Joe Stuckey is a stylist to the stars — he’s worked with Toni Braxton, Fantasia Barrino, several of the Real Housewives of Atlanta as well as Tom Berenger and Lance Gross. His stylings have been featured in magazines including Esquire, Grape, Essence Magazine, 944 and Jezebel.

Being around such celebrities and helping ensure their makeup, wardrobe and hair are just perfect for a photo shoot is exciting, to be certain. But “at the end of the day, people are people, whether famous or not, rich or not,” says Stuckey, 36, of Dunwoody.

In 2000 he started his own business before taking off for five years and then revitalizing it two years ago. He’s offered up some of the keys to his success as well as some of his tips on how to be fashionable even in Atlanta’s overbearing heat.

What exactly does a wardrobe stylist do?

As a wardrobe stylist I handle everything from personal shopping, photo shoots, image consultations, commercials, videos, etc. I pick out each item for the looks from earrings to shoes and clothing along with socks and underwear.

Who is the most dynamic personality you have worked with? The craziest?

No comment. They’re all wonderful. Wink.

What is the biggest fashion faux pas you see people make? What’s the most hideous fashion trend currently/of all time?

First, you can’t hide being uncomfortable. We can tell! Second, high waisted pants are not, I repeat not, for everybody. Red lipstick the same thing, open toe shoes with no pedicure, leggings or tights instead of jeans (only when appropriate people!). Your teeth no longer have to be yellow, good hygiene (I mean why not?), bad extensions, lace-front wigs, bad plastic surgery (some things you can not skimp on). Oops. I got a little carried away. Were those even fashion trends? Oh well.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

Fashion, period.

What are the most important pieces for people to have in their wardrobes for this season?

Color, color, color. Going into fall every woman needs a nice over-sized sweater and every man needs a nice pair of wingtips — they are great with jeans or a suit and they are classic and timeless.

Do you have a favorite designer?

Tom Ford (As I quietly bow down in praise LOL) and the gone-but-never-forgotten Alexander McQueen.

What’s the craziest request someone has made to you when consulting with you as a wardrobe stylist?

Let’s just say it did not involve clothes so much. Well, I guess that was not so crazy just not what I was expecting. Hehe.

Why do you like your job?

I love being able to just be me and share my expertise. I love learning and growing, meeting people from all walks of life.

What are your favorite clothes to wear when you go out — how would you describe your own style?

I think my style is very classic with my own personal flare. I like a little bit of a lot of things. From John Varvatos to H&M — and nothing beats a big pair of Gucci frames.

Top photo: Stylist Joe Stuckey with actress and singer Fantasia Barrino (Courtesy photo)