Combat boots, grandpa sweaters and distressed jeans. All of these are an NYU student’s staples, and I too confess to wearing them all on a regular basis. But this week’s Fashionista was one huge breath of fresh air. In her baby blue Burberry trench coat and sleek black heels, Olivia proved that a return to simple femininity does a girl wonders. This Fashionista definitely isn’t a cookie cutter classic though. Admiring Dita von Teese, Olivia’s style incorporates a subtle hint of sexiness. A trench coat that ties at the waist may seem minimalist, but if executed properly, it is a sure way to create a flawless feminine silhouette.
Name: Olivia Zhang
Year: 2014
Major: Art History, Business Management
CollegeFashionista: Can you explain how your travels and where you've lived have influenced your style?
Olivia Zhang: My childhood and teenage years were spent in Shanghai and Washington DC, both of which have quite a conservative streak about them. I'd say that these two places define my style today, which relies on being subtle. In the same way that Shanghai is both modern and historical, I seek to maintain a classic look while still keeping the look up to date. For the past few years, I've called California my home. The style there is so drastically different, and I'm definitely not a fan of the laid-back look. It simply doesn't work for me personally.
CF: How would you describe your personal style?
OZ: I like classic, well-made clothes that are meant to last you a long time. I don't do trends very well, so I feel most comfortable in pieces like trench coats, white oxfords and skinny black pants. I'm an art history major, so most of my professional experience so far has been in art business. I'd say that there's a definitive way that professionals in the art world dress. It's smart, it's clean and it's not gaudy at all. There's a lot of architectural lines and muted colors. I like the idea of looking put together but sexy at the same time.
CF: Favorite designers?
OZ: Erdem, Dries Van Noten, Jil Sanders and Ralph Lauren.
CF: Where or from whom do you get fashion inspiration?
OZ: I'm a big fan of Dita von Teese's style. She's ladylike but so completely naughty. It's sophisticated, but when you look at her, you know it's not boring or staid but overwhelmingly sexy. On the other end of the spectrum, I also love the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. The things she wears are of course more conservative, but the cuts are still extremely flattering. That's what I love best, a put-together look that still undeniably attracts the gaze.
CF: Any signature items?
OZ: My whistle necklace from Agent Provocateur.
CF: What are you looking most forward to about fall trends?
OZ: Fall is a great time for equestrian style. I love structured military overcoats and riding boots. Something that I'm still unsure about but am willing to experiment with is the shearling jacket a la Tom Hardy in The Dark Knight Rises.
How To: Olivia can’t get enough of Zara and its classic shapes and quality fabrics. For a trench coat in a neutral shade, try Zara. For those who want to inject some color into their wardrobe, J. Crew sells a variety. Pair with simple strappy heels and a large basic bag for busy bees like Olivia, and you’re ready to channel your inner Audrey Hepburn!