Like A Boss: Dress like a VIP in this suit from Midnight Oil. Stylist Denise McBride is wearing the Glam Stripe Denim Blazer ($750); Glam Stripe Flare Trouser ($380); J. Hilburn’s White Diamond Jet Operato Texture button-down shirt ($194); and a belt from her own collection. Make-up by Faye Onasanya, Instagram: @fayecesbyfaye Photos: Chris Emeott
Five quality pieces equal a winning wardrobe.
If there’s one thing that Denise McBride learned after 44 years custom-tailoring clothes, it’s that there’s no substitute for fit and quality. As the owner of Styled By Denise in Prior Lake, McBride helps clients build their wardrobes for work and special occasions by helping them identify the pieces they need, picking the right fabrics and custom-fitting each piece.
Investing in high-quality clothing is not just a good look, McBride says, noting that it’s also better for the environment, as it creates less waste, and it makes it easier to get dressed each morning.
We asked McBride to highlight the five basic pieces that elevate any woman’s wardrobe, taking her from a day in the office to a weekend running errands:
Blazer and Trousers
A well-fitted suit can be the foundation of any wardrobe, especially if you pick a color and material neutral enough to work through multiple seasons. But that function doesn’t need to come at the cost of personality. Midnight Oil’s Glam Stripe Denim blazer and trousers are dark blue with subtle gold stripes. The pieces can be worn together or separately, and the classic color and pattern easily work in all four seasons.
Weekend Style: Run a few errands without worrying about who sees you while you’re out and about. Denise McBride’s gold knit crewneck, which came without tags from a consignment store, is paired with a necklace from Fallon Art Advisory (Instagram: @fallon.art.advisory) and Neems bespoke dark denim straight leg stretch high rise jeans ($229). The white button-down from J. Hilburn continues to prove its worth.
Knit Crew
If there’s no time to find a beautiful knit sweater, like the one McBride is wearing from a consignment shop, McBride suggests one from J. Hilburn. It might look like a basic T-shirt, but J. Hilburn’s Wool Cashmere Jersey Knit is the epitome of quiet luxury. The fabric and drape of the shirt elevate any outfit and plays well as a base layer or all by itself.
Jeans
In a world filled with leggings and joggers, there are occasions that just call for a pair of jeans, and custom-made jeans can be a life changer. McBride works with Neems, a company that specializes in jeans that fit clients’ figures. Customers pick the style, wash, rise, fabric and length, and Neems sends a link to its body scanner. Neems will also clone a shopper’s favorite pair of jeans.
Nice, but Not Too Formal: When Denise McBride wants to command a room without looking too serious, this knee-length De Nimes Duster Coat from Midnight Oil ($795) does the trick. McBride pairs it with the same custom Neems jeans from her Weekend Style look on page 22 and the hardest-working white button-down around from J. Hilburn; the belt is an accessory from her own closet.
White Button-Down Shirt
This shirt is a must when it comes to playing with layers. It fits under a sweater or blazer in the winter and over a tank top or camisole. It also looks great by itself. McBride is wearing a White Diamond Jet Operato Texture button-down from J. Hilburn.
Styled By Denise
Instagram: @denisestyled.me
