Courtesy Tessa Marie Images
Check out designer Conrad Booker’s tip and tricks for looking professional, yet chic all throughout autumn.
His Style: Transitional.
Booker’s Fashion Roots: When I was a kid, I sewed my mother an orange pantsuit that she loved, and I make most of my own clothes. I had a friend who had a hair salon in Philadelphia and needed outfits for a fashion shoot. I realized I didn’t want to do regular stuff. I looked at a lighting fixture I made from metal skewers and decided I wanted to use unique materials to create clothing. My architectural training prepared me for a career in fashion. I understand structure.
Indispensable Wardrobe Item: An unpressed button-down white shirt. Why unpressed? A few lines give it a relaxed feel.
Favorite Places to Shop: I love thrift stores. My favorite is Philly AIDS Thrift.
His Fashion Icon: My grandmother. I remember the suits and hats she’d wear and the way they looked. She worked at a clothing factory that made Johnny Carson’s suits, and she made beautiful clothes.
Thoughts on Aging: Older is better because you stop caring what people think, only what makes you happy. You know what clothes work for you.
Indispensable Accessory: My ball caps. I always wear one.
Grooming Tip Every Man Can Appreciate: Always shave. You’d be surprised how many people are sensitive to stubble.
Favorite Fragrance: Rose-petal room spray. I used to wear Hermes, then I fell in love with roses.
Booker’s Fashion No-No: Black leggings. No one puts effort into wearing them.
Why Fashion Matters: It puts you in a space that allows you to deal with whatever the world throws at you. You know the expression that after you get dressed up, you should look in the mirror and then take off one thing? I’m, “No, put on one more brooch. Maybe two.”
Visit @conrad_booker on Instagram.
Get the Look
A polished and professional for autumn style.
In basic black, Dorothee Schumacher Emotional Essence trousers have fluid, relaxed lines. $425. Available at Boyds, 201 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 726-0036, boydsphila.com.
Crafted from reclaimed 14k gold, the Gale Bracelet Yellow Gold bangle features an open, organic motif. $1,880. Available at Bario Neal, 524 S. 5th St., Philadelphia, (215) 648-6570, bario-neal.com.
Yellow gold Nikko hoops are enhanced by circular shield drops. $640. Available at Bario Neal.
The Milly Avery Cady trim blazer is fashion forward in bright violet, this fall’s trendiest hue. $425. Available at Posh Collections, 103 E. King St., Malvern, (610) 644-7220, poshcollections.com.
Dries Van Noten Mary Jane pumps blend Italian leather with a gold-tone heel and buckle accent. $875. Available at Boyds.
Related: 4 Fall Foliage Getaways That Are an Easy Drive From the Main Line Area
