Best Dressed Winner: Connie Gold

417 Magazine: What three words define your personal style?
Connie Gold: Classic, comfortable and enjoyable. I love classic styles, as they are good to have in the closet year after year. Many of my pieces I can layer, dress-up or wear casual. I love to be comfortable. I am constantly on the move.

417: Where do you find inspiration for your closet?
C.G.: I am extremely tall so I have to shop at places that carry clothes that fit me, which can be a challenge. There are only a few places that I shop. They know me, my style and my sizes, and they are great about notifying me of pieces they know I will want to see.

417: What one item is on your wish list for this year?
C.G.: It will always remain on my wish list, as I know there are many other things I need much worse. I want a Rolex watch. I absolutely do not need one, but wish I had one.

417: What is your favorite fashion trend right now?
C.G.: I love basic clothing that I can blend with higher fashion designs to make an outfit. Adding in pops of color, which I am working on adding to my closet. My wardrobe [currently] consists of a lot of black, gray and white.

417: Who are your fashion role models?
C.G.: I honestly do not have a fashion role model that I watch. I love looking at all of the different styles and models, but I do not have any specifics. I know what brands of clothing I like and what fits me well.

417: What person—public figure or private citizen—would make your best dressed list?
C.G.: Kathi Cryderman. She can wear fur, tennis shoes, leggings or jeans and she always looks like a million dollars. She is extremely classy and can put outfits together with ease.

417: What’s your signature piece?
C.G.: I have black leggings that I wear more than anything. I can dress them up with heels and a jacket or wear them with a sweatshirt and tennis shoes.

417: If you could wear one brand or designer for the rest of your life, what would it be?
C.G.: Alice + Olivia is a fun brand of clothing that can be casual or dressy, and it fits me well.

417: What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever worn?
C.G.: When I was in high school, I did not have a lot of money to buy clothes. I would buy men’s Levi’s jeans because they were long enough for me and inexpensive enough. There were no jeans for girls that came in a 36 length.

417: Where are your favorite places to shop in 417-land?
C.G.: Harem & Co is where I buy most of my clothes, as they carry brands that fit me with no alterations needed. The girls that work there know my size and what I like, and they make it so fun. If alterations are needed, they pin them there and have [the pieces] altered. They make it so easy.