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4 Fashion Stylists on Amazon’s Weird, Wonderful (and Useful) Secret Treasures

Photo: courtesy of the Retailers

In the old days, fashion stylists used to spend days leading up to photo shoots running around town hoping to find the perfect pair of ankle socks or the just-so faux-snakeskin stilettos. Now they can — and do — just order it all on Amazon. It was stylist Keely Murphy, whom we wrote about last year (she has a whole Instagram account, @fashionsecrets93, based on the wild, wonderful, and often very 2019 pieces she’s found while trawling the site) who tipped us off to this. So we reached out to her and three more stylists who regularly delve into the deep depths of Amazon for fashion shoot-ready wares. Alongside Murphy, there’s Ashley Munns, a stylist based in San Francisco who picks around Amazon for her tight-budget editorials; Ashley Guerzon, who’s done work with FADER and Clash; Hannah Black, a Chicago-based stylist and the creative director of IN Magazine. Below, they share their most surprising — and most useful — finds.

Keely Murphy

“I initially bought this set of tube socks for an ’80s-high-school-themed shoot. Now they live in my set bag and I bring them to everything. They have a really nice bunchy look that can read as contemporary or kitschy depending on what the outfit is. Ten out of ten, would buy again.”

“I bought this dress partially for a music video and mostly for myself. The price was low, it looks surprisingly expensive, it’s a great mini length, and the zipper is fully functional. The seller has a range of crop tops and mini skirts and I am definitely impressed with the material. Would go back for more.”

“Bucket hats are back and, I believe, will live through the summer. So why not go with the original? I got a few different Kangol shapes and colors off Amazon at once (because I like to have options), but this simple white one has gotten the most use. I love the terry material; it looks great with a swimsuit or sundress.”

“These glasses are sold by a dead-stock company I really like, Replay Vintage Sunglasses. I love the shape of this cat eye — it’s referential but unique. Quality is great and they are less than $10!”

Ashley Guerzon

“These creepers are classic, fulfill a very specific look, and are hard to find in-store. I originally bought them for an album cover shoot where the artist wanted to look punk. These will always be a wardrobe staple for that certain type.”

“I bought the bunny slippers for an actor-comedian to wear during his Masterpiece Theatre scene in a CNN promo, but I don’t see why they wouldn’t work for everyday padding around the house.”

Ashley Munns

“Magic Touch Pantyhose in nude are my best friend as a stylist. I bring these tights to every shoot and they often end up in my purse. I consider them my secret weapon, as I’m sure many women do. I’m also pretty sure they’re how Beyoncé’s legs always look so amazing on stage.”

$7 for 4

“I bought these flashing mouthpieces for a spring break-themed photoshoot for Crom, a Mexican magazine. I kept them and now I pop one in my purse or cargo pocket when I go out, especially if my outfit is particularly boring. It’s always fun to have a party trick handy and there is no better accessory than one that lights up in your mouth!”

Hannah Black

“The tiny sunglass trend is still kicking, and this candy-coated take on it is so cute. The tone-on-tone colorways add a pop of shine to editorials as well as Instagram posts. I recently styled the blue glasses with a ton of other neon pieces and loved the color story. Try pairing the purple, pink, or blue with other pastel pieces for spring.”

“The workwear-inspired fit brings a little structure to these sweatpants so you don’t feel like you’re wearing pajamas. You could top these off with a rugby shirt for a sporty look, a tube top for a night out, or a graphic tee and jean jacket for brunch. I’m fond of a monochromatic look: pairing the black, white, or red pants with a coordinating turtleneck or crew neck sweater.”

“This is a reversible bucket hat! (It’s black on the inside.) Would look great with a black trench and snakeskin-print or white, knee-high boots.”

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4 Fashion Stylists on Amazon’s Secret Treasures