Top 5 Style Inspirations
One of the first things I ask a new client when we begin working together is if there is anyone’s style in particular that they admire. It’s a great jumping off point in terms of narrowing down and defining what their own individual aesthetic is. Of course, the point is to develop and evolve your own style, and not copy someone else’s, but there is a lot of benefit in seeing a pattern in who’s style you are naturally drawn to. I wanted to share my top 5 style inspirations: the women that I turn to when I’m looking for a fresh perspective. Here they are, in no particular order…
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PERNILLE TEISBAEK
The queen of Scandi cool — so much so that she’s even written a book about it (Dress Scandinavian: Style Your Life and Wardrobe the Danish Way). Her philosophy that style is all about the small personal details really resonates with me, and I always find myself saving her outfits as inspiration. The natural hair and makeup, casualness, and focus on comfort and wearability are all things that we share an affinity for. She also is able to switch from a sweater and jeans into a full runway look without ever feeling too “done” — a testament to her comfort being in her own skin.
Another mainstay of my saved Instagram posts, this model turned beauty mogul (check out Rose Inc.) is someone I’ve been obsessed with for years. A combination of relaxed California style mixed with a British sensibility, I look forward to her weekly outfit posts and that gorgeous bathroom of hers. Rosie often mixes high to low and is a master of the monochromatic look. I appreciate that although she is usually in designer labels, her style is one that is easily translated to any budget.
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JEN WONDERS
LA-based stylist Jen Wonders is a newer addition to my inspiration arsenal. Slightly more daring with an injection of mixed prints, texture, and color than Rosie and Pernille, I feel like Jen has a very unique and eclectic taste. Some of my favorite style basics are still there — the menswear tailoring, casual approach, low-key make-up and hair — but she takes a few more risks and seems to be comfortable towing very close to the line of her looks almost not working. Better to have tried something new and have it be a bit too much versus not trying at all, right?
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ELIN KLING
My love of Totême runs deep, so it’s no surprise that I’m drawn to the paired down simplicity of Elin Kling’s style. Somehow she’s able to reinvent classic pieces into outfits that feel fresh and unfussy. Elin is a great example of a practical, wearable wardrobe that still feels very current. Hers is a great starting point for any beginner closet.
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ELSA HOSK
My style wildcard, Elsa Hosk is the definition of someone who can literally wear anything — and it doesn’t hurt that she’s a professional model. I do enjoy how playful Elsa is with getting dressed, and she oscillates between tight, sexy outfits to oversized menswear without blinking an eye. I look to Elsa for that confidence to rock something a little more bold and enjoy the fun that can be had in fashion.
Just by putting together this list there are some funny patterns: lots of Scandinavians, lots of blondes (??!!?), a “less is more” approach and a focus on wardrobe staples styled in unexpected and fresh ways.
Having the anchor of a few style inspirations when making decisions about purchasing new pieces to add to your wardrobe allows you to have context to whether those pieces feel like “you” and will serve their purpose. Every artist has their muse and inspiration, so it should be no different with your personal style.
I’d love to know whose style (celebrity or not) who you look to for inspiration. And as always, I’d love to hear your feedback and what other topics you’d like for me to cover.
