Erin Walsh on Styling Anne Hathaway, The Devil Wears Prada 2, and the Real-Life Andy Sachs Arc

22:48Erin Walsh:Oh my God, that's so funny. I feel like I was born a thousand year adults. And what's so funny about that is my oldest daughter, Matilda, who's 10, she's almost 11. When I looked at her when she was born, she had that too. It was like I saw it from the second. And a friend of mine had told me when you have your baby, like to take a moment just to like look at them in the eyes because you see their essence, you see their soul. And I recognized that in her and it's just so out of this world. Yeah, the grandmother energy, it's many things at once. I think like the sense of time, you know, certainly and not wanting to lose time or waste time.

23:22Erin Walsh:I think this sense of value for like the grandeur of things. There's so many layers to it. We can unpack this more, but that was very wise of her. We're very simpatico. Do you think the grandmother energy informs the way you style? I think the mother energy, certainly. Yeah, that's how I am with clients. Even to the point where like I get protective in public, you know, just like energy and space. I always have been like that with clients. I have mom energy with all my clients. I do. I'm like very protective. And the whole ceremony when they leave and it's like everybody's looking major. I've been brought to tears before.

23:57Erin Walsh:It's very mom. Okay. I want to actually dig into the looking major part because before we go deep into your book, it seems like you've had this long-term love affair with clothes. And if fashion is a kind of romance for you, what does it feel like when you're searching and searching for the perfect look. And then you finally find the one like, you know, the woman, you know, the event, you know, the energy you want to create. And then everything clicks. Gosh, we had one of those moments today, which I can't tell you about yet. The one thing I'm so excited about the book is this idea of learning to trust your intuition.

24:31Erin Walsh:And in those moments, like with major looks, you know, it clicks because it's a visceral thing. You can feel it. And the more you train your body to like feel something, because we all just jump, jump jump to the next thing but like you know when something's like sick and in terms of you know something especially in these moments with many eyeballs on it that could potentially be viral knowing the moment like what you feel and being connected to the intention then like it's just ripple effects from there you kind of know when something's really gonna land you just do do you ever have to be like okay this is good enough like we can't get that feeling for every single look I think you know when they're like bonkers and you know when something serves the purpose.

25:12Erin Walsh:Yeah. I think you always want to do better and keep raising the bar. But look, if somebody is going to like a chill interview, maybe it doesn't need to be groundbreaking. It could just be that they feel awesome. How often do you get that feeling as a stylist? If we're talking romance, I'm like, is it as rare as real love? Like how often does that happen? Again, this fashion part, that element of red carpet moments, I think the moment a handful of years ago, I really started zoning in on this intentionality is when I just started feeling this electric current in the work. And it was like people were getting magical and the big audiences were feeling this too.

25:56Erin Walsh:It became like this shared exchange, which was incredibly exciting. I'm very grateful for that. intentionality is definitely one of the words I would use to describe the book. I also feel like a big part of it is knowing how you feel in clothing. I guess I can share for myself, I had a moment of knowing in my style when I really actually knew myself better. I had more self-awareness and then something changed. For people who struggle with their emotional intelligence or don't feel like they've hit sort of like that evolution, that moment yet, how do you think they can begin to access it through fashion?

26:36Erin Walsh:I think a lot of the mistakes people make with fashion is they look at what they're being told to like or what's trendy or what works on a certain body type or like what the working woman should wear. Like these prescriptions, which while it's helpful to like look at what might inspire you. A random prescription for you doesn't usually work because it's not centered on how you want to feel. Number one, getting to the point where you feel great and like you can trust yourself and you know that you know how to use the tools. That starts with getting clear on how you feel now, which means getting vulnerable with yourself.

27:14Erin Walsh:Because most people, they think they can like grab a power jacket and just feel instantly awesome without actually thinking about first, how am I feeling now is that tired overwhelmed you know anxious what does that person need what kind of tools does she need at her disposal maybe she needs like a softer thing in the mix how do I want to feel three words this is the game three words how are you feeling three words how do you want to feel and so if that you know tired anxious overwhelmed person has a day with you know a couple meetings maybe picking up kids dinner etc maybe she needs something energizing maybe she wants to be inspiring.

