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Sarah Hyland may be in between seasons of Modern Family at the moment, but she’s been keeping herself plenty busy over the summer. Hyland is focusing more and more on music these days, with a possible album in the works and a catchy new pop single, “Know U Anymore,” out now.
She’s also in her third season as creative director at Candie’s, and recently shot her fall campaign for the brand highlighting pieces she helped design, like a heart-printed skater dress and a lace-trimmed blazer that nods to her love of menswear. More on that below — along with her thoughts on “practical” fashion splurges, Lenny Kravitz, and the mermaid/unicorn/whatever-the-hell-we’re-calling-it-now trend.
Hey Sarah! Tell me about your favorite look from your new Candie’s collection.
It’s probably the crushed pink velvet T-shirt we paired with a blazer with lace sleeves; it’s edgy and girly at the same time.
We also need to talk about those sequined jeans...
I call them “mermaid jeans” because the iridescent sequins kind of look like a mermaid’s tail! They’re a lot of fun and an amazing statement piece. You can just pair them with a plain T-shirt and you’re set.
They also fit into fashion and beauty’s current obsession with all things mermaid- and unicorn-themed. Are you a fan?
I do like the trend. I mean, I’m a huge fan of highlighter, and that unicorn highlighter really is amazing. I don’t think I’d try it it with my hair, though!
Do you do most of your shopping online or in stores?
I’m a big online shopper; I hate trying on clothes. It takes so much time, and I’m lazy! But the thing about online shopping is that you have to return a lot of stuff, because not everything fits. It’s dangerous, too, because you don’t realize how much you’re spending until you [check out]. And then suddenly five boxes wind up on your doorstep and you’re like, “Wait, what?!”
I don’t really like to shop with friends either because I get in this zone — I’m in my head — and if someone’s there with me, it throws me off.
As someone who’s quite petite, any shopping or styling tips you’ve got for dressing for your body?
I fortunately have very long legs for my height; I swear, my torso is about six inches long. I’m all legs! So although I’m very petite, I love to show them off, either with a long skinny pant, like Candie’s Audrey Pant, or a short ruffled dress. That gives the illusion that I’m taller than I am.
Do you remember your first big fashion splurge?
I think it was a pair of Frye motorcycle boots I bought when I was 18. I’d just booked an episode of Law & Order: SVU, and it was around my birthday as well, so I got them. They were about $300 or $400, and I just about had a heart attack.
That’s a pretty practical splurge, though.
I’m a pretty practical person! I still have them in my closet — I don’t think I could ever get rid of them since they were my first pair of expensive shoes. I’m not a person who’s buying designer stuff left and right. I don’t feel the need for that; I like more affordable pieces. And when I’m shopping, I always go to the sale section first.
What’s the best deal you’ve gotten on something recently?
I went to [LA consignment store] Wasteland the other day and found an Alexander McQueen sweater for $50. That was awesome.
Do you have a shopping weakness?
Sweaters, for sure. I love a chunky knit.
Any fashion or beauty regrets from your past?
Oh, of course. I wore a lot of vests; like, I had a different vest for every outfit! And in 9th grade I didn’t know what foundation was, so I just wore concealer all over my face. Yet somehow, today’s 12-year-olds know how to contour better than I do!
As someone who’s constantly on the red carpet, how do you handle fashion criticism?
Luckily, I don’t really see too much bad stuff, but when I do — I mean, sorry to be so candid, but screw them! I’m happy with how I look. Everyone has their own opinion, and everyone has their own style. And if someone feels comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing, you shouldn’t try to tear them down.
Well said. If you could trade closets with anyone, who would it be?
Can I trade bodies with them as well? [Laughs] I love men’s fashion — I’m quite jealous of what men get to wear. So probably Bradley Cooper. Ooh, or Lenny Kravitz!
Hey, I bet Lenny would love those mermaid jeans.