My Style: Lily Lane
Photo: Noa Griffel — Courtesy of Lily Lane
What are the rules in the way you dress?
I try and stay wearing just black, nude, and white with pops of red or pink — unless I find a really spectacular dress that knocks my socks off, I stick with that pretty consistently. I am all about high-waisted bottoms, and the tallest shoes I can find; if I am not the tallest person in the room, I have failed. I also feel pretty incomplete without a leather jacket.
Please describe your style in three words.
Classic. Sexy. Rock.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Wearing clothes that don’t fit. I know women tend to freak out about the number or size of a garment, but if you refuse to wear a size 8 because it’s an “8” and squeeze into a size 6, it just is not going to be as flattering as something that fits. This goes for clothes that are too big as well. My mother and I are the same height so growing up I would constantly borrow her blazers and jackets, not realising she had significantly broader shoulders than I did, and the look ended up being more Frankenstein than chic padded shoulders. There is nothing better than clothes that fit just right; length, width, and such could be a different size in every store and designer, but finding the right size is worth it.
Do you believe in role models?
Absolutely. I believe in both having role models, and striving to be a role model.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I’m a leather-and-lace kind of girl. Unless I’m working out or sleeping, I’m usually in some form of leather or lace.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
On myself? Absolutely! I’m not a peplum girl, and I’m not a thigh-high boots girl — I love them both on other people, but I find it hard to pull them off without either looking like I’m trying to hide something under my peplum or channeling Pretty Woman. But are there any combinations in general I am opposed to for other people or for things I wish I could wear? No. For me fashion is all about breaking rules — I ONLY wear white after Labour Day (just kidding!).
Which city has the best-dressed women?
I may be biased, but I’d say New York City. London is a close second, though.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Both. I’m bold in the sense that I try to do conservative and classic looks in a current, more risqué way.
Celebrities and style...
The best “celebrities and style” are timeless.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Comfortable and extremely high heels!
A woman should always look like...
However she wants to.
Who taught you what you know about style?
Old movies and icons of the past: Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, James Dean, Brigitte Bardot, Jackie O and JFK.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I look up the weather and then find some combination of black, white, nude, or red that fits the weather.
What is your biggest regret?
Fashion-wise? I wore a long white dress to my high school prom and looking back all the pictures with my friends look like I’m a teen bride getting married and posing with my bridal party. Since then I think I’ve made much better fashion decisions.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
How to dress for her body, what colours flatter her, and what she is most comfortable in. Also, you can never wear too much black and white.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Nope. I try not to shop unless I have an important event I’m not getting dressed for, otherwise I’d waste a lot of time shopping
We will never see you wearing...
Pastels. I’m just not a pastel person. Then again, never say never.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I LOVE Mathieu Mirano and Leila Shams.
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
My mother is pretty stylish, but as far as style icons of mine, definitely Jackie O, Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Confidence or insecurity.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My black leather jackets, my various black lacy/garter/opaque/sheer/striped tights, and my black leather skirts. Also my everyday purse, the black and rose gold leather Alexander Wang Rockie bag.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
There is a picture of Brigitte Bardot with a black headband, long black T-shirt and black leggings, just slumped down in a chair but she looks impossibly chic. It taught me that black will always be in style and flattering, and that headbands aren’t just for toddlers.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Alexander Wang, Chanel, Alice and Olivia.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Not at all. If you are uncomfortable in all your clothes, I don’t think you have found your own style. To truly have your own style you should be comfortable with what you’re wearing, the clothes shouldn’t wear you, they should be an extension of your personality and who you are.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
If you do what you love and love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.
