The Queer Eye star spoke to us about fatherhood, his go-to gifts, and the products he can’t live without.
In 2018, Queer Eye’s Tan France first appeared on our television screens with a life-changing wardrobe hack we still use to this day: the French tuck. “I think it’s the most impactful thing I’ve ever done,” France told us over a video call. Seven years later, he’s still busy styling the show’s heroes to look and feel their best, but his sense of fashion, career, and lifestyle have grown far beyond the tuck.
Sometime between creating his own production company and filming the ninth season with the Fab Five in Las Vegas this year, France also became a father of two under two. And that’s not all: The lauded shopping expert was named Citi Shop‘s newest ambassador. The browser extension is almost like having your own shopping companion, a la France, right on your computer. It finds the best offers and coupons at over 5,000 online merchants on everything from a new handbag to baby gear, saving you time and money. All you have to do is add the tool to your preferred browser and shop as you normally would, and it’ll find the best deals for you in seconds, no coupon hunting necessary.
We sat down with France to chat about his other recommended shopping hacks, parenthood, and, of course, the items in his closet he couldn’t live without.
Katie Couric Media: Do you have any styling hacks that you would consider just as important as the French Tuck?
Tan France: There’s no such thing as a “new” French Tuck. The French Tuck is a classic. It’s going to be around forever. I think that’s the most impactful thing I’ve ever done! After seven years, people still talk about it. If they don’t know my name, they know me as The French Tuck Guy.
This isn’t necessarily a hack, but something I appreciate, even in the warmer months, is layering. Layer that ish up however you can, even if it’s with an accessory. Just add as much dimension as you can to your outfit. It makes it a lot more interesting. It’s the difference between just putting clothes on and styling your clothes.
Do you have any favorite accessories for this season that you’re either eyeing or you’ve already bought?
I do a lot of online shopping for vintage, and I love belts — for fashion, not function. They finish up a look. While the bags of the season are much larger, I love a mini bag, and I will always love a mini bag. If you want to lean into any kind of accessory or fashion trend this season, I would suggest changing out your bag for a large bag. It will make all the difference, and you’ll be on trend.
What’s the item in your closet you’ve owned the longest?
There are two things, actually. We call it a Mac in England, but you might call it a trench coat. I wore my trench coat on my first date with my husband 16 years ago, so that’s possibly the oldest thing in my closet. I have the entire outfit I wore on that first date, actually. The next oldest thing is a pair of white sneakers. They’re Adidas, and I got them 10 or 11 years ago.
You and your husband have two young boys. Is there anything that you wish you had when you became new fathers that you didn’t have?
About a week after having our first son, Ismael, we found out about the Baby Brezza, and that changed our life. It would take a while to make a bottle, and when your child is crying because they’re hungry, you want to calm them as soon as physically possible. The Baby Brezza makes a warm bottle of formula for you in seconds.
Do you have any other go-to gifts you get for new parents?
It’s something called a Shusher. It’s this thing that you just twist, and it makes the sound, “Shhhh, shhhh.” It goes on for ages and helps soothe the kid. It’s wild. Apparently, it mimics the sound in the womb.
What about your go-to gift in general?
For birthdays, I get the best cake I can find wherever they live. My assistant and I do research, looking at reviews and asking around on social media. Then we have it delivered to them. I mean, that’s because all I want for my birthday is cake.
I don’t know many people who say, “You know what I hate getting for my birthday? Cake.”
Actually, Karamo Brown. Karamo Brown is the only person I know. I don’t know why. He just does not appreciate cake! We can’t all be perfect.
What was the last thing you bought, and why did you purchase it?
It was a denim shirt with a very large collar, and I purchased it truly for one reason: I saw it, I felt something, and I thought, I know that I’m going to feel good in that thing. A lot of my fashion choices aren’t about what’s hot right now but about how I’m going to feel in the piece. I put this shirt on, and I felt wicked. It wasn’t too trendy, it was just a slight twist on something classic.
What’s your biggest tip for styling things in ways that feel true to yourself and your style?
This is my general rule of thumb: Forget what everybody else is doing and do it your way if it makes you feel better. Go with your gut. When I put something on, I think I know what somebody else would suggest I do, but it’s not always going to work for me. I’m a petite person, and so certain things are not going to work for me the way it does on a model who’s Antoni’s size. I’ve got a very different body shape than Antoni. You just have to feel empowered and strong enough to say, “I don’t care that that’s how that’s meant to be done.” You’re only dressing yourself.
