Art of Style

3 timeless outfit updates to try now, according to a Senior Personal Shopper

Get to know the expert recommendations and styling tips of NET-A-PORTER’s Personal Shoppers as they reveal how to hone your signature look, shop smart and find pieces you’ll love and cherish. Here, Jeff, who works across North America, divulges his insider secrets

Fashion
“Knowing the ins and outs of a client’s lifestyle is key to ensuring their wardrobes are perfectly curated,” says Senior Personal Shopper Jeff

For as long as I can remember, fashion has fascinated me. I distinctly remember shopping with my mother as a child and being drawn towards the colors and textures of different pieces. As I got older, these shopping trips to Fifth Avenue became more frequent and my mother would let me pick out pieces for her to try, as I had more and more of a say in what she was purchasing. These outings really solidified my interest in fashion and, in many ways, were prophetic of my future career.

I’ve worked in the industry for 15 years, eight of which I’ve spent at NET-A-PORTER, where I hold the role of Senior Personal Shopper. Having worked with many of my clients since I first started at the company, they’ve become true friends. In my opinion, the relationship between a client and a personal shopper should be an intimate one. I make it a point to get to know these women outside of our mutual love of fashion. Knowing the ins and outs of a client’s lifestyle is key to ensuring their wardrobes are perfectly curated. I fully respect each client’s specific style but, at times, I do coax them outside their comfort zones by suggesting silhouettes or pieces they wouldn’t usually gravitate towards. Often, these more directional items quickly become their new wardrobe staples.

When it comes to my personal style, I’ve always been drawn to Parisian houses such as Balmain and Saint Laurent – no one does suiting quite like them. Their classic yet edgy silhouettes feel both timeless and fresh. Tom Ford is another favorite of mine for an everyday aesthetic; the brand’s jackets and knitwear pieces are my go-tos for a casual yet elevated look.

Considering the fact that I purchased multiple suits and embellished blazers at the height of the pandemic, I can honestly say the past year has not impacted my sense of style. I’m very much a glass-half-full person, so I wanted to invest in beautiful pieces that would give me hope and transport me to brighter days ahead. Getting dressed in the morning sets the tone for my day and my overall mood. During lockdown, I even wore a sequined Saint Laurent bomber jacket and leather pants to the grocery store on occasions.

Clockwise from top left: bag, Gucci; watch, Cartier; bag, Gucci; watch, Piaget; watch, Jaeger-LeCoultre; bag, Fendi; sandals, Saint Laurent; watch, Jaeger-LeCoultre; watch, Cartier

A STATEMENT BAG

A great tote is a must-have in every woman’s summer wardrobe. This timeless style is iconic for heritage houses such as Fendi and Gucci, and their latest colorful iterations are future cult classics that are sure to add personality to even the most low-key look. As a practical handbag with room for all your essentials (whether you’re heading to the beach or pounding city pavements), the true beauty of a tote is that you can pair it with virtually everything, from blue jeans and a white T-shirt to pretty summer dresses.

TIMELESS SUMMER SANDALS

As someone who tends to favor more classic footwear designs, timeless sandals have always been a go-to when curating edits for my clients. Not only are they chic and comfortable, but a minimal aesthetic also ensures they will pair perfectly with everything in your summer capsule. In my opinion, classic sandals are defined by clean lines and a distinctive signature shape. Saint Laurent debuts beautiful sandals each season, updating its most iconic styles in textured leathers and new colors.

AN HEIRLOOM WATCH

As a piece that can be passed down through future generations, an heirloom watch is truly priceless. An exquisite timepiece can also add a touch of luxury to any outfit, from cozy knitwear to elegant evening looks. For anyone looking to start a watch collection, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s ‘Reverso’, the ‘Panthère de Cartier’ and Piaget ‘Limelight Gala’ are all incredibly beautiful and enduring pieces. Renowned for its craftsmanship and impeccable range of designs, Cartier is another maison I love – I’ve had my eye on its ‘Ballon Bleu’ style for quite some time now. My only reservation? I just can’t decide whether to purchase it in yellow or rose gold.

Jeff has worked in NET-A-PORTER’s New York-based team for eight years