Art of Style

Get dressed with Anina Heé

Swiss-born, London-based stylist ANINA HEÉ (who recently launched her own label, Refine) is an industry insider known for her elegant yet effortless look. These are the styling and shopping secrets she swears by…

Fashion
IN THE JEANS
Chic denim plus timeless, versatile separates equals Heé’s winning outfit formula

Opt for multi-tasking pieces

“My style is classic, timeless and practical. My schedule is pretty hectic and I’ll often run straight from my desk to dinner, so I like to wear outfits that can work for any occasion with just a little tweak. I would wear the same thing in the office as I would for a Sunday stroll in the park or even on a night out, it’s just that I’ll switch between boots, sneakers and statement heels. Denim is core to my look; I often pair Khaite’s high-waisted jeans with a silk camisole and a blazer – it’s the perfect balance of smart and casual. That’s my outfit formula. It took me a while to find out what my style really was, and I have definitely worn some pretty dodgy outfits along the way, but I don’t regret it. I love looking, and laughing, at old photos.”

Shop simple

“Besides Refine, of course, my favorite label is probably Khaite. Every season it debuts pieces that are simple but beautifully made, and you can’t wait to wear them. I never feel over- or under-dressed in Khaite. I’m also a big fan of Totême; you can count on it for the best blazer, the best trench coat, the best sweater… It does wardrobe staples so well. For accessories, I love The Row – its bags and shoes are amazing; I wear the Bare sandals all the time. The common thread between all my favorite brands is that they make pieces that complement, as opposed to over-power, the women who wear them.”

Experiment with accessories

“I am really playful when it comes to accessories; I think it’s a really accessible way to try the latest trends. I love adding personality to a timeless look by finishing it with embellished pumps, a satin headband or sparkly statement earrings by Isabel Marant. Without a doubt, my biggest spend is on shoes. Prada’s Carrie Bradshaw-style strappy sandals are top of my wish list this season. And I wouldn’t feel fully dressed without my jewelry. I wear different pieces every day, but at the moment I am really loving Sophie Buhai’s simple hoops and Alighieri’s coin necklaces and pearl earrings.”

FINISHING TOUCHES
The designer uses statement shoes, bags and jewelry to update her look through the seasons

Invest in your signature beauty products

“I don’t wear much makeup, I’m into the more natural look, so skincare is my real priority. I’m really cautious about what I put on my skin so I usually stick to natural products by Susanne Kaufmann and I wear Grown Alchemist’s tinted moisturizer every day. I love the idea of having a signature scent and I have been wearing Byredo Gypsy Water for years – I actually get through it at a pretty alarming rate because I spray so much!”

CHIC ESCAPE
Heé embraces a more relaxed look on vacation, opting for printed pieces and loose silhouettes

Change with the seasons

“My style is a lot more experimental during the summer. I like to wear feminine dresses and printed swimwear and have fun with my getaway look. When I go on vacation I take lots of different bikinis because they’re all I really wear and don’t take up much room. My vacations are really active – if I’m at the beach I’ll be swimming or surfing, I’m not just there to lie on a sun lounger – so I don’t tend to wear much jewelry and I always go bare-faced, I like giving my skin a break. One thing I always pack no matter where I go is a mini clothes steamer; it’s a total game-changer.”

Find your uniform

“When it comes to dressing, the women who inspire me the most all have a very distinct personal aesthetic that they always stay true to, like Barbara Martelo and Elin Kling. I think that’s the most powerful statement you can make. They’re also working women and their style is designed to fit around their busy schedules. My ultimate icon is Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy; I particularly love the look she wore when she married John F. Kennedy Jr. I think some women get really carried away when it comes to their wedding days; they try to reinvent themselves and often end up wearing something that just doesn’t reflect their personality at all, but Carolyn was utterly herself.”

SMART CHOICES
Invest in good-quality pieces you can wear season after season and you’ll always feel confident in your clothes

The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown.