With a resume that boasts time at Vogue and a current role as a fashion editor at Gwyneth Paltrow's ultra-chic lifestyle brand Goop, it's probably no surprise Caroline Griswold is extra stylish. A Charleston resident, Caroline invited us to spend the day with her and her dachsund, Cowboy, while she picked out her favorite pieces from Hampden.
Caroline's wearing: CIAO LUCIA Tuva Top in Vienna; DRIES VAN NOTEN Pila Pants in Lime; MARNI Nappa Leather Seamless Little Bow Ballet Flat in Gray
Q: How has your career impacted your style?
A: I think before Vogue and Goop, I didn't really appreciate a great staple or what that can do for your style–a great cashmere sweater or a good pair of jeans is timeless and they always will be. When you're younger, you don't really want to spend money on those things, but as you get older, I think you realize that if you spend money on it, it's usually worth it.
Q: Has moving around, from CHS to NYC to LA back to CHS, impacted your style?
A: I think it definitely has changed for each location. I try to stay consistent with my overall vibe–I really love 70s and classic Americana. In New York, I found that people get more dressed up, and they tend to be more adventurous with what they wear, so I wouldn't be nervous to wear something I normally wouldn't or that wasn't usually my style. In LA, I learned to appreciate basics. People are way more casual–a tank top and jeans is typically the move. It's just not necessary to get more dressed up. So, I think I leaned into more basics and classics in LA. Now that I'm in Charleston, I feel like leaning a little more preppy is kinda fun, and still feels like me.
Caroline's wearing: PROENZA SCHOULER WHITE LABEL Florence Top in Black; CIAO LUCIA Terza Skirt in Ribbon
Q: We know you're passionate about sustainability; has that impacted your style at all?
A: I've always been a huge vintage lover. My grandmother is a huge fashion lover–she really inspired me to go into the fashion world. Most of my wardrobe is from her closet, so she really inspired me to get more into vintage. I love shopping secondhand, and I think it's important to be smart about what you're buying and bringing into your wardrobe. Forever pieces are more important, and that's what I've tried to lean into these days.
Q: What designers are you gravitating towards these days?
A: I love a lot of the younger, newer designers, like Ciao Lucia. Toteme is also making really beautiful, classic pieces. When it's more established brands, I like to do vintage, because I think it was better then anyways! One of my fav pieces from my grandmother is a Giorgio Armani suit. I wore it to Vogue once, and Phyllis Posnick was like, "Where did you get that?" I said it was my grandmother's, and she said, "Of course it is, they don't make anything like they used to." So, I feel like that's where I kind of lean. If it's a classic brand, I try and find it secondhand, and if it's a new brand, I'm more apt to try and support them.
Caroline's wearing: JW ANDERSON Structured Polo Top in Black; SEA Melia Embroidery Tank Dress in White
Q: Do you have any fun Vogue stories?
A: Definitely. Anna used to have three assistants. When I first started, one of hers had just left and there was a temporary period where she needed someone to fill in, so I was her assistant for 2 months which was very interesting. It was really cool to be around her and see how her brain works. Just being surrounded by all those stylists and editors was so cool– it was a very pivotal time for me, growing up in that world and just seeing how they operate.
Q: Since you moved back, what are you loving in Charleston?
A: I've been kind of a homebody so far, getting settled here. It's been fun to go antiquing; I love this store called Warehouse 61 that has really cool stuff. I love restaurants and eating out–Chubbyfish obviously is amazing, Vern's. Then, it's been fun to do home stuff. I havent done a ton of clothes shopping yet, but it was fun to go into Hampden too and see how it's evolved!
