Stacy London, left, says translating trends for real people is one of the most fulfilling aspects of her job.

We know many fashionistas who would kill to work at a magazine like Vogue or as a stylist to stars like Kate Winslet and Liv Tyler. But Stacy London, who did both, confesses she prefers her latest job as co-host of TLC’s What Not to Wear. “For me, it’s much more fulfilling and has led to a much deeper understanding of what style can do for people,” she says. When we caught up with London at a recent Discovery Channel press party, looking chic in a black sheath by Australia-based Asian designer Yeojin Bae, she was eager to share some of her best style tips and shopping strategies.

For wardrobe staples, London suggests a great pantsuit for starters. “It’s something you can dress up or down,” she says. “Get a day dress and a cocktail dress you can change up by changing the accessories and shoes. Once you find a pair of jeans that fit, get two and hem one to flats, one to heels. Get a variety of blouses, from the classic white shirt to the crazy print. You can put them under suits, wear them with a pencil skirt, or with jeans.”

A fan of higher-end designers like Rick Owens, Balenciaga and Demeulemeester, London says she also shops at H&M and likes the floral/Ikat print trend. “It’s a little bit modern tribal warrior and sexy at the same time,” she says, though she remains partial to neutrals and nudes that can be paired with prints and vivid colors. “Black pants are always great, but try chocolate brown, charcoal gray. You can’t go wrong with jewel tones. They flatter most skin tones.”

Whatever you’re buying, “Choose quality over quantity,” London says. “You can see it in the fabric and the tailoring, and that’s something you want as you age. Start investing more in pieces that you’re going to have for a longer period of time, that are classic.”

For more on Stacy London, check out “Hollywood’s Pet Causes” in the May/June issue of VIVmag. And tell us: What’s the best fashion advice you ever received?

Photo credit: TLC

Tags: Australia, Balenciaga, Clothing, Demeulemeester, designer, Discovery Channel, Fashion, Hospitality/Recreation, Human Interest, Ikat, Jeans, Kate Winslet, Liv Tyler, Makeover reality television series, Pantsuit, Rick Owens, Stacy London, Television, What Not to Wear, Yeojin Bae