How to dress for success
Tory Burch’s art school-inspired FW19 collection is a masterclass in print, color and effortless style
It’s 15 years since Tory Burch founded her eponymous lifestyle brand in New York, and since then, it’s fair to say it’s become something of an American institution. Her secret? Making wearable, modern clothes that are joyful, colorful and infused with a grounded practicality that has made them the go-to for busy, stylish women around the world. And if you need proof, look no further than the impressive line-up of famous fans that the label has earned: Emily Blunt, Ava DuVernay, Oprah Winfrey, Julianne Moore and Halima Ahmed all wear the brand.
The FW19 collection was inspired by Black Mountain College, an experimental American liberal art school that, despite being open for only 24 years in the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s, earned a near-legendary reputation thanks to its unconventional approach to education and game-changing former students such as Cy Twombly and Willem de Kooning. If that sounds a little intellectual then make no mistake: that artsy, collegiate feel has been translated into the kind of effortlessly stylish, wear-anywhere clothes that are now Tory Burch’s bread and butter.
The dresses are the real headliners, each one hitting that elusive sweet spot between ease and polish. Burch has a knack for conjuring the perfect ultra-flattering, no-brainer midi dress, the one you can throw on at a moment’s notice and will look great with everything from sneakers to knee-high boots and will take you everywhere from work to a weekend lunch with ease. Right now, you’ll want to add the boldly printed, black and red floral dresses to your wishlist, whether it’s the neatly fitted day-to-day iteration in jersey or the more elevated silk shirt dress with its contrasting hem.
There’s also a cleverly draped navy dress with a fringed belt and Grecian gathered sleeves that’s sure to be a contender for the hardest-working piece in your wardrobe. And, for when you need to up your sartorial game, there’s a monochrome sleeveless wrap dress that’s breathtakingly chic.
There are plenty of separates to hinge your looks around, too, from colorful blouses with eye-catching, exaggerated details – a flared cuff here, a high ruffled collar there – to the swishy skirts and neatly tailored pants you’ll want to wear them with. And if you want to make a statement and brighten up gloomy winter mornings at the same time, there’s a beautiful, simply cut coat in mustard yellow that’s certain to put a smile on your face – and the faces of everyone around you – whenever you wear it. Don’t get dressed this season without it.