27:51Maybe she wants to be supported, right?

27:54Erin Walsh:And we're tired. We need some support. What pieces do that? First, to me, support looks like, you know, things that cinch your waist, shoes that feel grounded. To me, that means a chunky shoe. Empowering, that is why I would grab a blazer, you know, with great shoulders. It makes me feel strong. It's why if I need to feel held, I might add like a soft sweater over my shoulders just to make me feel, you know, supported. It's interesting in the book and then in learning how to live this more and more, you'll understand that by first connecting with how you want to feel, it gets you real on yourself and it brings you back to the intention of just like Diamond Firstimer told me when I interviewed her for the book, who is that woman that I want to be?

28:35Erin Walsh:getting back to that every single day, no matter what life is throwing at you, because you don't get to decide how you wake up feeling. You don't get to decide what curveballs get thrown your way, but you can keep reconnecting with that intention. And that's what's going to keep you in integrity with yourself and that woman that you want to be. Okay. I'm so glad you brought this up because that moment threw me for a curveball in your book. I really try to live my life with intention. I have never thought, who do I want to be in this room? I oftentimes will dress for the setting or the event. And instead you are asking us to think, who do I want to be in this room?

29:10What do you think that we lose when we dress for the setting rather than for ourselves?

29:16Erin Walsh:We lose ourselves. You dress for the setting that you're not connected with what that person inside of you needs. You spend your life just playing a part and not embodying it. You're always going to be disconnected from yourself it's like trying to you know charge your phone without plugging it in the wall it's why we're here it's like we're all connected but first connecting to yourself is essential before you can connect authentically with other people and i believe we're here to connect with other people but that only can happen when we get real with ourselves that's the clarity part so the create method in the book the first word is clarity it's getting real with yourself The second word, the R, is ritual.

29:58Erin Walsh:What steps do you need to take to do that today, to get grounded, to reboot, recalibrate? And then the editing, the E, the fun fashion part, that's transforming your closet into a portal of possibility, meaning every single piece in it, you get real. And you're like, this jacket makes me feel empowered, confident, and supported. And anything that doesn't make you feel great, it goes. So there's no nonsense in there. Then we get into alignment, truth, telling the story of who you are to the world with what you wear and expansion, which is like a lot of people along the way to finding what works for them with fashion, they could stay in the same uniform for 30 years.

30:32Erin Walsh:And I'm not saying like, don't know what works for you. We're here to grow. So you have to keep asking new questions. And in the process of picking, say your three words you want to feel today, getting creative about new possibilities and not just words that serve other people, but how can you choose something that surprises you? Try it on for size. could say that your three words for the day were, you know, compassionate, explosive, dynamic. And maybe that word doesn't work for you. You try it. I'm like, what's the worst that can happen? You tried something new and it didn't work. Great. That's information.

31:05Erin Walsh:You can use that. I really like the method because I was going through my closet thinking about it after I read the book. And I'm from Chicago originally. And so I've lived in LA for 13 years and my taste has evolved a lot, mostly because I have so many stylish people around me and I wanted to study it and I would look at magazines. There are moments where I slip back into my Chicago ways and I realized I had to edit it out of my closet. I just had to get rid of it. That's not the story. You do. That's not the story you want to tell to the world energetically. It's like creating a block in your possibility.

31:44Erin Walsh:We've got to be cleaning out all the time. I think you need to clean out your closet like four times a year and then look at it every month. Totally agree. The story changes, just like our story. Your story changes. And don't feel bad about holding on to like things from people you love. That's okay. But like just holding on to something because you're hoping to fit in it one day is not necessarily helpful. And my Midwest like cutouts and everything is also something I have edited out. So that's gone. So I started my career as a red carpet reporter and everybody would ask, what are you wearing?

