10 Questions for Tim Gunn

The host of Tim Gunn's Guide to Style mentors young designers in a new season of Project Runway, debuting July 16. Tim Gunn will now take your questions

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Project Runway's Tim Gunn sits down with TIME's Belinda Luscombe to talk must-haves, fashion don'ts, and the one contestant he would've kicked off the show

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With which designer, dead or alive, would you like to spend a lunch dishing fashion ideas? —Milo Keilo, MILILANI, HAWAII
Oh, the first really seminal designer of the 20th century: Coco Chanel. That would be some lunch. If it were a living designer, there's no one more fabulous to have lunch with than Diane von Furstenberg.

Michelle Obama or Cindy McCain? —Sharlin Aldao MIAMI LAKES, FLA.
Michelle Obama. Absolutely. She looks so comfortable and relaxed in her style, in her fashion, and she exudes that. She has a presence that gives you confidence in her.

What's the worst fashion trend you've ever seen? —Kay Soriano, MANILA
Well, sandals with socks are certainly up there. Generally speaking, it's footwear trends. I mean, the Croc—it looks like a plastic hoof. How can you take that seriously? I know it's comfortable; I understand that. But if you want to dress to feel as though you never got out of bed, don't get out of bed.

How can I look as stylish as you on what is probably a lower budget? —Tim Edwards, TULSA, OKLA.
The key to getting your fashion right is the same for men and women. First of all, know who you are and how you want the world to perceive you. Understand what colors, what patterns look good on you and the whole interaction of silhouette, proportion and fit. If you can get that right, you'll look great in anything.

What would be the most important pieces to invest in now that won't go out of style? —Jen Meckles, COLUMBIA, MO.
A classic blazer or jacket would be a wonderful purchase. I have my 10-essentials list for getting your wardrobe right. It's the blazer, the classic white shirt, a skirt, a day dress, a basic black dress, black pants, jeans, a sweater of some kind and a trench coat—you can wear it to the grocery store or the opera. The last one is a sweat-suit alternative—something that you feel good in and look good in and that you can go out and walk the dog in.

Is there anyone whose fashion choices you always love? —Sherry Grace ROCHESTER HILLS, MICH.
Angelina Jolie. She knows what's occasion-appropriate. She knows what she looks good in. She's sexy without ever being remotely vulgar. I think she has a fabulous sense of style and a fabulous sense of who she is.

What is your favorite decade of fashion? —Kim Ho, DENVER
The '60s. I don't think we've ever seen in any decade as much of a transition in how people dress. From the Kennedy years—very polished, very sophisticated—we go to Woodstock and hippiedom and Carnaby Street and Twiggy and the mini. Quite a lot of drama happened.

What factors help determine tomorrow's fashions? —Tom St. Germain, DETROIT
I'm frequently asked where fashion is going, and my response is, if I knew or if the industry knew, we'd already be there. There are so many things that can trigger a trend. It may be something from the street—witness hip-hop. It may be something from a fashion show.

What movie or TV cast has had the biggest impact on fashion? —Amy Deschenes, BOSTON
Sex and the City. Absolutely, hands down. Thank you, Sarah Jessica Parker.

What is your favorite thing to wear? —Marianne Ross AUSTIN, TEXAS
There is no better feeling for me than to go to a black-tie event in a classic tuxedo Every man looks great in a tux.