If there’s one industry that’s ever-changing, it’s the fashion world. And, with a reputation for being exclusive, it’s fair to wonder how the high fashion crowd got to where they are. One person who worked their way to the top is Caroline Maguire (she/her), fashion director of Shopbop. “Since high school, I’ve always loved fashion and wanted to work in the industry,” she says. “After graduating from the University of Southern California, I began pursuing my dream of working in fashion retail.”

Keep reading to find out how she took her dreams from the sales floor to the executive level at one of the biggest e-tailers of our time.

How did you get started in the fashion industry?
I began my career at Macy’s in 2001, participating in the executive training buying program. I held a myriad of positions at the company before moving on to becoming the Contemporary Fashion Director at Bloomingdale’s. Following my time at Bloomies, I served as the Contemporary Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. I’m currently the Fashion Director of Shopbop, the premier shopping destination for style inspiration and fashion discovery. Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working across product categories, including women’s ready-to-wear and accessories, menswear, and home.

What does a typical work day look like for you at Shopbop?
I partner closely with the buying, creative, PR, and marketing teams to determine fashion direction across the company. I also serve as Shopbop’s primary brand ambassador,  participate in press interviews and media appearances, and deliver key style takeaways to our customers through creative onsite editorials.

With fall in full swing, are there any fashion trends you’re loving right now?
This season, I’m obsessed with flats of all variations! I love all the embellished, ballet, square-toe, and slide-on styles we’re currently seeing from designers. Also, fall is the best time to break out new outerwear, and I’m drawn to the super luxe tweed trend. Think of an updated bomber jacket constructed with a tweedy fabric—it’s the perfect swap for the solid blazers hiding in your closet.

Any trends you predict will be big this winter?
Oversized knits are expected to make a huge splash this winter. Think knits worn as dresses and oversized cardigans with knits underneath. It’s the season of the knit! I’m also loving metallics—sequin, specchio, diamante—anything that sparkles is sure to be a hit for the winter season. At Shopbop, we’re seeing this across our accessories and ready-to-wear.

If you had to choose five staples that everyone should have in their closet, what would they be?
1. A leather jacket—ideally a moto one!
2. Your favorite denim (my fave is a slouchy pair).
3. The perfect white tee—mine pairs well with my denim and tulle skirts.
4. A slip dress. This can be worn from fall to spring, l or by itself.
5. Black ballet flats. I love them with a little grommet or diamante detailing—these will carry you throughout the seasons.

And lastly, do you have any advice for anyone hoping to work in the fashion industry?
Go for it! If it’s your passion, don’t be afraid to dream big. Even if it means starting at the bottom and working your way up—you can do it. It’s important to pay attention to what’s going on in the fashion industry. Take a look at what brands are not performing well and what the public is ultimately gravitating towards. Have an opinion, think about what you want to do in the industry, and most importantly, do your homework.