Mall of America Trend Specialist Sara Rogers has logged more than 25 years in the fashion industry — as a model, television host and personality, fashion consultant, and wardrobe therapist. She’s got a thing for menswear, her Balenciaga biker jacket and an Ungaro skirt that’s been in her closet for 25-plus years. For Rogers, it’s about keeping it classic with a dash of current.
Personal style: I would say classic with a modern twist. I like to look trendy but in a classic way.
Item you wear most: Right now, it’s all about my Paige skinny jeans. I cuff them and wear them with my oxfords; I wear them with my motorcycle biker boots. If I had to pick a second one, it would be my Brooks Brothers white shirt, because it lights up my face. And it’s non-iron!
Favorite item in your closet: My black Balenciaga biker jacket. It’s more than 5 years old, but it’s timeless. Good leather just gets better with time.
Favorite retro piece: My Ungaro Parallele Paris floral print skirt. I’ve had it for more than 25 years, and I wear it every year. As long as I fit into this skirt, I’m going to continue to wear it. It has an amazing cut and drapes beautifully — it truly is one of my treasures.
Surviving a Minnesota winter in style: Invest in a good coat, because that gets seen more than what you’re wearing underneath. Then get really good accessories: infinity scarves, hats. And bring in color — put colors next to your face to light you up and lift your mood.
Style influences: I’ve loved the menswear look forever. One of my fashion icons is [Coco] Chanel, because she was so good about using the menswear trouser. And back in the day, I thought Katharine Hepburn was the sharpest thing when she would pair trousers with something feminine.
Trend you love: Pinstripes. You see them in the menswear look, and I’m loving that. And I love the biker jacket. You can wear it with a dress or a skirt or slip it on with jeans and a graphic tee, and it always looks chic.
Trend you’re over: I’m a little bored with color blocking and neon. But it’s not so much that I wish trends would go away. I wish they would offer more fitted tops; right now everything is so oversize, like extreme turtlenecks. I’d just like a regular turtleneck, but that’s the classic in me.
Best style advice you’ve received: It’s what I say to people now: 80% of your wardrobe should be classic. Fashion is fleeting. I take the European approach to shopping — quality over quantity in the core pieces. It’s about building a wardrobe.
