Style Rules: Lina Ose

Statement accessories add a touch of originality to any outfit. My style is classic and feminine, so I like my accessories to do the talking. That might be my XXL Jacquemus bag or Loewe Obi belt – pieces like that are a great way to inject some personality into more simple outfits. 
 
A great shoe collection is key. My ATP Atelier Tuturano heeled mules are a prime example – the colour is versatile enough to wear with lots of different outfits, but the maximal feather detail makes them that bit more exciting, not to mention super chic. I loved them as soon as I saw them and now, I couldn’t live without them.

Where possible, try to support independent brands. As a woman of African heritage, championing smaller, black-owned brands is something I’m passionate about. Some of my favourites include handbag brand Mama Benz, Loza Maleombho – whose designs were worn in Beyoncé’s ‘Black Is King’ video – and finally, A.A.K.S, a brand that specialises in raffia bags handmade by women in Ghana who receive a fair living wage.  

Buying vintage bags is as good an investment as buying new. Last year I bought two amazing vintage Dior Saddle bags – obviously the sustainability aspect is important, but it’s also an easy way to find more unique variations of the ‘it’ designs everyone is lusting after. 

It’s important to buy clothes that will stand the test of time, both in terms of quality and classic designs that won’t date. I love Julien Dossera’s work for Paco Rabanne, as well as Jonathan Anderson for both Loewe and his own label. The pieces I own from both of these brands are so well made, with classic, clean cuts that I know will stay in my wardrobe for a really long time. 
 
Going out and actually browsing in department stores is the way to find new brands. I love shopping in Parisian department stores for exactly this reason. It’s good to have as much variety as possible in your wardrobe, so I’d recommend Galeries Lafayette and Printemps – they are a fashion lover’s dream. If I could only wear one brand for the rest of my life though, it would have to be Chanel or Dior. 

The best fashion doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. Last winter I bought a coat from Freep’star, a vintage store in Paris, that I’ve had so many compliments on. It’s not the most expensive item in my wardrobe, but definitely one of my favourite pieces.

It’s good to have a style icon in mind. Mine is Diana Ross. She’s beautiful, talented and the queen of glamour – I always try to channel the same energy as her. When it comes to Instagram, one of my favourite follows is @ChainkyR – her gorgeous, minimal style inspires me daily.  
 
The secret to good style doesn’t come down to following trends. Instead, it’s about knowing what suits you. Accepting and celebrating your body shape is the first step, then finding what pieces and colours work best for you. It might involve some trial and error, but once you know these things, the rest is easy. 

Follow @LinaOse