Fashionably Speaking with Fashion Influencer D. Ni’Cole

Instagram inﬂuencer and rising fashion stylist De’Shundra Gibson, or @stylebydnicole as she goes by online, has as much personality as the meticulously chosen pieces on her mood boards. In addition to her physical and virtual customer stylings, the Atlanta-based stylist has her own fashion shirt/sweatshirt brand, SBDNC Apparel, and plans on launching a fashion blog in the spring, too. She took a moment to tell us a bit about herself, and we got an earful!

What prompted you to become a fashion stylist?
I was going into my second year of my graduate program at Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss. That’s when Instagram started to grow and women began complimenting me on how I dressed myself. I hadn’t even thought of being a stylist then. I was preparing to go to law school. That same year (2013), wardrobe stylist J. Bolin was looking for writers for his publication, Denim Magazine. He introduced me to Polyvore (the fashion app that started my virtual career) and asked me to create an article about plus-size fashion inspiration for the winter with the use of Polyvore. The rest is history.

What’s the secret to dressing for curvier, plus-size shapes?
Be confident in whatever you’re wearing. If you’re self-conscious and feeling insecure, it will show. So what if you’re a “plush pound,” flaunt it. Know what material works best with your size. For example, I hate too much polyester. That makes me sweat and look bigger than I am. I try to make sure my clothing fits around my best assets and camouflages my problem areas. Always know your size. Seventy-three percent of women don’t know what really works for their body. Test it out! Invest in proper undergarments and shapewear. Know your bra and panty sizes. Know the difference between juniors plus and plus size. Know what brands cater to your body the best.

What are some of your favorite stores?
My absolutely favorite stores are Fashion to Figure, Boohoo, ASOS, Courtney Noelle, Missguided and Touch Dolls! They’re my go-to to find quality clothing that’s fabulous!

Who would make up your dream list of people to dress?
Oh, man! I have such a stylish soft spot for full-figured women. I would love to style Jilly from Philly (Jill Scott is my most favorite of them all), Queen Latifah, Loni Love from The Real, and Mo’Nique. I haven’t done much male styling, but I definitely wouldn’t mind styling Cam Newton, Trevante Rhodes, Frank Ocean (I think I could really be creative with his style) and leonardo DiCaprio.

Who are the best-dressed celebs currently?
Well, first off, Kollin Carter is doing amazing work with his client, Cardi B. Let’s be clear on that! His styling is top on my list. And there’s Joan Clayton herself, Tracee Ellis Ross. Roll out the red carpet and hand me a fan. She’s so funky-chic-sophisticated-regal. I love how she doesn’t give a damn and is flawless just because. Finally, I’m going to have to go with Teyana Taylor. Her style is so eccentric and fierce, exuding so much energy and sex appeal.