32:17And I don't know if you can tell I'm pretty woo woo. And so I hate it. I would never ask the what are you wearing question. However, once I started understanding fashion, I got the point. Like it was really important for people to share the designers names. I'm curious how you feel about that question. is it harmless social thinking or is it a sin i don't think it's a sin things like that don't

32:42Erin Walsh:take offense to it but what i would find to be more interesting would be why are you wearing because especially like you look at some of the choices this red carpet season which were so interesting like i think tiana taylor was just like wearing soul on steroids it was so exciting and fun and those choices you could tell that all of them were making her feel like her best badass self and I just loved that it was so fun to see this is why I always love talking with other stylists and like sharing the joy and what other people are putting out there and in the work because there's so much space for different kinds of work because there's so many different kinds of people and so many different ways that we can uncovering to feel great and you look at like Jesse Buckley on this award season looking just so gorgeous and strong you know and like that was so beautiful to witness and it was so joyful.

33:33Erin Walsh:These aren't my work. I just loved watching these stories be shared in a big way that felt like they were really serving the women and what they wanted to put out there to support their work. Yeah, Jessie Buckley looked like herself. Yeah, I just love that. And it's something that I've really loved in working with Selena and just really watching that girl who shares her vulnerable heart with the world just shine. That's been so rewarding, especially when you got the opportunity to work with people who are using their platform in a way that really is meant to serve other people and to bring, you know, action just to use their power to help people.

34:09Erin Walsh:It's so inspiring. Well, you said that you really consider yourself more of a fashion therapist than a stylist. I know, I'm bleeding heart. I'm working with all these amazing houses and designers. I love that, but that's like a part of the sauce. It's a part of telling the story because ultimately I want these women to feel right? Feel like their best self. I think just like regular therapy, everyone might need it, but not everybody goes. How do you think your book introduces therapy to people at their own pace? I think like the idea is getting intentional about every aspect of your life brings you into alignment.

34:47Erin Walsh:Like therapy is like self-help, right? But I want to give people the tools to help themselves with every single thing that they are interacting with, even down to how they use their phone. I think when you learn to use getting dressed and ritual and movement and just even like these exercises and getting clear on yourself, that is a therapy. I think the intentionality gives you a connection with yourself that is a form of self-care, of love. That actually kind of reminds me of how you call closets these portals of possibility. I love that word possibility. I've been hanging on that word actually all week.

35:24and you tie it back to how at one point we all enjoyed dressing up or playing make-believe and our closets weren't such a scary place. And then as we grow, our closets feel intimidating or stressful or maybe even stagnant. I felt all of those.

35:38Erin Walsh:Every woman does. So how do we find that magic as adults? The magic comes when you feel the connection with the closets. Most people's closets, it's like full of stuff. It's full of all these people they used to be. And then you feel sad for that person you're not anymore. Maybe that makes you feel disconnected from who you want to be. And so then, of course, it's fucking confusing and you don't know what the F to wear. The closet as a portal, by getting clear and editing out and making room for the person that you are becoming, it just gives you a sense of ease and just freedom to step into that person.

36:14Erin Walsh:And talk about a lens. That's how you can see clearly and learn to embody the person you want to be. Like the magic, that's that connection. We feel magical when we feel connected to our purpose and our possibility. We feel not so magical when we can't see that. So I think the magic comes within that connection and learning how to live in integrity, even when life feels heavy or hard or confusing, or we feel fat or, you know, tired or even just not our best self. Like most of us don't wake up feeling that. And my whole mission is to give people the tools to find that connection because it's in that intersection of style and spirituality or style and wellness it's where this book lives and it's why i wanted to make a book i hadn't seen it addressed in a real way ever like there's lots of talk over the years about fashion and beauty and empowering and all these different wonderful ways that fashion can affect us but i hadn't seen it as like this manifestation tool before and that to me felt like game-changing shape-shifting literally.

37:14Erin Walsh:And it was that intersection of style and well, style and self-care that really moved me to write a book. You're actually giving me such great imagery because to think of style as manifestation and that question that DVF gave you, who do I want to be in this room? Then your closet really is a portal of possibility. That's so interesting, Erin. Yeah. And it's not a burden. It's a threshold. It's potential. So is it okay that I have three sizes of jeans in my closet or do I need to get rid of them? If you're actually wearing them, it depends on how you're wearing them and how they make you feel.

