Outfit Inspiration: Jenna Lyons’ Luxe Layers

Jenna Lyons

Jenna Lyons

Jenna Lyons’ story is a fashion fairy tale. She started at the bottom and…well, you know how that song and dance goes. Today, she’s the Creative Director of J. Crew, a brand that’s got fans as far-reaching as the First Lady of the United States (that would be Michelle Obama) to the first lady of hip hop (Beyoncé, in case you’re not following) to your run-of-the-mill shopper. The  great thing about J. Crew is that it’s accessible to just about everyone and thanks to Jenna and her picks, shoppers get a sharp, curated look at the brand’s offerings via catalog. It’s akin to having a styling session with Lyons herself, who has become a street style regular that’s lauded for her effortless mix of high and low, luxe and casual and more, more, more when it comes to accessories. Her maximalist style coupled with her frank approach to fashion has made her an icon that’s approachable and admirable. So step out of your outfit comfort zone and take a few pointers from Lyon’s own styling for some fresh winter looks that’ll have street style photographers taking a second look.

Thomas Mason for J. Crew Boy Shirt

Thomas Mason for J. Crew Boy Shirt

The cornerstone of any Jenna Lyons outfit is a white shirt, and not to be too obvious, but the offerings at J. Crew are on point. The store has an array of different styles, fits and collar choices, so it’s a great place to start if you’re on the quest for something timeless and classic (true story: Menswear Editor Christopher Luu buys five fresh ones before every Fashion Week).

“A crisp white shirt looks good under anything and there are so many variations: French cuff, beaded collar, tunic, mandarin, tuxedo, piqué, Swiss dot…I could never have too many,” Lyons recently told the Telegraph. “Leave the collar and cuffs poking out to frame the top half of your body. ”

Currently, our fave collared shirt is the Thomas Mason for J. Crew Boy Shirt ($148) which takes the menswear staple into a girl’s closet thanks to shrunken proportions and trim sleeves.

Lyons' Luxe Layers

Lyons’ Luxe Layers

1. After you’ve found your perfect white shirt, you’ll need Lyons’ favorite pieces to go with it. One thing that Jenna is most known for is her adept skill of layering different pieces without looking bulky. She’s been spotted wearing a ball gown with a denim jacket and a sequin skirt with a sweatshirt (both times, she was wearing a white shirt, too) and she’s always looking lean and mean — though her tall, lithe frame might have something to do with it, too.  Add the Madewell Colorblock Cableknit Sweater ($88) for a layer that’s bright without adding bulk.

2. Another Lyons signature is her glasses, which are from Moscot. If you just want to play with the look, however, there’s no need to go all-out. Instead, just grab a cheap pair you can experiment with before committing to the real thing. We recommend the Bookworm Readers ($14), which admit to just “making you look cute, not see better.”

3. Wear your necklace on the outside of your sweater. Think that’s a little crazy? Just flip open your latest J. Crew catalog and you’ll see it’s one of Lyons’ favorite looks for herself and her army of effortlessly chic models. Go big with the Henri Bendel Sequin Black & Gold Deco Necklace ($228) and it’s sure to stand out against any of your knits, no matter how bold.

4. Jenna’s counterpart at J. Crew, Frank Muytjens, is a proponent of dark wash jeans for guys, but Jenna’s all bout distressed denim. She’s usually spotted in a relaxed fit, ripped pair when she’s out and about, so add a little grunge to your polished look and you’ll get a little closer to Lyon’s mix of high and low. Try the 7 for all Mankind Faded Skinny ($198) with everything from crisp white shirts to your wear-to-work blazer.

5. And to finish it all off, get Jenna’s signature orange-red lip thanks to NARS Satin Lip Pencil ($25). It’s so great that Lyons requested that it be carried in J. Crew stores, so shoppers wouldn’t have to make a trip to Sephora to get them. Lyon’s favorite color is Iodhi, but the shades Isola Bella and Luxembourg have both been featured in J. Crew’s recent catalogs, too.

Images courtesy Henri Bendel, J. Crew, the Telegraph, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters and Madewell 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Author:Christopher Luu for Fashion Trends Daily

Christopher Luu is a Fashion Trends Daily Senior Writer and Menswear Editor.