I caught up with fashion stylist Rachel Zoe today at Piperlime's Piping Hot Pop-Up Lounge in Soho, New York to get the scoop on what motherhood has meant for her style mojo, the most memorable piece she's ever worn and more (holiday party style tips included).



Q: How has having a baby affected your style routine?
A: I wear black almost every day. I do. I wear it almost every day because inevitably he's going to spit up on me or something like that, and black is always a good way to look dressier than you actually are. I have to find a way to look decent, but also be very functional and practical.

Q: Are there any everyday staples that you've had to give up all together?
A: I don't wear things with a lot of hardware or anything sharp. I also don’t wear anything he [Skylar] can pull on because he’s at a stage right now where he's grabbing everything! So, yeah, it's definitely changed the way I dress, especially for day—not as much by night because he's not always with me then.

Q: Do you have any style advice for new moms?
A: I think you need to buy things that are go-tos. You need to have your basic, sort of sure-thing looks, whether it means your favorite jeans or favorite leggings, a great pair of black trousers or a leather jacket – things with durability.

Q: What is the most memorable fashion piece you've ever worn?
A: The most memorable piece I've worn in my whole life? Oh god. You know what? I actually had the honor of wearing a Valentino Couture piece when I was in Rome for the Weekend in Rome with Mr. Valentino with Giancarlo [Giammetti], and that was a dream.

Q: Do you have any wardrobe standbys?
A: My vintage Chanel jackets, for sure. I've worn them a lot. A lot.

Q: What has been your favorite styling assignment thus far?
A: You know, there have definitely been too many to name. Dressing all of my clients excites me. Working with Annie [Hathaway] for the Oscars last year was a pretty big undertaking and that was really fun. Really fun!

Q: What would you consider basic holiday party style essentials?
A: I'd say you have to have a great little black dress for sure. You need to have great pumps, I would say in black, nude and a metallic (T-strap, ankle-strap, classic pump—whatever you want). Also, endless amounts of cocktail dresses and maybe a sequined little jacket or cardigan for holiday.

Photo: Ben Gabbe/Getty Images