Melissa Gorga Reveals the Style Tip She’d Give Her RHONJ Rookie Self (Exclusive)

Melissa Gorga’s fashion sense might not be as quintessentially Jersey as viewers presume.

While recognized as one of Real Housewives of New Jersey‘s most polished cast members, the style maven reflects that her early television looks didn’t fully capture her true aesthetic. During a conversation with PEOPLE about Let’s Sprinkle by MG’s latest creation (a festive confetti coffee cake), the 46-year-old entrepreneur shared retrospective fashion advice.

“Goodness gracious, remove at least three accessories!” she laughs, recalling producers’ early requests to amplify her jewelry to embody regional stereotypes. The Envy boutique owner confesses, “My personal style actually diverges significantly from typical Garden State glamour compared to my co-stars.”

“Initially I complied,” Gorga continues, “piling on chunky necklaces and armfuls of bangles. But eventually I put my foot down – that wasn’t authentic self-expression.”

With 15 years of reality TV experience refining her sartorial instincts, Gorga now embraces strategic sparkle. Her jewel-encrusted Sau Lee ensemble at February’s People’s Choice Awards made such waves that Brittany Mahomes later sported the same design at April’s TIME100 Gala – cementing Gorga’s status as a trend pioneer.

This evolution prompts the question: What defines Melissa’s current fashion philosophy?

The style influencer reveals her New Jersey and Huntington boutiques now showcase spring’s key trends: playful prints and effortless shapes. “Surprisingly, polka dots dominate this season. Stripes are resurging too. My current obsession? Flattering wide-leg denim that transitions seamlessly from sneakers to stilettos.”