Shopping

Ingenious Style Secrets from 10 of the Best Dressed People in Washington

Graphic by Manyun Zou.

Photographed over the course of two fashion-packed days at Alexandria’s Union 206 studios, our annual Style Setters list proves that substance and sartorial know-how are not mutually exclusive. Here’s how to shop their looks.

1. Holly Pan shares what every style blogger will be wearing this fall.

holly-pan
Iradj Moini earrings, $1450, and Samira 13 ring, $250, at Tabandeh (Mazza Gallerie); Clutch, $850 at Emm Kuo.
holly-pan
Shop these products: Gucci silk bomber, Max Mara metallic shoes, Valentino bag, and Ann Taylor skirt.

2. The Sheila Johnson look that’s right for every work environment

An A-line dress, a classic blazer, a scarf, and simple stud earrings command attention without distracting.

sheila-johnson

sheila-johnson
Shop these products: Sheila Johnson scarf, Tiffany & Co earrings, Loro Piana blazer, and CH Carolina Herrera dress.

3. Colin Shah on staying warm—but looking cool—when you walk to work

“My favorite scarves are beach-towel size. I’ll wear them like a shawl over a suit on a fall day, or loose and tucked into a coat.”

colin-shah

Shop these products: Gucci coat and Hermés scarf.

4. The Michael Dumlao guide to corporate—but colorful—androgyny

Wear a longer button-down untucked. Pair it with patterned pants, then layer on an unexpected jacket and fierce beads.

michael-dumlao

michael-dumlao
Shop these products: Holst + Lee necklace, Sid Mashburn shirt, and Sid Mashburn pants.

5. How Joanna Rosholm gets dressed when she’s up early and dealing with decision fatigue

Add a top over a plain sheath, then pair it with a floral jacket for automatic visual interest.

joanna-rosholm

joanna-rosholm
Shop these products: Zara blazer and Ann Taylor sheath.

6. How Pierre Garçon brings sportwear into streetwear

Fashion-forward kicks add comfort to a casual look. A timeless yet durable watch wears well with everything.

Ted Baker sweater, 9, and 7 for All Mankind jeans, 9, from Bloomingdale's (Chevy Chase). Shoes, $148 at Bucketfeet (The Shay); Chain, $340, pendant ($550), and leather bracelet ($350), all at David Yurman (CityCenterDC).
Ted Baker sweater, $419, and 7 for All Mankind jeans, $169, from Bloomingdale’s (Chevy Chase). Shoes, $148 at Bucketfeet (The Shay); Chain, $340, pendant ($550), and leather bracelet ($350), all at David Yurman (CityCenterDC).

pierregarconshoeswatch

Shop these products: Shoes at Bucketfeet and watch at Filson.

7. How Timothy R. Lowery layers his blues

Playing with texture is key when enlivening this quintessential Washington look.

timophy-r-lowery
Suit, $2095, shirt, $395, tie, $160, and shoes, $675, all at Canali (CityCenterDC).
Shop these products at Canali (CityCenterDC).

8. Tamon George shares three style secrets

1. EyeBuyDirect.com sells Warby Parker–worthy frames at a fraction of the cost. 2. The perfect T-shirt length hits halfway between the bottom and the top of your back pocket. 3. Tailor your jeans to perch at the top of your boot.

tamon-george
Watch, $600 at Shinola.
tamon-george
Shop these products: Eyebuydirect glasses, Kit & Ace T-Shirt, and Levi’s jeans.

9. How Kate Warren makes all-black look anything but basic

The foundation of her photo-shoot uniform includes high-rise denim, a leather moto, and high-tops.

kate-warren
Gas Bijoux earrings, $445 at Tabandeh; Bracelets, $45 and $65 at R.J. Graziano.

10. How to nail Amy Baier’s dinner-party look

Start with a sleek jumpsuit. Keep jewelry simple but striking. Make your statement with your shoes and clutch.

amy-baier
Roland Mouret jumpsuit, $2825, Saint Laurent blazer, $3850, and clutch, $1550, all at Saks Fifth Avenue (Chevy Chase).

amy-baier

Photography: Dean Alexander Photography. Hair & Makeup: Ryan Krasney of Blend Makeup Artistry. Furniture courtesy of Room & Board. Fashion Assistant: Caroline Cunningham. 

This article appears in our September 2016 issue of Washingtonian.

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Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.