Get dressed with TyLynn Nguyen
In an industry often accused of being obsessed with ‘newness’, LA-based designer and entrepreneur TyLynn Nguyen has become something of a trailblazer, thanks to her timeless aesthetic. Keen to inject your own closet with her signature brand of quiet luxury? Here’s how…
Champion female designers
“I am the biggest fan of The Row, it’s my go-to for absolutely everything. I also love Gabriella Hearst; I think her stuff is incredible. Another favorite of mine is Magda Butrym – I have a blazer of hers that I literally can’t stop wearing, and she does some great party dresses, too. I think it’s really important to get behind brands helmed by women. I know I’m sexy; I don’t need to show the whole world. The brands I’m most attracted to have that quality: they know that their woman is powerful and sexy, but that she doesn’t want to put it all out there – and actually that makes you want to pay even more attention to her.”
Embrace change
“I am the most when it comes to skincare. I literally have a ten-step routine. On my body I use La Mer cream, which is a godsend for my dry skin, and I love the Uma Oils body oil, which smells like lavender. I take care of myself so that I can avoid having surgery and all that other stuff; I just want to grow old gracefully. I really feel like I’ve come into my own since turning 32: I am done having kids, I have a great husband and I love what I’m doing. I got my hair cut recently – kind of in a bid to say goodbye to my twenties – so now I feel like I’m not fully dressed without a full ’80s blowout. I love my new style so much! I was just at home one night watching Indecent Proposal and I was looking at Demi and thought, ‘I’m getting that done.’ I booked a hair appointment for the very next day.”
Invest in quality
“Nowadays everything hanging in my closet is stuff I wear all the time. There was a period not long ago when I was being sent all these pieces by different designers and I did get into the habit of wearing things just once, but that’s so wasteful. For me, sustainability in fashion is about longevity, it’s about investing in quality pieces and looking after them. Every piece of clothing I have now means something to me and I’ll have it for seasons to come. I want people to see me and think, ‘She was wearing that sweater two years ago and it still looks amazing.’”
Dress up
“I really enjoy holiday season. For a party I might wear a little black dress and some pantyhose. My style stays clean and minimal, but there’s just a little more festive spirit. I love Repossi and Ana Khouri jewelry, so if I am adding sparkle, they’ll be the ones providing it.”
Be true to yourself
“When I’m packing for Fashion Week, I’m just bringing my normal clothes. Occasionally I’ll be invited to a show and the designer will, kindly, offer to dress me, but sometimes I have to say no because the outfit just isn’t me. I’m six feet tall – I don’t need any help looking more extra; that’s extra by nature. My style is regal, minimal and straightforward. There’s a sophistication to it. I don’t want anyone engaging with me to be distracted by what I’m wearing. I don’t want my vision of myself to be derailed by the excitement of being involved in the industry. I want to be the person my followers have connected with, the woman with classic, enduring style. It’s been a learning curve, but I think the most important thing is to just be true to yourself.”
Be inspired
“There’s a strength to the women whose style I admire. When I was younger and wondering what to wear, my dad was always pushing me towards Princess Diana, Princess Grace of Monaco and Princess Caroline of Monaco, and I really absorbed that. I also love Sade, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Jackie O, for her poise. I’m most inspired by strong women with a strong point of view. Of course they had their flaws, but who doesn’t?”
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