Style expert Stacy London has worked her way into America’s wardrobes as a true fashion guru. The What Not to Wear co-host, declaring enthusiasm at a young age with aspirations for a highly ambitious shoe collection, entered the industry as a fashion assistant for Vogue and later, as the senior fashion editor at Mademoiselle. Styling for celebrities such as Kate Winslet, Liv Tyler and Katie Holmes, London was more than willing to give us a few pointers when it comes to finding a dress length that isn’t too dicey and hiding the areas we aren’t most proud of. And what we were really dying to know, does such a color exist that absolutely works for everyone? You betcha and you’ll never guess what it is!

What’s in your handbag?
1. My Martin Margiela wallet (which is a prized possession)
2. Keys
3. Two of Carmindy’s pinkberry lip glosses
4. Niagra lipstick from Nars
5. Many elastic hair bands
6. A small book for jotting ideas down

What is your handbag’s color, style and designer?
I’m not one of those people who freaks out about switching bags so lately it’s been between a black distressed leather tote from Tylie Malibu, a cracked white leather satchel from Vanessa Bruno, and a stone colored “Le Dix” bag from Balenciaga.

What fashion trend are you currently supporting?
I don’t normally support trends. I think people should wear what suits them best, but I am loving all the platform boots this season!!!

What go-to pieces in your closet do you wear on a day-to-day?
Right now I’m on hiatus from shooting so genetic skinny jeans. They fit my thighs really well, and a plaid cotton shirt from American Retro and all my organic silk tanks from H&M. Plus I’ve worn flats, if you can believe, all summer. Trying to give my feet a break!  Cynthia Vincent makes these great black gladiator sandals that have been a life saver!

Do you style to the season?
I style for the temperature more than the season. If it’s cold, wear something to keep you warm. If it’s hot, wear something to keep you cool. That seems to work best.

Is there a universal color that works for everyone?
Believe it or not, it’s coral. No one thinks they can, but it flatters every skin tone!

What under garment secrets can you recommend to hide lumps and bumps? 
Slimmers are an essential part of every woman’s foundational garment wardrobe. Find the one that’s right for the body part you are trying to shape. There are slimmers for arms, shorts for lifting a tush, and leggings for smoothing a thigh so they can be worn under pants. Bathing suit shapers are best for tummies in my opinion.

What is the proper dress length for a woman in her 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s?
The younger you are (after 18 of course!) the higher you can go. Women in their 20s and 30s can get away with high hem lines. After that, to the knee is most appropriate.

What should women wear if they… 
(a)   have a large bust:  A V-neck or small shoulder pad. Both deemphasize a larger bust.
(b)   want to increase curviness:  Something tight and straight like a pencil skirt or skinny jean or something with visibly stitched curved seams that tricks the eye.
(c)   are looking to hide their mid section:  Fitted jackets or dresses with a waistband above the natural tummy line to draw the eye upward.
(d)   have large hips:  A-line skirts make your waist the focus instead of your hips.
(e)   want to make their behind less visible:  Stay away from embellished or three-dimensional (flap) pockets which only add volume. Wider leg trousers and jeans can help to slim your butt and create a longer body line.

Can tall women wear high heels?
OF COURSE!  Embrace your height and make an entrance!!!

What are three tips you can offer to reinvent an outfit?
1. Shorten the hem
2. Cut the sleeve to a 3/4 length
3. Cut a mini dress that is too short into a tunic and use the extra fabric as a sash! (We did that last one on What Not To Wear once. It was a smash!!!!)

What fashion advice do you give to friends and family?
Oh I’ve given up on them. They barely listen to me. My Dad still wears pleated pants.

What was your childhood career ambition?
To own a lot of shoes. I’m pretty proud of my accomplishment….

How did you get involved with the Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation?
My dear friend Susan Murrow called me and told me about the organization. She asked if I would donate a fashion consultation to their annual fundraising auction, but when I saw what everyone at Believe in Tomorrow was doing, I asked if there was anything more I could do. So that was the start. Believe in Tomorrow creates a haven. They make it possible for children and their families who are suffering imaginably to feel safe, secure and no longer alone in the world.  I can’t think of anything kinder or a cause more worthy of support.

London will host the 27th Annual Benefit & Auction for the Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation on October 3, 2009. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.believeintomorrow.org/benefit/.

-Jessica Krznaric, Online Fashion Editor