The 15 Style Rules This Fashion Journalist Never Breaks
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@MARTAHANDRICH
Focus on looks that will work both day and night. My style is best described as classic with a few contemporary details thrown in here and there, and for everyday, I try to keep things timeless and comfortable – that way I know I’ll get maximum cost per wear. Sometimes, you can transition what you wear to the office for dinner that evening just by switching up your shoes.
Recognise the power of a good bag. Chanel's quilted bags, Fendi’s Peekaboo or Loewe's Puzzle bag are some of my current favourites. You can wear them with jeans and a white shirt – and you don't need anything else. The right bag can elevate any look, even if you’re heading to the gym in leggings and a sweatshirt.
Don't fixate on trends. Instead, try to create a ‘forever’ wardrobe by investing in more valuable pieces like a mid-sized black bag or a pair of classic straight-leg jeans. I like Levi’s 501s or the classic straight model from Calvin Klein. I’d also recommend picking up some comfortable loafers to walk around the city – I like Saint Laurent, Tod's and Jeffrey Campbell. Right now, I have my eye on a navy-blue bomber, too.
Find your uniform. Most days I reach for the same staples, like Levi’s, a simple white t-shirt, a navy blazer and a jumper. I’ve built a wardrobe I love, so it’s easy for me to choose looks that I know will work.
Know your brands. I love Chanel for its accessories, for example, but when it comes to creating everyday looks, I gravitate towards brands like Celine and Saint Laurent. I buy a lot of second-hand pieces, too, and I always take advantage of the sales. For basics, I really like COS, Filippa K and Massimo Dutti.
@MARTAHANDRICH
Concentrate on pieces that won’t date. A pair of classic jeans, ballerina flats and a white t-shirt are three that instantly come to mind. Having pieces like this to hand will save you so much time, and depending on the other accessories, you can wear them casually or dressed up at night combined with more ornate pieces. A navy blazer is also chic, and it adds more warmth to a look than a black one. A dark chocolate leather bag is another good alternative to black. I’ve been wearing the Claire Rose x Demellier London bag non-stop this winter.
Put your money into great coats and jackets. I love Max Mara – it has such a timeless aesthetic. I also really love shorter tweed jackets and have found a few great ones at Massimo Dutti. A good cashmere sweater is essential, too – I like the ones from the French brand Tricot.
Stick to a neutral and classic colour palette if you want to look pulled together. I feel much more comfortable in black, white, grey, brown and navy blue. If I am going to introduce colour into a look, I prefer to do it with my accessories – especially shoes.
Experiment with patterns and proportion. It’s one way to make neutrals look more interesting. If I wear something oversized on top, I also try to keep the look streamlined from the waist down. If you go for wide-cut trousers, wear them with a fitted top and jacket.
Find your style icons – for example, I love Carolyn Bessette. She embodied that effortless sense of personal style so perfectly. I also like Carlota Casiraghi – she has a real natural elegance to her. And who doesn’t love Carrie Bradshaw? Although I might not copy many of her looks, I love seeing how she mixes designer pieces with more unique finds. Finally, the 90s supermodels – particularly their airport looks – never disappoint. Simple but super cool.
@MARTAHANDRICH
Think about function over form. Last year, I bought a Loewe Puzzle bag, and it has been one of my best investments. It’s a functional bag that fits so much. It is also very versatile because you can wear it with a long strap or with the shorter strap for a more formal look. It’s a real 24-hour bag – something I value because I know the investment will amortise over time. Another good example is the pair of two-tone Chanel ballerina flats I bought several years ago in Paris.
Make a wish list – and stick to it. Right now, Manolo flats are at the top of mine. I know I’ll be able to wear them every day and they’re so incredibly sophisticated. I envisage wearing them with long flowing pants, satin dresses, jeans and shorts.
Invest in a designer bag every two years. If you save up little by little, you’ll be able to add one to your collection regularly. Some models are timeless and don’t lose their value. It’s part of my buy less but buy better ethos. The last thing I bought was a grey two-piece suit from an emerging Ukrainian brand called Hukh – and I haven’t stopped wearing it.
Find fresh outfit inspiration on Instagram. Some people I like following include Camille Charrière, Jeanne Damas, Claire Rose and Anouk Yve. Their styles all differ and none of them really follow the rules, but they all know how to put their personal stamp on something whilst still looking cool and elegant.
Finally, remember style is about the relationship you have with your clothes. It’s important to make sure you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin, and this is much easier when you’ve built a wardrobe full of pieces you truly love.
Follow @MartaHandrich on Instagram.
@MARTAHANDRICH
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