My Style: Eleanor Strauss
Photo: James Dimmock — Courtesy of Eleanor Strauss
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
Tailoring is key; clothes must fit. You don't have to spend lots of money to look stylish. Sometimes less is more.
Please describe your style in three words.
Feminine, chic (I hope), and a little rock ’n’ roll.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Putting on clothes that feel like they are wearing you rather than the other way round.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, I have lots.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Lace, denim, cotton, and wool.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Workout clothes worn for anything other than to work out in.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
Paris, without a doubt.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Bold with a sprinkle of conservative.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
No rules. Just that I stay looking like me. I often have style crushes on the street-style girls that pile on the colour or accessories, but when I try it on myself, it just doesn’t feel right.
Celebrities and style...
Don't necessarily go hand-in-hand.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
I can't possibly limit this to one; grey jumpers, navy and white striped tops, handbags, shoes, and sunglasses. That must be why my husband thinks I have a shopping problem.
A woman should always look like...
Herself.
Who taught you what you know about style?
It's a cliché, but my mum. She's the coolest.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
It depends on what my schedule is like for the day. But generally, it’s by process of elimination, and a pile of clothing is left in my wake.
What is your biggest regret?
No regrets.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I don't know if it's a ritual, but I'm fast. I can't spend hours browsing in a shop. I think it comes from having been a freelance stylist and pulling clothes on a deadline; get in, get out. I also love online shopping on a Sunday afternoon whilst my toddler's taking a nap.
We will never see you wearing...
Never say never!
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Suno and Creatures of the Wind for their gorgeous prints and colour, and Erdem; he had me with those lace dresses.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Kate Moss, Kate Bosworth, Emmanuelle Alt, Jane Birkin. I could go on…
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Everything! I just hope I don't get caught looking.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
Balenciaga tweed jacket, Chanel bag, and my wedding dress by Sonia Rykiel; sometimes I put it on and walk around my apartment in it, but don't tell anyone.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Valentino every time!
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Her shoes. You can wear a cheap dress with expensive shoes, but not the other way round.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Definitely not.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Emmanuelle Alt.
The best word of advice you have ever heard?
Jealousy is a wasted emotion.
