Welcome to Style Diaries, a new series where we research the physical manifestations of our closet tours IRL. We're asking friends and tastemakers to show us what they're *actually* wearing during the week and to provide a little insight into their thoughts on the current state of fashion. This week we are speaking with Bustle's deputy fashion editor, Jessica Andrews, about the looks she wore during fashion week. She used the week as an excuse to experiment with fashion again, juxtaposing feminine elements with masculine accessories in an intriguing manner.
What role does fashion play in your life? How does it serve you?
"Fashion is like armor to me. When I go out into the world, it's the way I assert my identity before anyone decides who I am for me. I love the cottage-core movement for Black women because there's so few media portrayals of our lived experiences that give us the space to be soft. I am soft and I'm intentional about giving myself permission to feel vulnerable and feminine, so I wear that on my sleeve—but I'm from Jersey; I also have a lot of edge. So I'll communicate that with my shoe choice (like a dad sneaker) or bag or jewelry. Ultimately, every piece of my look is tied to my mood and the way I see myself."
Day 1:
"This was the last show day, which started on Sunday with Telfar and Tory Burch. I chose this dress because it's ethereal and romantic, and I'm really into chocolate brown lately. But I paired it with sneakers for a fun, comfy touch—and it's much easier to run around the city to shows that way. I wore it with my favorite new bag: a Fendi baguette from Rebag. I love, love, love shopping resale and adding to my bag collection in a sustainable way."
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What does your style look like these days? Do you have a go-to outfit formula, or do you prefer to switch it up when getting dressed?
"I'm always in dresses or skirts. I love to dress up and I've been that way since I was a kid. So I'm often in a sweeping maxi, a slip dress, or a leather skirt—or some combination of them. I really switch up the accessories more than anything. I love mini bags that give a pop of color, sneakers, and '90s bucket hats, so I've been playing a lot with those lately."
Day 2:
"I've been really into basics lately with a pop of color by way of accessories. This bag from The Series is so gorgeous—it's hand-knitted and created exclusively of pre-existing materials. So I paired this with a crisp white button-down from Osei en Rose, bike shorts, and heels for a chic, functional look that still feels special."
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What energy are you bringing to your ensembles this fashion week?
"Fashion week was so different this season coming back from quarantine, so I wanted to make sure my wardrobe felt comfortable and authentic above all. I wanted to have fun with some unexpected pairings that show a bit of my personality—something I really missed when I was home in pajamas all day. So that's why you'll see me in dresses and sneakers, or bike shorts and heels. I love to add a bit of contrast to my looks to keep things exciting."
Day 3:
"I wore this look for my first day of shows—Collina Strada, Christian Siriano, Harlem's Fashion Row—and I chose it because it feels playful and full of life, which was definitely my energy going into shows and seeing ~fashun~ IRL again—and also reuniting with some of my best friends. I love the colorblocking and print mixing in this KkCo dress. It's such a statement piece, but in a really effortless way. I love this bright pink JW Pei bag [paired] with it—the color really popped."
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In terms of beauty, what does your go-to hair and makeup routine look like this week, and how does it correspond to what you're wearing?
"Fashion week means I'm not sleeping much, so I like to keep things simple. I'm obsessed with braids, and my hairstylist, Seto McCoy, always encourages me to experiment, so we'll add some color or gold jewels sometimes for fun. But it's an easy, beautiful style that's full of history and pride for me—and most importantly, it protects my natural hair underneath as I grow it out. And then for makeup, I love really clean, natural looks. I'm all about glowing skin and use a lot of Ami Colé (especially their tint) and Pat McGrath. If I'm in a spicy mood, I'll add a Fenty Beauty red lip."
Day 4:
"I love wearing breezy dresses to spring shows. They're so comfortable but look glamorous and dreamy when picked up by the wind coming off the Hudson River. This style is from Shrimps and has a fun grape print all over the dress. I love contrast, as I mentioned before, so I styled this with a pair of edgy combat boots and a '90s-style bucket hat with a pretty pearl chain."
