, her new book, and insights into her personal style, with guidance to find your own, consciously.
Hi Anna, thanks so much for joining us today. Please share a little more about yourself and your role in the fashion world?
My background is fashion editing and styling. I started as a fashion assistant and worked my way up in various editorial magazines. I then did freelance styling, ran my own children’s magazine and taught fashion to degree level. I now mainly do social media content and some brand styling.
You believe that “all women can dress how they want to, regardless of age, size and race” - can you expand on what this statement means to you, and how it affects your own approach to daily styling?
You believe that “all women can dress how they want to, regardless of age, size and race” - can you expand on what this statement means to you, and how it affects your own approach to daily styling?
I get so fed up with the myth that women need to ‘dress their age or size’. Society has pushed this narrative onto women and while there are ways to enhance and flatter the body, this is solely based on how you feel about your own self and if you want to wear something and feel good in it, then that is what you should do. Age is just a number and we should all wear what brings us joy and makes us happy. For me, I wear what I love and my age doesn’t come into it.
How do you dress with your body in mind? Can you share some advice for our community looking to harmonise confidently with their height and shape, etc?
I am a size 16 woman and as a stylist I know what to wear to make me feel as good as I can. I make sure that I balance my proportions and keep my personal style in mind while getting dressed each day.
Share a styling myth that you want busted.
Black and navy can’t be worn together! Rubbish - black and navy can look so chic when paired together.
Share a styling myth that you want busted.
Black and navy can’t be worn together! Rubbish - black and navy can look so chic when paired together.
As a stylist, what’s one fashion tip you consistently give out?
Know your personal style. It’s so important to spend some time finding your style. Once you have that nailed, getting dressed each day is so much easier.
Your first book “The Forever Wardrobe” launched in May - what can our readers expect within its pages and what drew you to this new venture?
Your first book “The Forever Wardrobe” launched in May - what can our readers expect within its pages and what drew you to this new venture?
The Forever Wardrobe gives tips and tricks on how to find your personal style and curate a wardrobe that’s full of pieces that show your own individuality. You’ll know what clothes you own, why you own them and why they look good on you. There’s worksheets throughout the book to help keep you on track plus loads of information on sustainability, colour and print, accessories, rules and lots lots more.
How would you define your personal style right now? What advice would you give to those struggling to find their niche in fashion?
My personal style right now is a mix of minimal style with retro elements and modern touches. I like oversized silhouettes with relaxed styling which is elevated with contemporary pieces. In my book I have a whole section on finding your personal style including my ‘Fashion Manifesto’ which shows you how to create a statement describing your style.
Meet Anna - @annacascarina
The Forever Wardrobe is out now, shop here
Words by Alice Hartwell for Curate & Rotate