This is How A NYC Editor Nails Effortless Chic
All the secrets to real-life fashion. (You might want to take notes.)
Dressing for photo shoots and front rows is one thing, but it's the everyday moments in between big events when personal style really comes through. And that's where Chloe Metzger, MarieClaire.com's beauty editor, is #closetgoals.
Her self-described look is "essentially the most New York version of 'is she going to brunch or a business meeting?'" she says. That means stocking up on skinny black jeans, leggings, flowy tops, high-waisted pants and dresses. "I gravitate towards pretty much anything dark at Topshop or Helmut Lang," she says.
Shoes are her practical magic. Unlike other accessories, which fall further down on the optional scale, "shoes are very important," she says. "Good style starts at your feet, and I'm tall so I don't need to wear heels, but when I do, I'm not willing to kill myself in the name of fashion." Fortunately, with today's styles, she doesn't have to.
Office-Ready
Sticking with a work uniform means Metzger can get ready super-fast. "I pretty much always wear some combination of a skirt with a t-shirt or sweatshirt tucked in," she says. "I work ten-hour days and need some level of comfort." Since the office is typically cold, she tops off her look with a blazer, bomber, or leather jacket. On days she's channeling a more dressed up vibe, a coordinating jacket easily subs in. She keeps accessories minimal, opting for these Vionic strappy block heels that feel as comfortable as sneakers but look more elevated.
Vionic Carmel Heeled Sandal, $140, vionicshoes.com; Jacket, $129, zara.com; Skirt, $50, zara.com; Rag & Bone Shirt, $325, saksfifthavenue.com; Vita Fede Earrings, $320, vitafede.com; Vita Fede Mini Titan Bracelet, $390, vitafede.com; gG Maull Outlaw Clutch, $595, ggmaull.com; MuiMui Sunglasses, $440, sunglasshut.com.
Weekends Out
"I love spending my free time cooking or catching up with friends over brunch," says Metzger. "I want my clothes to feel relaxed, but still polished." The one thing that always makes her feel pulled-together: a leather jacket and a pair of chic sneakers. "Something about adding the jacket and a pair of statement sneakers, that just says, 'This is a look'," she explains.
These metallic sneakers keep her look casual and practical with just the right bit of pop. "I do a lot of walking on the weekends and like my sneakers to be sleek and minimalist," she says.
Vionic Edie Casual Sneaker, $130, vionicshoes.com. B. B. Dakota Dress, $88, bloomingdales.com; Zara Faux Leather Jacket, $70, zara.com; Aquatalia Blet Bag, $495, aquatalia.com.
After-Hours
Metzger, who lives in Brooklyn Heights, heads into Manhattan three or four times a week to do improv. On stage, her style is the same understated chic: usually head-to toe-black with slip ons for an an easy, yet polished look. With hours standing on stage and running around to event spaces, she's always looking for good support. These effortlessly cool slides do just the trick.
Vionic Reagan Mule, $130,vionicshoes.com. J Brand Capri, $173, jbrandjeans.com; Kate Spade Jacket, $398 katespade.com; Cami NYC Top, $161, bloomingdales.com; B-Low The Belt Ana Mini Vibrant, $108, b-lowthebelt.com; Aquatalia Mini Flap Cross-body, $450, aquatali.com; Gorjana Bespoke Necklace, $70, gorjana.com; Gorgana Taner Studs, $40, gorjana.com
Makeup by Mark Edio; Hair by Charles McNair; Styled by Brandy Joy Smith.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Kim Kardashian Reveals What Led to Her Breakup with Unnamed Ex
She's doing some self-reflection.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Taylor Swift's Best Friend Abigail Anderson Berard Announces Pregnancy
And she quoted the popstar to do it!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Jennifer Lopez's 'Bridgerton' Manicure Is the Talk of the Ton
Lady Whistledown would approve.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
30 Linen Pieces From Nordstrom’s Sale for a Seamless Summer to Fall Transition
Shop breezy dresses and airy pants for versatile summer and autumn outfits.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
7 Make-My-Life-Easier Items I'm Buying From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Grab these must-haves before it's too late.
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
The Best Summer Work Shoes Don’t Have To Scream ‘Corporate'
Footwear that means business in the best way possible.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
34 Chic Vacation Essentials Hiding in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Don't board the plane without packing these items first.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
The Boxer Shorts Trend Offers a Realistic Take on Lingerie Dressing
How the borrowed-from-the-boys bottom became a hero summer piece with endless style potential.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Fashion Girls Are Destined to Wear the J.Crew x Maryam Nassir Zadeh Collaboration on Vacation
Beloved indie designer Maryam Nassir Zadeh translated her essentials into the ultimate packing list.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
I'm a Style Editor—50 Last-Minute Prime Day Fashion Deals to Grab Before Tomorrow
Grab these on-sale items before it’s too late.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
Fashion Editors Share the Best Work Dresses From Their Summer Uniform
From classic wrap silhouettes to breezy linens, these are the expert-approved styles we're wearing on repeat.
By Lauren Tappan Published