My Style: Brooke Jaffe
Photo: Courtesy of Brooke Jaffe
Is comfort an enemy of style?
The opposite! I love to be comfortable and I think you can have both. I would argue when women look their most “uncomfortable” it’s an awful thing to watch — wearing shoes that hurt isn’t a great look.
Please describe your style in three words.
Classic with an edge, minimal, modern.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Wearing too many things at the same time. I believe in editing!
Do you believe in role models?
Yes I do! I have several.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I love leather, suede, velvet, satin, and cashmere. I gravitate towards fabrics that feel good, so I also adore cotton and a comfy sweatshirt!
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
No.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
Paris, Paris, Paris!
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Although my sensibility is more conservative, I would like to say I make bold choices on occasion — usually with my accessories.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
It depends. I am a costume jewellery junkie, so my clothing is sometimes my canvas for the necklace I want to wear or my pant length is dictated by my shoe choice. For me clothing is about shape. I adore structured blazers, a well-shaped top, and a great-fitting pant. I love to wear dresses that fit tightly in the waist and flair in the skirt, it feels feminine. What interests me is the way clothing shapes the body. I am not usually a print person as I sometimes feel the print is wearing me.
Celebrities and style...
Are important to fashion. Some are better dressed than others, but we can thank stars like Sarah Jessica Parker for making fashion and designer names part of the day-to-day vernacular. Celebrities keep fashion relevant and topical, good or bad.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
JEWELLERY (thankfully mainly the costume variety). I love it and am passionate about it. To me, it allows you to express yourself. A chunky fabulous cocktail ring makes me happy.
A woman should always look like...
Herself! If a trend doesn’t work for you it’s ok to say “no thanks.”
Who taught you what you know about style?
My mother. The chicest woman I know, her eye is incredible.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
It depends on my mood but usually I think about my day — where I will go and what appointments I have. I always want to be appropriate, comfortable and to feel good, but I think about the full picture clothing and accessories.
What is your biggest regret?
I am not a believer in looking in the rear-view mirror. I believe in the present and in the future.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
Less is more. If you feel like you are in someone else’s clothing that is not a good thing. Find a signature to your style and own it!
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Yes! Shopping, regardless of purchase, is a part of my lifestyle. I like to do my research and make sure I look at everything. Then I pinpoint what I need or what will update my look each season. My mother always taught me that if you can’t envision anything in your existing wardrobe that works with your new purchase it’s probably not going to be a “winner.” We like to buy “winners” and wear them again and again.
We will never see you wearing...
Sky-high platforms.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Not so new, but Alexander Wang. The cut and architecture of his clothing always looks simple hanging and then when you put it on it’s magic. I adore contemporary designers such as Roni Kobo, Parker, and Clover Canyon. I’m also in love with an Italian shoe brand Kardinale, they make the coolest smoking slippers.
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
Emmanuelle Alt is probably my number one. I have always admired Taylor Tomasi’s personal style.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her hair and makeup.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
A gold pyramid bracelet (used to be a watch) from my grandmother, a vintage Bottega Veneta clutch with tassel that my mother gave me, a Derek Lam overcoat with the best buttons in the world, and lately my Dior Cherie pumps because they are the perfect silhouette.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Something chic styled by Tonne Goodman for Vogue — clean, elegant, full of life and movement, optimistic and pure.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Ralph Lauren — he is always true to his brand and has defined style for so long. Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel, my jaw drops every season. I love Mr Wang and am a big Raf Simons fan!
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Probably her shoes. I also think, especially in colder locations, there is nothing like a great coat — it can take you everywhere!
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Karla Martinez.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Take off the last thing you put on.