37:46Erin Walsh:Like it's not the actual sizes that matter. The thing is with women, our bodies change all month and then our whole lives. So having a means of compassion for that too, you might need that in the course of a month. That's not for me to do. You can assess that for yourself, what you need, how that will help you. And I know on the weekend, I like to wear jeans that are a little less structured, right? Because I need some ease. So it just depends on how they're serving you.

38:18Okay, you've got a lot going on and choosing the right probiotic might not be at the top of your to-do list. I get it. So let's make things simple. Garden of Life is the number one women's probiotic brand for a reason. It's specifically designed for women to support the immune system, vaginal health, and overall women's health. You can feel good knowing that this is the brand so many women trust for their gut health. Garden of Life transforms 16 diverse probiotic strains and 50 billion CFU to support digestive health and a flourishing gut flora. And if you're worried whether Garden of Life Women's Once Daily Probiotic is the real deal, don't, okay?

38:59They are certified non-GMO and doctor formulated for women's unique needs. To put it simply, this is an easy way to prioritize your gut health. Garden of Life, formulas for feeling alive, available on Amazon. Disclaimer, number one based on Circona 52-week multi-outlet unit sales ending 11-30-25. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Good Ranchers delivers 100 % American meat straight to your door. Every cut is sourced from local U.S. farms and ranches, and the entire packaging and fulfillment process takes place right here in America before it's delivered to your doorstep.

39:43No imports ever. Just high quality, 100 % American beef, chicken, pork, and wild-caught seafood. I'm a subscriber, and my plan is incredibly easy to manage. Traveling? Need to skip a delivery? You can pause, move, or adjust your order any time in just a few clicks. Right now, when you start your plan, you'll get free meat in every box for life, plus$25 off your first order with code RANCH25. Go to GoodRanchers.com and use code RANCH25 to start your Good Ranchers plan today.

40:24When you write that you should be breaking one fashion pattern every week, what do you mean by that? Like, have you broken one this week?

40:31Erin Walsh:I try to do that with the words that I choose. The pattern breaking comes in being brave enough to surprise yourself. And I don't believe in taking risks just to take risks and like fall on your face. I don't think that's the point. And that doesn't make us feel great. But there's so much potential in us that we're afraid to unpack because we feel comfortable. So by choosing a word that surprises you and seeing how it feels, I think that's how you grow. And that's how you keep changing and evolving. So in terms of patterns, yeah, just keep trying on new words for size. So you're a fashion therapist.

41:07I've heard you say Anne Hathaway has a PhD in fashion. What does that mean? Does that mean you feel like she could be a stylist herself?

41:16Erin Walsh:I think she could literally be anything. She's a very smart lady. Yeah, I think if you're in 3 ,000 fittings, like some of it sticks. She's been in the public eye for a long time. Does it make your life harder or easier? That she's so smart. I think it's wonderful. It's information, right? And that's like for collaboration, like turn up the volume. That's why it's fun. Okay, so I have a question for you about management because I thought I was busy. But oh my God, you work at the intersection of creativity and logistics. I know my assistants are in there packing a carne right now. I think with managing and micromanaging, you have to do both.

41:53Erin Walsh:I definitely have a lot of awareness of making sure all the dots are connected and just like double checking things because there's a lot of balls in the air and a lot of things that rely on me. I have found with so much going on that my rituals and even this method are more important than ever. And even like last week when I was in China and jet lagged and waking up at 3am, I was making time to, you know, like I have like this alkalizing powder and I would work out every single day because it just reconnecting to my body was important before I put on any clothes. Not because I think I'm like the fittest, you know, mom in the world or whatever.

42:29Erin Walsh:It's because choosing to honor myself in these ways and being consistent about them are just as important as me, not when I'm tired, making a lazy choice, like stepping back into how am I going to walk as that person when I wake up feeling this way. So I have found that's important. I think with teams. You have to, you know, lead the way just like your kids, your people learn by how you are and how you treat them. And I try to lead in a way that is compassionate and clear. So I'm very direct about what is needed and wanted to do the work. But I also try to really embody and lead from a place of generosity, kind of like a mom to like a mom to everybody.

