Get dressed with Julia Restoin Roitfeld
Model and art director JULIA RESTOIN ROITFELD might be based in New York City, but her timeless-meets-sexy style makes her the ultimate Parisian pinup. She explains how she puts together her covetable closet
Less is more
“My style is many things – feminine, minimal, a little bit sexy – but ultimately it’s effortless. I don’t like to overcomplicate things. I’m not into crazy shapes. When I look back at my style during the ’90s, it was all Helmut Lang, mini skirts, military coats and band tees and, honestly, I’d happily wear it all now. My style icons are Romy Schneider and Catherine Deneuve in Belle de Jour, and I think that comes across in the way I dress. My look is quite Parisian in the sense that it is classic and timeless but with a twist. However, I do think living in New York allows me to get out of my comfort zone and occasionally try pieces that are a little bit more unusual. All my friends in the city tease me for constantly wearing heels, but I can’t help it – I’m small and I like to look put together!”
Don’t miss a trick
“Day-to-day, I stick to a small pair of hoop earrings and that’s it. After dark, it’s a whole different story; I like to play with statement pieces. I just discovered Kenneth Jay Lane and I am obsessed: I have these over-the-top earrings and every time I wear them I get so many compliments – people think they’re heirlooms. I’ll pair them with a gown for a big event or use them to elevate a T-shirt dress. I even wore them on the red carpet at Cannes and they totally worked. My other styling secret is adding a silk scarf. I’ll throw one on with something as simple as a tank top and it adds an elegant yet rock’n’roll edge.”
Mix and match
“During winter I mainly wear black and navy, but I introduce a lot more color and denim in summer. When it comes to traveling, I pack really light, making sure I can mix and match everything. I just bought a great high-leg swimsuit from Solid & Striped that I’m really excited to wear. I prefer to go minimal and masculine on vacation, so I’ll bring some pinstriped and military-style shirts to wear as coverups. I’m also on the hunt for an amazing white tuxedo; it would look super chic worn over a bikini.”
Find your favorites
“There are lots of designers I love for different reasons. Frame is my go-to for denim, and when it comes to instant classics you can’t beat Alaïa and Isabel Marant. I’m also a huge fan of Saint Laurent; [the designs] really own that rock-chic vibe, which is perfect when you really want to vamp it up for a night out.”
Take your time
“Vacations are when I have time to really indulge in a long morning and evening beauty routine, so I always pack loads of body scrubs and face masks. I try to stick to natural brands as my daughter always wants to join in [using them]; my favorites are Dr. Barbara Sturm, Tata Harper and Aurelia Probiotic, who makes an amazing body oil that I love. But there’s nothing worse than wearing lots of makeup at the beach, so I leave that at home.”
Fun comes first
“When it comes to big events, I wear Alexandre Vauthier because the fit works really well for me. For a fun evening, however, the most important thing is to make sure your shoes are comfortable. I swear by Saint Laurent Candy platforms and Gianvito Rossi pumps because they fit like a glove and they work with everything. I don’t want to have to go home because my feet hurt – I want to dance all night long.”
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