The Style Diaries: Rachel

The Style Diaries

Written by: Alexa Carlson Photographed by: Roberto Leon Layout by: Jesse Tovar

RACHEL Classic but contemporary is Rachel’s self-prescribed definition of her style.

Equal parts Audrey Hepburn and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Rachel’s look is both timeless yet relevant. Originally from Madison, Rachel, a senior majoring in journalism, has always had an interest in fashion. As a freshman she attended New York University (NYU) and fell in love with the Big Apple. Then she ventured off to Paris as an au pair and spent many a day strolling through the romantic city while being inspired by the Parisian sense of style. Dressing is an art form for Rachel – she likes to plan her outfits the night before and even then changes up to five times the next morning to be sure it reflects her style perfectly.

Monday: Too Cool for School While most people hate Mondays, Rachel likes to relax and put some extra thought into her beginning-ofthe-week attire. She doesn’t have class until 2:30 p.m., giving her plenty of time to put together a cute outfit.

As winter encroaches, a big comfy sweater is the perfect pick for her. By sticking to neutrals for her core pieces, Rachel adds pops of color in her playful Anthropologie beanie and bright pink lip. Leather slip-on sneakers give a cool edge to the whole look. For the finishing touch, a J. Crew pea coat with fur and zipper details adds a little luxury for a perfectly balanced ensemble.

Tuesday: Winter Whites

Tuesdays can sometimes be even worse than Mondays, so Rachel likes to find outfits she can just throw on when she’s on-the-go. For her, the perfect solution to a quick outfit is to opt for a monochromatic look.

Here, Rachel gave her take on winter whites. White trousers paired with a white sweater are simple and chic no matter the time of year. Rachel’s tan pea coat is yet another piece in her extensive J. Crew outerwear collection. A cozy, warm Urban Outfitters blanket scarf is the perfect throw-and-go accessory, finishing off a look that is the epitome of effortless chic.

Wednesday: A Fair Isle Fling At the midpoint of the week, Wednesdays can be exhausting and a fun outfit is the perfect thing to liven it up. Rachel’s emerald green skirt compliments her skin tone and hair color beautifully while adding a much needed pop of color. A slouchy sweater, puffer vest and big Fair Isle knit scarf offer plenty of comfort and warmth. Nude heels in the perfect shade work with Rachel’s jewel-toned mini skirt to make her already long legs look even longer. By choosing colors that match so well with her skin tone and hair color, this outfit is equal parts fun and sophisticated.

Thursday: Parisian Meets American Rachel’s American roots and Parisian spirit shine through in this look. The slim leg black trousers were bought in Paris because Rachel’s luggage didn’t arrive in the city on time. They are now one of her favorite pieces in her wardrobe because of how effortlessly chic they are. Paired with a crisp white button-up, the outfit gives homage to her style icon, Audrey Hepburn. To juxtapose the chic black and white combo, a denim jacket adds a shot of all-American coolness. The look is finished off with her favorite, and signature, red lipstick, Gabrielle by Chanel. With this entire ensemble, Rachel has achieved Parisian-American perfection.

Friday: Noir et Noir

By Friday morning, Rachel looks for outfits she can transition from day to night with a few special pieces.

For day she would wear this look sans hat and with flats.

By adding a moody wide brim hat and leather booties, Ă la Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Rachel is ready for a night out. Her Chanel 2.55 is one of her most prized pieces in her wardrobe as it was given to her as a surprise gift from her father after a trip he took to Paris. What better bag for a girl who prides herself on classic looks with a contemporary edge just as Chanel herself did?

MODA