Style File: Monique Thomas
NAME: Monique Thomas,
Baton Rouge
AGE: 29
OCCUPATION: Pre-kindergarten teacher at Claiborne Elementary School
Tell us about what you’re wearing.
“I’m wearing a nice coral top and jeggings (jean leggings), which I love, and my high boots. I love matching camels and browns, but, really, I love all colors.”
Who or what most influences your style?
“I’m most influenced by my body shape. You have to find what works for you. I have small shoulders and a petite frame, but long legs. I like boatneck tops, but nothing too tight. I want to be modest when I’m teaching or even when I’m just out at the mall. I try everything on, because you have to see it on to know what works.”
What’s the best fashion advice you’ve gotten?
“You don’t have to go with the trends. Go with what fits your body type. If it’s a classic piece and not necessarily in season or style, but you wear it well, it will always look good.”
Speaking of trends, what’s your favorite one right now?
“I love the ’70s and ’80s inspirations, like tunics with flowy sleeves and boots. I love butterfly-sleeve tops.”
What trend do you wish was already over?
“Ugg boots and little-bitty shorts. And tights worn as pants. They are not pants.”
Is there a TV fashion show that influences your style?
“Well, it’s not a fashion show, but I love ‘Top Chef.’ I like to see what (host) Padma Lakshmi is wearing. I also like ‘The Good Wife’ because they show young attorneys dressing in suits, but they look trendy and modern. And I like ‘The Fashion Police’ because they give good ideas about things you need for different body types.”
Finish this sentence. I splurge on …
“If I like something in the store, and it’s an ‘Oh wow, I have to have it’ kind of thing, then I’m not going to wait on a sale.”
I skimp on …
“I save on things like sweaters. I might buy one in the color I really want at full price, but then wait for them to go on sale and buy a few more. And I skimp on accessories.”
Name a celebrity whose closet you would like to raid.
“Kelly Bensimon of ‘The Real Housewives of New York.’ She has a boho chic style.”
Your house is on fire and you can grab one thing out of your closet. What would it be?
“My gold Coach purse. It was a gift and it’s going to stay with me forever.”
Make us laugh. What was your biggest fashion mistake?
“Buying one of those spandex bandage dresses. It was so tight and so uncomfortable. I felt like a sausage in it. I never wore it out and finally gave it away.”
Karen Martin
Assistant People editor