Karla Welch on Fall's Biggest Color Trend, Her Fave Watch, and the Outfit Combo She'll Never Tire Of
Karla Welch needs no introduction, but I'll provide a short one anyway. She's a mastermind stylist who has elevated all of her clients to fashion icon status, including Tracee Ellis Ross, Anna Sawai, Olivia Wilde, Sarah Paulson, and Michelle Monaghan. If you've ever obsessed over an amazing red carpet look in the last decade, there's a good chance Welch was behind it. She's also the CEO of two different companies: Wishi and The Period Company.
As soon as I got the chance to interview Welch, I knew exactly what to ask her. We discussed her top summer outfits, favorite watch, color trend predictions for fall, and more. Scroll down to read our full interview.
What are your top three favorite pieces for summer?
A white tee with white jeans. It’s crisp, clean, and always effortlessly chic. Next, a bandana kerchief. I love how versatile it is—you can wear it in your hair, as a top, belt, or necktie. It adds the perfect amount of country charm! Finally, [I recommend] wearing whatever bathing suit you want and loving your amazing body. Summer is about feeling good. Moisturize, glow up, and live it up!
What’s your favorite watch to wear right now?
I honestly can’t pick just one. Right now, I’m obsessed with the Citizen Dress Classic Watch ($325) with the black strap and gold hardware, and the brand's Zenshin Three-Hand Watch ($420) in silver. That said, I’m eyeing the gold ones too! Both of these watches are super classic and work with how I dress—especially jeans and tees. The silver feels a little more masc, the gold feels elegant. It’s funny—both are totally different but still feel equally cool and timeless. That’s real style to me.
Are you a proponent of mixing metals when it comes to jewelry and watches?
I love mixing metals and textures. Stack them all—there are no rules! That’s the fun of it.
What do you think will be the biggest color trend for fall 2025?
I’m hoping for a rich, rich red or burgundy. And honestly, a deep navy, too. Even better, let’s pair them together. It’s a bold, luxe combo I’m dying to see.
What’s the most classic way to style jeans for fall?
Picking one favorite pair of jeans is impossible—it’s all about what fits and feels best. I’ll always try the new trendy styles, but I’ll never give up the classic cuts that make me feel amazing. For fall, I’ll never tire of pairing jeans with a tee, a blazer, a beat-up loafer or cowboy boot, and of course, my Citizen watch.
Re-Create Karla Welch's Favorite Denim Outfit for Fall
Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 14 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2015, where she currently holds the title of Associate Director of Fashion News (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Kate and Meghan stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible.