Talbots’ Senior Brand Stylist Shares Her 10 Best Styling Tips

I am so thrilled to introduce you to my friend, Barb Benesh! As Talbots‘ Senior Brand Stylist, she has a big job! We met several years ago when she came through Dallas to host a Trunk Show at my local Talbots, where I was modeling. She was joyful, kind, and encouraging, and so, of course, we bonded immediately! I’ve been modeling in these shows for a few years, and working with Barb is always a highlight for me!

Barb not only travels the country hosting and styling seasonal Trunk Shows at Talbots stores, but she also develops & creates print and video training tools focused on styling and product knowledge for retail stores & call center representatives. If you’ve ever shopped in a Talbots retail store and worked with one of the store stylists, you’ve benefited from her training!

This fall, when Barb was in Dallas, and I was modeling in two of her Trunk Shows (with my boot on, mind you! 🤣), I asked her if she would be willing to share her ten best styling tips with Empty Nest Blessed followers. She generously said yes! Today, I’m sharing those with you, along with some (very candid!) photos of the outfits I wore in this year’s Talbots Holiday Trunk Shows. Just in time, too! Today and tomorrow (November 9-10), Talbots is offering 50% off your first item and 30% off the rest of your purchase! Use code SPECIAL.

As always, click the pink text links or any image you see in this post for more information.

Barb’s Best Styling Tips

I learn something every single time Barb speaks! Having her style me is such a privilege, and it gives me the “fashion courage” to try new things!

1. Column of Color

Build a column of color as a foundation of where to start when styling, then swap in pieces with color or print for your layers, tops, and bottoms to create multiple looks. (Barb says this is the key to building a travel wardrobe!)

2. Try Something New

Try a new print or color of the season. It’s an easy way to update your look.

Brushed Floral Cashmere Sweater (¾ sleeves) | Slim Ankle Jeans (See other colors HERE.) | Suede Lug Sole Tassel Loafers (See other colors HERE.) | Mixed Links Hoop Earrings

Dark florals are trending this year, and this beautiful Brushed Floral Cashmere Sweater is a perfect example. I also added in suede with these Suede Lug Sole Tassel Loafers.

3. Balance Your Pairings

Pair a slim top with wide-leg pants or a full skirt. (Tucking or tying a blouse at the waist can achieve the same effect.) It’s all about balancing the proportions and creating shape.

Talbots Greenwich Pants (Also in tan & black) | Amazon’s The Drop Sweater (The Drop is my favorite Amazon in-house brand. The quality is always so good! I own this sweater in 3 colors!)| Sam Edelman Nude Pumps | Tory Burch Huggie Logo Earrings

This look is from my 2023 Fresh Fall Fashion Trends to Fall For post. It’s a good example of balancing a look. I tucked in a slim-fitting sweater to balance out these gorgeous wide-leg Talbots Greenwich Pants.

4. Love Leopard

Add a little leopard print into your outfit and treat it as a neutral.

Chevron Knit Mockneck Sweater | Sequin Stripe Straight Leg Jeans | Metallic Puffer Vest (Fur collar is removable. Metallic collar underneath.) | Slim Metallic Leather Belt | Laura Metallic Tassel Leather Loafers | Calf Hair Leopard Crossbody Bag | Leopard Bangle | Ice Princess Pearl Illusion Necklace | Pavé Disc Stud Earrings

Don’t you love the way Barb added leopard print to this look? I never would have thought of that. (But then again, that’s why she’s so good at her job!🙌)

5. Add Accessories

Find accessories you will love all season long for the perfect finishing touch to every look.

Pearl & Rhinestone Embellished Sweater | Stretch Crepe Double Breasted Blazer | Stretch Crepe Straight Leg Pants | Laura Metallic Tassel Leather Loafers | If I’d been able to wear cuter shoes, I’d have worn the Edison Bow Flats – Metallic Mini Stripe | Uptown Pearl Statement Necklace (Barb gave me 3 of them to wear together!) | Pavé Disc Stud Earrings

Barb told me that during the holiday season, you can’t have too much sparkle and shine! I love the way she styled me in this chic ivory look!

6. Blaze a Trail

A blazer is a stylish woman’s must-have for work, to dress up jeans, to layer over a dress, and it even works as a coat in warmer climates.

7. Texturize

Texture adds interest! Look for unique knits, quilting, faux fur, faux leather, and suede, as well as accessories that will add sparkle and shine.

Shaker Stitch Tweed Pullover (Also in Rich Burgundy HERE.) | Stretch Corduroy Straight Leg Pants | Machine Washable Allbirds Wool Sneakers | Tory Burch Huggie Earrings

This is one of Barb’s super-easy-to-pull-off styling tips! This Shaker Stitch Tweed Pullover is a perfect example of adding texture to a look. The unique knit of the sweater adds interest, and paired with Stretch Corduroy Straight Leg Pants, I’ve upped my texture game even more!

8. Invest in an Amazing Colored Coat

Invest in a colorful coat, jacket, or vest! The color will make you smile, and it will add instant lift to all of your favorite looks.

Foil Snowflakes Cotton Button Front Shirt (so cute under sweater!) | Chevron Fair Isle Crewneck Sweater | Sequin Stripe Straight Leg Jeans (on L and R) | Velveteen Straight Leg Pants (in middle) | Laura Metallic Tassel Leather Loafers (on L and R) | Metallic Ryan Bit Leather Loafers (in middle) | Metallic Cable Knit Scarf (in middle) | Metallic Cable Knit Beanie (holding on L; wearing on R) | Metallic Leather Wristlet (in middle) | Ice Princess Cluster Stud Earrings

9. Mix Shades

Rather than wearing the same color head-to-toe, mix varying shades of the same color. For example, try mixing:

• Magenta & Wine
• Forest Green & Turquoise
• Coral and Burnt Orange

Blooming Floral Audrey Cashmere Sweater | Holiday Dot Kick Crop Pants (These pants have red metallic polka dots scattered throughout!) | Embellished Ruana (This piece is SO SPECIAL! Note the jeweled button at the top.) | Suede Edison Bow Flats | Velvet Clutch (Has a chain strap.) | Beaded Drop Earrings | Ice Princess Pearl Illusion Necklace (on L and R) | Black Beaded Tassel Necklace

This outfit is an excellent example of one of Barb’s brilliant styling tips! Barb styled me in this pretty hot pink & red combination. Since hot pink is everywhere this season, combining these two complementary colors instantly updates this look.

10. Be a Dark Denim Diva

Dark denim is so versatile and easy to care for. No wonder we love our jeans! Try dark wash jeans or black jeans with sneakers and a tee for every day or with a blouse and heels for a night out. This is a great style for travel, too!

Suzy’s Outfit: Jacquard Chains Boatneck Pullover | Chatham Ankle Pants | Cassidy Suede Tassel Loafers | Mixed Links Hoop Earrings

Barb’s Outfit: Boyfriend Shirt | Feather Hem Shell | Mini Pearl Bow Necklace

I hope you learned something today! Many thanks to my beautiful friend, Barb, for sharing her styling tips with us! Don’t forget that for two days only (Thursday, Nov. 9, and Friday, Nov. 10), Talbots is having a fabulous sale! Take 50% off one item (regular price) and 30% off everything else with code SPECIAL! (Plus, earn 3X Style Points on your entire purchase!)