How to Look Like a Million Bucks

In Greece.

I love Michael Kors and his very American, but glamorous sportswear. He is a funny guy too. I recently found an interview with him I had torn out from Allure in 2005. It’s great advice and so true still! I posted it on my inspiration board and I thought I’d share it with you. I’ve included some of my favorite images of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and her sister, who Kors says is a big inspiration to him.

How to Look Like a Million Bucks

An Interview with Michael Kors

Fashion designer Kors lives in New York and vacations in Capri.Looking rich isn’t about owning a yacht. It’s appearing as if you’ve just stepped off one. Once you’ve nailed the basics, like having killer shoes and great hair, it is all about the upkeep.

Disregard the weather. Strappy sandals in winter, sunglasses on a cloudy day, these are signs of the glamorous life. If you look like you should be in St. Barts in December, then you are above the elements. But if it’s snowing, wear mink gloves for goodness sake.

Jackie O with her children in Greece.

Fake it. Start every season with a stack of little black tees. Whenever you put on one, you’ll feel like a Bouvier sister. Then find a good pair of cubic zirconia studs and rings. It will seem as if someone gives you great gifts, you can afford them yourself, or they were in the family. All work in your favor.

Jackie and Lee.

Own it. Buy an expensive dress, and wear it often. It lets people know that you didn’t borrow it. Classic socialites, such as Nan Kempner, went out in the same gowns over and over again because they were, in fact, theirs. And save up for brown crocodile pumps. They can be worn with everything, and unlike black, brown croc develops a patina that looks better with time.

In the red. A woman with money has beautiful skin. So make sure yours has a little natural shine and stick to makeup in neutral shades, such as taupe or slate. The one exception is red lipstick. Wear this with nothing else for a full Katharine Hepburn moment. It should look very nonchalant, very throwaway like you just woke up, washed your face, and went out with red lipstick.

Polish up. A rich girl always has beautifully manicured hands, but doesn’t act like she thinks about them. This means no French manicures or bold colors (pick soft pink or beige tones instead). Keep the nail length short enough to suggest you go horseback riding.

Head for broke. Nothing sets you apart like a gorgeous mane of hair. You want fabulous color and lots of shine so if you aren’t a whiz with the blow-dryer, spend the money on a blowout. And when you pull your hair back, use a tortoiseshell comb or barrette. It’s the scrunchy of the rich.

I love that last sentence! How chic they were. I think the clean lines and luxe accessories with perfect grooming were a large part of their fabulousness. . .