Clinton Kelly lives a whirlwind, jet-setter life. As co-host of the popular TLC program "What Not to Wear," he does 45 shows a year, each requiring about a week to complete. He has his own line of women's wear on the QVC Channel and he has an arrangement with Macy's to present style workshops, which he did in Honolulu last Saturday. His first style book, "Freakin' Fabulous," was released Oct. 7.

Add to his already jammed calendar a book tour, and his schedule would seem impossible. However, gracious and witty as always, he agreed to an interview. We caught up with him by phone in San Diego for Five Questions.

Q. How can fall fashions work for Island women?

A. It's tricky because fall fashions are about layering. But there are some fall fashions you can participate in.

One is the color purple. Maybe you can't wear a purple cashmere sweater, but you can wear a purple blouse.

Ruffles are huge. Find a ruffled blouse or a lightweight jacket with a ruffled detail.

The vest can work here; just layer it over a short-sleeved shirt.

And plaid can work as pants or shorts.

Q. You came to Macy's to talk to women who wear sizes 14W and up. Can you offer our readers some tips?

A. Avoid any oversized or shapeless garment, because it can only make her look oversized and shapeless. The goal is to create as much shape on the body as possible.

Create the illusion of an hourglass shape if she doesn't have one. If she carries weight in her midsection, it's difficult to create an hourglass without layering. The best trick is a jacket with an hourglass shape. If it's just too warm for a jacket, an empire top can work. But it needs to be an empire top without fullness over the tummy so it won't look like a maternity top.

I love a tunic that hits at mid-hip with a belt. Belts are the greatest tool for creating hourglass shapes, but never belt the widest part of you — belt the narrowest part of you. Your goal is to elongate the leg and neck. You can give that visual length by placing emphasis higher on the waist than your natural waist.

Q. Do you think boots look appropriate in a tropical climate?

A. It depends on the weather. If it's an overcast, rainy day, you absolutely can wear boots. Of course if it's 95 degrees and sunny you will look ridiculous.

Q. What are three secrets for taking a look from day to evening?

A. One: Start with a versatile piece like a dress or great trousers and a blouse.

Two: It's about adding and taking away. Wear a jacket in the day and leave it off for night. Add jewelry for night. A shoe always sets a tone so it's easiest to make a quick change with shoes.

Three: Shine and skin are especially important for evening. Add more of both.

Q. What's your take on some new pant silhouettes for fall?

A. Wide-legged: They can be valuable. It depends on the woman and where she carries her weight. If she carries it in her hips, you don't want the look to narrow at the knee. It should drop straight down from the hip to the hem. Hemming is important because it looks sloppy if it's too long and bunches at the bottom. Wear at least a little heel with them.

High-waisted: It works only if you have a narrow waist. If you carry weight in your midsection it can look like grandpa at the beach.

Drop-crotch: They're so dangerous I don't recommend them on any woman. Your pants should be where your anatomical crotch is. End of story.