Curiocity: 'Seventeen' Magazine's Editor Dishes On Style Guide
When I was in high school, my sense of style was something to be desired. I literally shutter at the thought of certain outfits I wore, what I deemed "totally cool" and the accessories I used to "complete" my wardrobe. (I recall a certain class photo where I wore a multi-colored silk -- yes silk -- shirt and acid wash jeans. I mean, my God.)
If only there was a guide from a panel of serious style goddesses that could've helped me. Well, I may not have been so lucky but at least, we can help save the next generation.
The editors of Seventeen magazine are ready to release a new book titled, "Seventeen Ultimate Guide to Style" -- a book that promises to be something of a fashion bible for teens no matter what their personal style.
Seventeen magazine's Editor-in-Chief Ann Shoket will help celebrate the release of the new book at the Mall of America on Sunday at an event where she'll be scouting the crowd for some of the most fashionable girls. Those that have the best style (choosing from one of the six styles highlighted in the book) will have a chance to be featured on the Seventeen Style blog.
Before Shoket's visit, she was kind enough to tell us a little bit more of what's in store.
Q: Forbes Magazine recently named you as one of the most powerful Fashion Magazine Editors in the United States. What has that experience been like for you?
A: There are 13 million girls who read Seventeen magazine and it is such an honor to be able to talk to them about the things that are important in their life and to figure out new ways to talk to them. We're constantly pushing ourselves for what's happening on Facebook, what's happening on Tumblr, what's happening on twitter. And it really has ... made the brand as rich and dynamic, as possible, that's why I'm so thrilled for this book. It's another fantastic outlet for us to talk to girls in a much more permanent way. It's not monthly; it's the kind of thing that girls are going to want to buy, to read, to put on their bookshelves, to pick up again in a few months. I really think this is a new way of communicating. But the power really comes from the brand and from the amazing girls that I get to talk to every month.
Q: You'll be coming to the Mall of America next week to celebrate the release of that new book. What can you tell us about the event?
A: Well, we're going to have a fantastic day. The Seventeen magazine fashion director is coming as well to give fashion advice and trend advice. I'll be scouting for the girls with the best outfits to give prizes to. The book is so fun and the fashion is so fun. It's the perfect time for back to school shopping. I hope everyone comes and has a fun afternoon.
Q: And the book itself? What can fans and teens expect?
A: The book is divided up into six different styles. And these are the kinds of evergreen looks that girls are going to want to put their looks into. The trick of it is, it's not like you have to decide 'OK, I'm going to be classic and be classic forever.' You might be classic when you go back to school, but when it comes time for a holiday party, you might decide you want to dip into the glam section of the book. Or you might be in a mood and you're feeling edgy, so you'll want to move into the edgy section of the book for tricks and tips. The book is designed for you to be able to dip in, get advice and make it work with your own closet, the things you already own, and help you if you need to go shopping. The other part of the book is there are chapters on fit -- the right swimsuits for your body, jeans for your body, underwear for your shape. So all of those things, if you think about fashion is absolutely fashion expression, but you want to make sure your clothes look good on your shape. And in the book you'll find girls of all shapes and sizes and all ethnicities, all skin tones -- there's tremendous diversity in the book so every single girl can open the book and feel validated by what she sees there.
Q: It seems that's been one of Seventeen's missions -- to make girls feel comfortable in their own skin. How does this book further push that effort?
A: One of the keys of confidence is knowing that you look good, because when you know that you look good, you can walk into any situation and own it. You're not thinking to yourself, 'Oh my gosh, my blouse is wrong. Oh my gosh, my skirt doesn't fit, I wish I wore those other shoes.' When you know that you look good, you're not even thinking about your clothes. You're thinking about your dreams and your future and achieving. That's the whole goal of this -- to give girls tools they need to master their look so it can become second nature to them and they can become focused on being amazing in the world.
Q: It really sounds like the ultimate style bible for teens. In your opinion, what will be the big trends for fall?
A: So our September issue is out this week as well, with Ashley Benson from "Pretty Little Liars" on the cover and September is our big, back-to-school trends issue, as well. So the magazine is full of amazing trends that everyone is going to need for back to school. We have 10 perfect pieces. I think, my personal favorites from the book, actually from the last couple of months are skinny red jeans, studded shoes are fantastic. You'll see a lot of lace insets in sweatshirts -- that's really cute. We're calling them peek-a-boo lace tops. The slouchy hobo bag is really great and cool. Oh, and a trench coat. You need a trench coat for back to school.
Q: At the MOA event, you'll be looking for teens who most successfully rock one of the six looks you talk about in the book to be featured in your blog. What advice do you have for girls hoping to get picked?
A: You want to stand out from the crowd and have a look that's unique. That's really what I'll be looking for -- someone who has put together their look in a really cool, interesting way. Don't play it too safe. Don't go too crazy -- it's not about wearing a costume. But you want to put together a look that feels strong and powerful and impactful and represents who you are in the world.
Seventeen Magazine and Ann Shoket will be at the Mall of America Rotunda at 1 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 14. For more information, visit the Mall of America website.