43:14So I was reading that Anne has five films that are out this year and she's not your only client. Okay, so that is like so many major projects and appearances. When your calendar gets that big, can you plan far ahead or are you pivoting in real time always?

43:31Erin Walsh:You have to be able to do both at the same time. And also in the business of dressing how you want to feel, you can plan something really well and things just change. So you have to be flexible. I think an important thing of it is, I talk with Anne about this a lot, is the 3D chess of it, just seeing like the possibilities and how you can shift and pivot just so, you know, you can always be on your feet and ready because a lot of curveballs can get thrown your way. And if the point is making somebody feel great and getting it all done, like you have to problem solve in real time, like we do as parents.

44:01What story were you going for for your book tour?

44:04Erin Walsh:I mean, honestly, I want to be able to lead from a place of light and calm and clarity. And my mission is to make all of this feel as digestible and accessible. And like this idea that fashion is not this luxury that we just see on the red carpet or on the runways. It's something that can be pivotal and magical and redefining our potential and how we see ourselves. It's so easy when you start doing this to start implementing this into your life. The book is beautiful. There's so much to it and so many layers we can unpack our whole lives. But just by getting clear on these essential things to start and live your day, it also gives you room to reflect every day.

44:49Erin Walsh:How did I walk in intention today? Did I honor that person I want to be? What went wrong? What can I do to better this? And then it just keeps you in check with yourself, which is so exciting. That's the magic of it. And with the tour, it's not just about the tour. This is like the beginning of the new era of how women see themselves. And I talk always about women. I want this for the men too, but I work mostly with women. So that's where I consider myself a little bit of an expert. I loved in the book when you noted that at Vogue, you learned there was always a solution. Everything is figureoutable, right?

45:22Erin Walsh:Marie Forleo, who I interview in the book, talks about that a lot. This is one thing as a leader. I always tell my assistants, like, it's not like, oh, that was impossible or, oh, that didn't work. It's like, what was it solved? That's a lot of times where the magic happens in red carpet moments is it's not like panicking if something doesn't happen. It's like, how do we solve this? And most of the time it's better. So I normally end with some rapid fire lightning questions. But since I have the style maker of the year here with me today, I thought we would play a little game of trashy or trendy.

45:49Erin Walsh:Oh, fun. Love it.

45:54Okay. Little black dress, trashy or trendy?

45:57Erin Walsh:Oh, trendy. Always classic. Varsity shirts. Trashy. Skinny jeans. Trashy. Pirate aesthetic. Trendy. Brooches. Love. Trendy. Sneakers over heels. Not for me. Okay, Valentino pumps. Are they back? Trashy or trendy? So back. So trendy. The new cut is excellent. You must try them. Cerulean blue. Trashy or trendy? Very trendy. Okay, Erin, what is a book that changed your life? Something you think everybody should read? The Creative Act. Rick Rubin's book. Okay, what's one thing every woman should try once? My heels, obviously. And then I always pick a card from the Question Everything card game. And I got, do plants thrive or die in your care?

46:41Erin Walsh:They die. I'm very good with children, though. The plants, not so much. Erin, thank you so much. You're a light. Thank you. This is such a joy. Thank you for having me.

46:54okay you know what time it is today's a good day to have a good day i'll see you next week

47:14All the talk of probiotics can get confusing. Which to take? Why? What does it do? Let's make it easy. Garden of Life's doctor-formulated once-daily women's probiotic is the number one women's probiotic. Why should you take it? Well, Garden of Life transforms a range of probiotic strains to support digestive, immune, and vaginal health. Plus, this doctor-formulated non-GMO formula is designed specifically for women. Simply put, this is an easy way to support your gut health. Garden of Life, formulas for feeling alive. Available on Amazon. Disclaimer, number one based on Circona 52-week multi-outlet unit sales ending 11-30-25.

47:54These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This is an iHeart Podcast. Guaranteed human.