My Style Signature: Anna Jewsbury On Building A Wear-Forever Wardrobe

When Anna Jewsbury describes her personal style, it’s clear that it doesn’t fit neatly into one box – it’s a little more nuanced than that. “I would say my style is quite instinctive, but there’s also a bit of unpredictability, a sense of contradiction to it,” she says. “I think because I grew up in a mixed-race household, I really value a fluid identity.”

As founder and creative director of Completedworks, the London-based jewelry, accessories and homeware brand she established in 2013, Jewsbury has developed a unique visual aesthetic shaped by her childlike curiosity and an eagle eye for detail – qualities that have certainly influenced her wardrobe, too. Drawn more towards interesting shapes, fabrics and textures over anything trend-led, she finds a lot of joy in the unexpected when it comes to getting dressed. “I think, sometimes, the most revealing choices for what we wear can be quite subtle – a different proportion, material or the mismatched way someone styles their earrings can communicate a lot.”

Whether she’s heading to the studio, a social engagement or the school gates, there’s one thing Jewsbury knows will pull together her day-to-day looks, no matter how simple. “I rely on jewelry to introduce character and a sense of transformation to an outfit,” she says. “I have so many ear cuffs that always make me feel empowered and like I’ve made an effort.”

As for clothes, Jewsbury has built a capsule of beautiful, classic-with-a-twist designs by the likes of Jacquemus, Cecilie Bahnsen, Jil Sander and Tove, all of which have become cherished staples in her wardrobe and only get better with time. “I love to wear the same pieces to death and then take them to be repaired,” she adds. “I imagine myself still wearing them when I’m 80.”

For Jewsbury – who grew up in Yorkshire, England, and studied mathematics and philosophy at the University of Oxford, before pursuing a career in design and launching Completedworks – inspiration often comes from objects she encounters every day, whether it’s a crumpled food packet, a flower or a sandbag slumped over a roadwork sign. “They’re so puffy and they have these beautiful folds. I’ve got a whole roll of them on my phone,” she enthuses. Working either with wax or clay, Jewsbury will then take these kind of references and exaggerate or distort them in a way that feels less real. “I’d say we’re very experimental,” she says of her brand. “We always want to do something very fresh and new – otherwise, there’s not really any point.”

Here, she shares her go-to silhouettes and the accessories she swears by to elevate work, evening and weekend looks…

“I love the contrast of the softness and fluidity of this silk Tove top against the structure and clean shape of the Toteme skirt. It feels polished, but never as though you’ve tried too hard, which is usually the sweet spot. For daytime, I’d wear the skirt with an oversized shirt or knit and flats, then switch back to the top for dinner or an event. I’d finish it with statement earrings, a sleek clutch and a minimal heel.”

“The texture of this Cecilie Bahnsen dress, and the amount of craftsmanship that has gone into it, is really beautiful. I love that you can throw it on and suddenly feel transformed. Adding a bit of color with the Herbert Levine shoes and brushed-gold jewelry is a nice touch without taking away from the dress. I’d wear this to a summer wedding, gallery opening or dinner with friends. It has that rare quality of feeling romantic without ever tipping into precious.”

“This Toteme dress is super-special. Going back to how I define my style, it looks classic, but there’s this asymmetry to the skirt that’s very unexpected. I loved wearing it with the Jude shoes. I felt really good in this look. It’s one of those dresses you can rely on for anything, from a cocktail party to a work event, because it’s such a great canvas for accessories. I’d change it up each time with different earrings, shoes or even a bold cuff – and it always feels like a new outfit.”