Get dressed with Christie Tyler
Turns out photographer and art director Christie Tyler has a great eye for fashion, too. The New Yorker tells PORTER how she makes comfortable look sophisticated
Easy does it
“In New York, everyone is running somewhere important. They’re dressed beautifully but there is also an element of ease, something that has really shaped my style. The first year I moved here, I tried to be extra chic by wearing heels everywhere, but I soon realized it just isn’t possible in this city. I wish I’d known then that comfort is key.”
‘Marie Kondo’ your closet
“Now, I have a strong sense of who I am and what I like, but that wasn’t always the case; I used to buy into fast fashion way too much. I was trying so hard and jumping on trend after trend – grunge, boho, street. I was unhappy with my closet but just kept buying more – it made no sense. Eventually I forced myself to look at my closet and ask, what are the pieces that make me happy and confident? I realized I was drawn to neutral tones, structured shapes and tailoring, so I made a pledge to only invest in key pieces that I’d love for years. It was so cleansing and really made me rethink my style. I am a bit more experimental with my accessories, though; I might finish a look with chunky sneakers or ’90s sunglasses.”
Sundays are for skincare
“When it comes to haircare, for me, less is more. I keep it minimal and avoid heat styling; usually I just let it wave naturally or throw it up in a bun. The same goes for makeup; your foundation only looks as good as the skin underneath, so that’s what I focus on. I invest in really good, mostly natural products. I’m a huge fan of Aesop, Sunday Riley and Joanna Vargas – her serums are amazing. I also swear by Rodin’s facial oils and Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. I dedicate Sunday nights to skincare – I’ll do a sheet mask, an under-eye mask and use all my best oils.”
(A little) change is good
“During the summer I am a total minimalist – I’ll just throw on a dress and sneakers – whereas in winter I try to incorporate more layers and textures. I do feel pressure to ‘dress up’ during Fashion Week, but I stay true to my stripped-back aesthetic – while playing with a few ‘peacock’ pieces. For a night out, I don’t really like doing the minidress thing; I’m more likely to go for an oversized blazer with kitten heels and some contemporary gold jewels. A burgundy lip is also a great idea. When it comes to holiday dressing, Paco Rabanne has been inspiring me so much lately with its crystal embellishments and chain link designs. For party season you can keep it minimal, but the key is to glamorize and dress up with accessories. That combination makes me feel comfortable, which is when I feel most sexy.”
Treat yourself
“I am a big believer in self-gifting. I had a full-time job alongside my studies the whole way through college, so when I graduated I placed a pretty hefty order with Sophie Buhai. It’s the most I’ve ever spent on jewelry but I worked hard for it. Recently I’ve been trying to refine my jewelry collection and focus on quality over quantity. I never really thought I was a diamond girl, but recently I’ve realized that when they’re incorporated into minimal designs (I have a lot of Stone & Stand and Tiffany & Co on my wish list right now), they’re exquisite.”
Perfect the art of hygge
“Hygge mode is my favorite mode – cashmere knits, thick socks and comfortable leggings are my go-tos when it comes to relaxing at home. Anyone familiar with my Instagram will know I’m a huge fan of Byredo – I always have its candles burning at home. My favorites are Woods, Chai and Ambre Japonais. For colder months, I love deep, woody, almost masculine scents, so I make sure to stock up.”
Find your fashion soulmates
“My most recent investment has been a classic camel coat by Swedish brand Totême, which is going to be in my wardrobe for years to come. It’s one of my favorite labels; the pieces are timeless. For accessories, I am obsessed with The Row, and I’m coveting the mini bags that By Far showed this season. Other brands I love are Jacquemus – his clothes really pay tribute to women’s bodies and make them feel confident and sexy – and Khaite for real clothes that you can actually live in. It’s easy to look at a fashion show and think, ‘That was amazing’, but the question is, can you actually wear it?”
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown