Stylist to the stars, Jessica de Ruiter has long been one of my style crushes. Positions at Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily and W Magazine lend her street cred, while an impressive client roster boasting everyone from Angelica Huston to Beck testify her knack for piecing together a polished, effortless look. I love that she’s not afraid to wear a piece constantly or use an accessory repeatedly — further proof that real-world women can certainly achieve her aesthetic.
In a Refinery29 interview, de Ruiter advises that the five pillars of a great wardrobe are:
1. Men’s-style button-down shirts
2. Sharp pencil skirts
3. Plain T-shirts in white, black, navy, khaki and gray
4. Structured jackets
5. High-waisted pants and shorts
And as you can see from below, it only takes a few basics to master her style. So go for it!