Alex Steinherr Talks Personal Style, Favourite Brands & More

I always come back to relaxed tailoring with a bit of a tomboy edge. I’m happiest in jeans, a men’s-style shirt, an oversized blazer or a big coat. I need clothes that let me move, feel comfortable and look effortless at the same time. Neutrals are my foundation, and every now and then I’ll add a bit of colour. I don’t gravitate towards dresses, tight silhouettes or anything overtly sexy – structure and ease are what make me feel like myself.

Trends only interest me if they work with what I already love. I’ve always been drawn to that unfussy, masculine-leaning Paris-meets-New-York vibe – think Emmanuelle Alt’s ease mixed with Lauren Hutton’s polished nonchalance. I like pieces that age well – great denim, beautiful tailoring, classic shirts and boots you can actually walk in. 

I’ve always been confident with my style. I was a total tomboy growing up and constantly borrowed my dad’s jackets. That instinct never left me. My confidence really came from realising I look and feel my best when I dress for my own life. I’m tall, I walk everywhere and I need clothes that work with me, not against me. The moment I stopped forcing myself into things that weren’t very “me”, everything clicked. My style has been consistent ever since.

Clean, uncomplicated pieces are what I gravitate towards most. For me, minimal dressing comes alive through shape, proportion and texture. Oversized tailoring, great denim, a men’s shirt with a lived-in feel, a big coat – then maybe a subtle check or a Fair Isle knit to break things up. I tend to stick to neutrals but a flash of red can completely shift the mood. When the fit and quality are right, even the simplest outfit feels more intentional.

Zara, COS, H&M, M&S, ARKET and Massimo Dutti are my go-to brands. For investment pieces, I shop online and love the edit on NET-A-PORTER. My wish list is full of Loulou Studio, Khaite and Rohé. For denim, I rely on Agolde and Citizens of Humanity.

Chasing trends dilutes your personal style. The magic happens when you know what works for you and build from there. If a trend fits into your style, great. If it doesn’t, leave it. Dressing becomes easier and you end up looking confident – not like you’re trying too hard to be “of the moment”.

A great coat is my forever essential. It has to be long, with enough shoulder room for layering. I want something with presence that still feels effortless – something you can throw over anything and instantly look put together. And I’m always wrapped in a huge scarf at this time of year. I love a big one that can double up as a blanket when I’m travelling.

I always start with the trousers or jeans – they set the tone. In winter, I slip into a kind of uniform: jeans, boots, a great sweater, a long coat and a big scarf. It’s reliable but still feels considered. Once the base is there, I tweak proportions or textures depending on how I feel. It takes the stress out of getting dressed.

Invest in a Chelsea boot, a great coat and a strong pair of sunglasses this winter. Boots anchor an outfit – they’re practical, chic and go with everything. I love mine from LEGRES. Sunglasses also finish a look, even in winter. They’re the quickest shortcut to looking polished. I wear my Alaïa ones constantly.

Kate Moss will always be my style icon. She’s a built-in style compass for so many of us: instinctive, cool, effortless. On Instagram, I follow Josefine Jensen. She does that Scandi minimalism with just the right amount of opulence – polished but never precious.

Minimal style becomes so much more interesting when there’s one focal point. That can be an unexpected texture, an unusual silhouette, a saturated accessory or a sculptural earring. Keep the base familiar, then let one detail shift the whole conversation. It’s about contrast, not clutter.

I naturally gravitate towards neutrals. When I want to shift the mood, I reach for red, burgundy or army green. They behave like elevated neutrals – rich but grounded. I treat colour as an accent: one piece that stands out against a quiet backdrop. It keeps the look cohesive but gives it personality.

For date night, it’s all about elevating familiar silhouettes. A sharp jacket with great trousers and a heel is my go-to – relaxed but polished. For bigger events, I love a tuxedo. It’s timeless and confident. I’m also drawn to head-to-toe white or cream, especially in interesting textures. And in winter, velvet is my weakness. Accessories always do the heavy lifting – they can transform even the simplest look.

I will always shop on the high street. It’s that balance of practicality and discovery. You can find genuinely great pieces that work in a real wardrobe without the pressure of a big investment. The high street is perfect for testing ideas – a new proportion, a fresh colour, a fabric you’re curious about. And sometimes you come across those unexpectedly brilliant pieces that become real workhorses.

High-street cashmere is where it’s at. H&M’s premium line does a brilliant cashmere blend jumper every year – I buy it in multiple colours. The prima cotton turtlenecks are staples for me too. I also bulk-buy the Topshop premium white tees – they’re thick and perfectly boxy. And high-street denim can be fantastic – especially Zara; when it gets a fit right, it’s so spot on

ARKET is having a moment right now. I found an incredible velvet overshirt that I’d been searching for forever. COS is also brilliant for evening; the shapes always feel architectural and refined. And H&M has really surprised me – especially its tuxedo trousers. If you size up, the silhouette becomes instantly chic.

Always look at fabrication and fit. Fabrication is key – natural fibres, weighty blends, dense knits, cottons that hold their structure. Finishing matters too: clean stitching, proper hems, good hardware. And proportions are everything. Classic cuts with a subtle twist age beautifully. I buy high-street pieces deliberately and with consideration, the same way I would anywhere else.

Finally, shop the men’s section – it’s one of my best hacks. The fabrics are often better and the cuts naturally give you that effortless oversized silhouette. Tailoring is another game-changer. Small adjustments can make a huge difference. It’s all about intentional proportions and thoughtful textures.

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Photographer credit: Victoria Adamson