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Let’s set the record straight. Jenna Lyons is no housewife; she is a style icon. She may have reached millions of viewers through the latest RHONY, but it's her nearly 30-year stint at J.Crew — where she notoriously “dressed America” — that is her legacy. And today, as founder of Loveseen (falsh eyelashes I have swooned over previously), she is calling even more style shots by living her best life.
As we all want more of this swagger in our lives —and from our fashion — TQE sought out the muse for inspiration. Read on for answers to the pressing question: “What would Jenna Lyons wear?”
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WHITE BUTTON-DOWNS
This garment reigns supreme for Jenna Lyons, as evidenced by her recent closet selfie showcasing five white button-downs packed for her brief Paris excursion. While onscreen Lyons has worn everything from R13 ($345) to Thom Browne ($890), she has admitted in the past that she often gets her shirts custom-made as, “I’m a strange shape — I’m very tall and my arms are incredibly long.” TQE recommends exploring our white shirt roundup with brands that would make Jenna proud. J.Crew included, naturally.
As the white shirt is a blank canvas, it’s our muse’s styling that elevates the classic and differentiates it from Monday to Sunday. While her own shirt is frequently a navel gazer — unbuttoned just above her waistband — or buttoned all the way up, she fashions white shirt chic by succinctly tying at the waist and with her signature approach to cuffing sleeves (roll whole sleeve to the elbow, before rolling once up to leave the cuff peeking out). Seeking more style? Consider Jenna-approved accessories including a men’s tie or designer suspenders.
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DENIM
Jenna Lyons is all about incorporating denim daily. Don’t shy away from dressing jeans up (à la her highly debated RHONY reunion or the 2012 Met Gala image above) or way down (her on the reg), and always find a way to incorporate vintage cuts. Up the cool vibe, and avoid replicating Britney’s Canadian Tuxedo, by mixing weights and washes. Some recommendations from Lyons herself:
- Jean Genie Vintage Co. sells vintage denim online, 90% of which are Levi’s.
- Check out the selection at The Vintage Twin (in NYC and online).
- Wearing a jean jacket as shirt is a favorite look; Lyons is a fan of Levi’s Original Trucker Jacket ($98).
- If you’re into A.P.C. jeans, its Butler Program allows you to trade a well-loved pair for a new one, at half the price. The A.P.C. team then takes the broken-in pair, washes it, makes any necessary tweaks, and marks it with the previous owner’s initials before reselling.
ONE AND DONE
Jenna Lyons has repeatedly shown how jumpsuits are flattering, showcase style with incredible ease and can be dressed up or down (in Millennial Pink above). Want to replicate the style? Look no further than these preferred brands:
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EMBELLISHMENT
As Jenna Lyons has been known to say, “Sequins are the new black,” and “Leopard is a neutral,” she does not shy away from an embellished look. But if she’s taught us anything over the decades, it’s the art of a high-low mix; this can mean blending casual pieces into formal wear (and vice versa) as much as blurring price points. This approach is not only chic but allows you to wear your entire closet. “Give yourself permission to wear special things any day of the week,” she says.
While sneakers with trousers and sequin skirts with sweatshirts have become more commonplace since she paved the way in Y2K, channel Jenna when experimenting with your own wardrobe, keeping in mind that, “A little goes a long way; careful not to overwhelm a show stopper.” And, of course, confidence is key. Her reccos:
- Wear a sequin skirt for day, paired with a navy sweater
- Statement skirts are less dramatic when paired with a striped shirt
- Embrace pink and khaki together
- Ditch the dress and wear “party pants” this holiday season
- Layering can be the best sartorial synthesis
SHINY PONIES
With 380+ pair of shoes (or “shiny ponies” as she has oft referred to them in her design days), Lyons does not shy away from wearing the gamut. Her “deep appreciation for opposites” keeps fashion fun and fresh: “My thing is, if I’m wearing casual clothes, I usually want to wear a heel or sparkly shoe; if I’m wearing dressy clothes, I usually want to wear a flat.”
Take a similar approach and wear all your shoes; there are no occasion-specific soles. Whether you opt for some of Jenna’s luxury favorites (Gucci, Prada, Nicholas Kirkwood, Chanel and Gianvito Rossi among them) or accessible price points (Converse, Nike, Stan Smith Adidas are her beloveds), mix and match to add style — and fun — to your wardrobe.
MILITARY GARB
One of my all-time fave looks is pairing a classic military button-down (hers is vintage, natch) with a ball gown skirt — or something unexpected. In keeping with Lyons' mantra of wearing her clothes repeatedly over the years, this spectacular shirt (featured below) has reappeared frequently for over a decade; she was leading the sustainability path before it became chic.
When asked how to get the look, she recommended heading to a tailor with a vintage army jacket, requesting the sleeves and length be shortened. Voila. While Lyons suggests Raleigh Vintage (where this style is currently sold out) I have found luck at Army supply stores in the past and on Etsy). If you prefer a garment worn-in, yet not previously worn, check out options from Buck Mason ($168) and Rails ($218).
Fashion with a capital F. Credit: Jenna Lyons
No Jenna Lyons perspective would be complete without lashes or glasses, staple items for the icon. Among her go-to’s: Dita eyewear (her own aviator collab is sold out, but here’s another option $550), Gucci Rectangular-Frame Metal glasses ($520) and Tom Ford Geometric Blue-Filter glasses ($420).
But behind the specs, it’s all Loveseen, the eyelash brand Lyons launched in 2020. We have raved about them over the years on TQE for their accessible, cruelty-free beauty for special occasions and when you just want to feel a little extra on a weekday.
More than Lyon’s sartorial brilliance, my takeaway from admiring her from afar for decades is her savvy and wisdom to stay true to who she is — whether that be in what she opts to wear or risks, both business and personal, she takes. Regardless of her endeavors, on or off screen, JFL (aka Jenna F*ing Lyons as she is now called thanks to her fabulousness), will forever be one to watch.
