27 February 2023

Style Rules: Martina Meier

Austria-based boutique owner and influencer Martina Meier’s style makes for chic everyday outfit inspiration. From the seasonal buys and fashion brands she relies on to her favourite Instagram follows, here are the style rules she lives by.

Images: @MAX_LAURENZ

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@MAX_LAURENZ

I would describe my style as casual and not too loud. I believe less is more and definitively better. If you come from the fashion industry, as I do, and have the pleasure of dealing with it every day, style automatically becomes easier and more relaxed. Your focus also gets sharpened on the essentials.

It sounds obvious but the one thing that will really add to your outfit is happiness. It is the best… That and a statement bag always result in a stylish and confident outcome.

The one piece of style advice I'd share with everyone is that jackets and coats can be so transformative and can round off every outfit perfectly.

I prefer to dress according to my daily mood, so I don’t have any specific outfit formulas. That said, a white shirt, well-cut wide leg trousers and trainers always make for a chic, easy-going look.

@MAX_LAURENZ

There are so many fashion brands on my radar at the moment. The Row does amazing effortless and wearable for ever pieces. Prada shoes are one of my favourites because they manage to be both comfortable and stylish. Barena is always cool and affordable and, for basics, you can’t beat COS, Massimo Dutti and Arket.

I don’t follow seasonal trends. Instead, I choose the clothes that suit me and I combine them in a way that makes me feel comfortable while staying true to my personal style.

The five pieces every woman should have in their wardrobe are a well-cut trouser suit, a white shirt, loafers, trainers and great jeans. With these basics, I can reinvent myself again and again as well as combine endlessly.

The pieces I rely on most at this time of the year are cashmere sweaters from Cos, trousers from Arket and a quilted jacket – I’m currently wearing a green Stand Studio version on repeat.

There are no limits in fashion really, but there are a few things that don’t work for me – too much make-up, glitter and high heels. I prefer a pared-back and subtle look. In my opinion, cool and less is better for a woman over 50.

It sounds obvious but the ONE THING that will REALLY ADD to your outfit is HAPPINESS.

@MAX_LAURENZ

My advice for anyone who feels they are in a style rut is to take everything out of your wardrobe and start over. Only hang on to your favourites, the pieces you know you’ll wear again and again. If you’re still struggling, just supplement with white shirts and denim.

When it comes to shoes, I can’t live without trainers. They complement any outfit and make it look cooler. I also love Prada loafers and Birkenstocks, as they’re so versatile.

One of the most treasured pieces in my wardrobe is a lacquer handbag from Prada. It was a birthday gift from my husband. I’d love an Hermès Birkin one day, too. I’m always drawn to the classics.

I think it’s worth spending a bit more money on quality coats, like a classic Burberry trench coat that won’t ever let you down. I also have a Loden coat on my wishlist – long, traditionally functional and stylish, it ticks all the boxes for a great overcoat.

I buy classic, long lasting and quality pieces and have completely moved away from spontaneous, ‘must-have mood’ purchases. Sustainability starts with being conscious of what you’re buying and knowing where it’s come from.

When it comes to denim, R13 is one of my favourite brands. I have several pairs, some bought years ago, and they are still the coolest.

I love Gwyneth Paltrow and Sienna Miller. Both have a relaxed, cool and authentic sense of style and fashion.

There are a few people I follow on Instagram for style inspiration – @And.Bloom (Denise Boomkens) always inspires me; @Monikh has great style; @LindaTol is so special with a great family set up, too; as well as being stylish, @Constantly_K (Karin Teigl) is a very nice person with a big heart; @Est_Living for living inspiration at its best; and @AlexanderWhiteeSthlm (Alexander White) for typical Scandinavian style.

Follow @Max_Laurenz on Instagram.