Back To Basics
This week, I’m sharing the most frequently sought-after request from clients. This comes up on repeat with many women who work. I generally ask women during the first meeting what their goals are so we can stay focused on a plan of action. Since the debut of The Morning Show, Alex Levy’s impeccable modern and minimalistic style has become the equivalent of the “Style Everest.”
While the wardrobe itself is easily attainable once we establish the budget, the mindset can be more challenging. I’m a sucker for movie and television inspiration. When a wardrobe is executed extremely well for character development, we aspire to want those same pieces in our lives so we can exude the confidence, professionalism, dynamic appeal that those characters encompass. The reality is that the true power lies in the magic between the costume designer and the actor. The actor can actually “put on” their character because someone creatively mapped their entire outfit, allowing them to “get into character.” Every piece has been chosen to convey subliminal messages that continue to tell us more about the lives these people live. This is not too distant from what I do for my own clientele, which is why I often mention eliminating the distractions - or the past pieces that interfere with who they are now.
The challenge often lies in bringing the mindset to the clothing. For those of us who are not trained in the art of acting, clothing can keep us stuck instead of enhancing the possibilities of who we are becoming. This fall has been a true awakening for many. There’s nothing like starting the day confronted with a wardrobe that doesn’t reflect how you feel or even inspire you. Perhaps, this is why Alex Levy has captured the attention of so many women. She’s cracked the code on looking modern and comfortable without any seemingly “it” pieces.
There were other great characters that came before Alex Levy that defined this element of subtly refined dressing. The wardrobes of the characters below are not that exciting to the untrained eye. In fact, they can be kind of bland if taken at face value - a turtleneck, a pencil skirt, a cashmere tee. The magic lies within the woman who wears these classic pieces. I never want my clients to hide behind the clothing but rather shine through it. Here are a few tips from each character’s finesse of the classics.
Shiv Roy (aka Sarah Snook in Succession)
Unexpected skin - it’s the sneak attack of creative style.
Wish to communicate you mean business? Utilize the power of a well-tailored suit.
Tonal dressing translates, elongates, and always feels polished.
Turtlenecks have incredible cost per wear!
Invest in tailoring - it’s worth the time and money.
Catherine Banning (aka Rene Russo in The Thomas Crown Affair)
Color averse? Shades of creams, browns, tans, and blacks will take you far! The trick is to play with textures in order to get more out of less.
Classic cuts never go out of style. Learn how to keep them modern with subtle details - change the button, shorten the sleeves, or add the season’s modern shoe to bring that fresh point of view.
Keep them guessing. The key to keeping that energy in your wardrobe is to allow for the unexpected to occur. This season it’s the interruption of skin - where will it peek out?
Alex Levy (aka Jennifer Aniston in The Morning Show)
Invest in great outerwear.
Work the vest - either by itself or under a blazer.
When everything else is falling apart around you, appearing put together can get you through the messy parts of life.
Use the power of three when dressing. Great sweater, sleek pair of pants… then let that last item be the sparkle.
Emily Bradford Taylor (aka Gwyneth Paltrow in A Perfect Murder)
Buy the best you can afford now and plan to upgrade along the way.
Utilize the power of your timeless jewelry staples - diamond studs, pearls, a classic watch.
Establish the statement jewelry item that is yours alone. Create a signature piece.
Be intentional with the fit - let oversized be oversized. Nothing should overwhelm your frame regardless of the current trends. Scale and proportions are paramount in styling!
