Here in the middle of Fashion Month, we’re feeling the urge to dress like a chic fashion industry insider. Specifically, we want to achieve that nonchalant, unfussy and yet authoritative look that so many luxury designers seem to have mastered from birth. If you’re similarly inclined, check out our edit of the 10 key wardrobe buys and outfits inspired by the issue of what to wear and how to dress like a luxury fashion designer, including blazers, jeans and tops. Our ace correspondent was a fashion designer herself before joining our team, so she knows exactly what she’s talking about. So let’s make like Miuccia Prada, Virginie Viard, Sara Burton or Maria Grazia Chiuri. ‘Cause why not?
what does it mean to dress like a fashion designer?
Last month, an observant reader wrote into the New York Times with a question, “How can I dress like a designer?” She didn’t want a costume to fool the world into thinking that she was at the helm of a luxury fashion label. Instead, she wrote: “I am always struck by the fact that they never look as though they are trying too hard, but they always look elegant: cool but functional.”
Ahhh . . . the Holy Grail of fashion: elegant, cool and functional. Yes, please!
Essential wardrobe staples to channel your inner fashion designer.
It turns out there is a timeless uniform favored by fashion execs and designers. From the directors at luxury European houses that create the bold and fantastical garb we love to lust over to the mass market designers of American brands.
We’ve observed first hand that it comes down to a few closet staples.
Key wardrobe buys and outfits inspired by what to wear and how to dress like a luxury fashion designer.
I’ve worked in the fashion industry first as a designer, and then in marketing, for over a decade. If I had to distill the fashion designer’s wardrobe formula into three adjectives, they would be: timeless, utilitarian, and effortless.
Often these words might conjure a classic but boring outfit of jeans and a white button-down shirt. But designers unerringly select basics for their wardrobes with an unexpected detail.
Sometimes the detail is so small that only others in the fashion tribe notice. An interesting contrast top-stitch or an exaggerated patch pocket. I’ve also noticed that designers often wear clothing in their next size up for a nonchalant and fluidly draped fit. The outfits are minimal but thoughtful. And it’s much easier to nail this look than you think.
Key wardrobe buys and outfits inspired by what to wear and how to dress like a luxury fashion designer
As we shed our winter layers, this is the perfect moment to invest in a few pieces that will have you looking elegant and cool for seasons to come. Read on for the fashion designer’s secret weapons. We’re showing how to dress like a fashion designer in 10 easy steps. And should you want an even more detailed take on the subject, sign up for Marc Jacobs’ Masterclass on fashion design.
the 10 key wardrobe buys to dress like a fashion designer
1. The blazer
If there’s one must-have item in the fashion designer’s closet, it’s the androgynous blazer. It’s got all the utility of a leather jacket and cardigan but looks infinitely more polished without looking like it’s trying too hard. Designers often pair it with a tee underneath for a more casual look and it doubles as a great canvas for a well-curated pile of layered necklaces. This Tibi blazer features subtle cut-out sleeves for an edgy vibe.
BUY NOW – $650.00.
2. The unexpected jeans
Designers always seem to wear jeans that do not adhere to the trendiest wash or silhouette of the moment. It almost seems like the rule of thumb is the dowdier they look, the better. Japanese denim will always give you bonus points like these high rise Tu es mon Tresor jeans with boldly rolled hems.
BUY NOW – $375.00.
3. The jumpsuit
Clothing with a history is a natural choice for designers and when their day includes sketching, fittings, and poring over fabric samples, the workwear-inspired jumpsuit is a no-brainer. No one does them better than Alex Mill whose garment dyed pieces have those authentic-looking highs and lows and fit like a dream.
BUY NOW – $195.00.
4. The statement sweater
When it comes to sweaters, less is more. I don’t recall ever seeing a designer in a patterned, embellished or multi-colored knit. Instead, choose something with a bold color that’s balanced out with clean lines and premium yarns. We’re loving this vest/cardigan from Extreme Cashmere.
BUY NOW – $780.00.
5. The bohemian blouse
A fashion designer always has a bit of an artist and/or poet in them and as such, they do break out of their tailored garments from time to time. Isabel Marant’s breezy bohemian blouse with delicately rendered details is a staple in the spring.
BUY NOW – $390.00.
6. The vintage t-shirt
One of the most frustrating things when complimenting a designer about their outfit and wondering where they got it from is that 7 times out of 10, it’s vintage. It’s inevitable since part of their job is literally shopping for inspiration samples (not to mention all the vintage garments that get dropped off from some well-meaning co-worker from another department). If you don’t have the patience to find that one-of-a-kind piece, this nostalgic embroidered daisy t-shirt from The Great embodies that slouchy, well-worn fit of the best vintage picks.
BUY NOW – $135.00.
7. The baggy trouser
Form-fitting clothes have their time and place but not in the design studio. If you want to look like you know the difference between a bound seam or a French seam, err on the side of the baggy trouser. The street-style character of these Reiss pants would be favored by many a fashion designer who often get their inspiration from people watching.
BUY NOW – $225.00.
8. A symbolic necklace
Designers are experts at playing with proportion and texture — not only when it comes to textiles. Their skills often translate to having enviably curated earscapes, neck-messes and stacked rings that look perfectly thrown together. Start with a necklace like this Zoe and Morgan piece that has an interesting textured chain and a timeless pearl and moon motif.
BUY NOW – $491.00.
9. A chunky ring
We’ve known many designers that wear dainty and delicate rings but it’s often balanced out by at least one chunky, statement ring. The more unexpected the stone, the better. This diamond and malachite ring from Rainbow K looks like it could have been inherited from someone’s cool grandpa.
BUY NOW – $1,490.00.
10. The tote bag
A utilitarian tote bag ties the outfit together but luxury monograms on coated canvas are rare amongst designers unless it’s a beaten-up vintage version. Marni will always be a designer’s designer for her eclectic but sophisticated color combos. This logo tote one they’d be proud to carry.
Key wardrobe buys and outfits inspired by what to wear and how to dress like a luxury fashion designer
BUY NOW – $1,290.00.
10 luxury essential wardrobe staples to channel your inner fashion designer
See how easy this is? Those are the 10 key wardrobe buys and outfits to consider when it comes to learning what to wear and how to dress like a fashion designer. None of which require you to break the bank. And when the compliments start pouring in, just tell them that it’s all vintage. Or an old design sample.
