A Lesson in Mastering Iconic Style From Our Very Own Hillary Kerr

How has your personal style evolved over the years?

I grew up in La Jolla, California, and so much of what I wore as a teenager was informed by surf culture and

the beach. I had more variations of flip-flops than anyone should own! By the time I ended up in New York for grad school and my first job at Elle, I was starting to figure out what actually worked for me and my taste instead of just what was trending. I found myself gravitating toward some of the 1950s-adjacent silhouettes that I still rely on today. I still have a soft spot for tailored pieces, but lately, I’ve embraced pieces that are a little more relaxed while still paying homage to the feminine silhouettes I prefer.

What are some of the style rules you follow?

You can make anything look expensive if you get the fit right. Gray goes with nothing, so therefore, it goes with everything. Some of the chicest women in the world have a personal uniform, so don’t feel like you constantly need to update your style. Fashion trends may come and go, but jewelry is forever.

Tell me about some of the fashion pieces in your wardrobe that you would describe as iconic.

So many! I will always adore a pointy black pump, my beloved trench coat, my classic tuxedo blazer, a sculptural cocktail dress, a romantic little white sundress (pictured here), perfectly broken-in gray T-shirts, a black leather pencil skirt, and my beloved motorcycle boots that I’ve had for over a decade.