[5]Rules of Style – Natalie Massenet
by Shannon Ables
Founder & Editor of The Simply Luxurious Life [6]
Just over ten years ago, Natalie Massenet, a former fashion journalist for Women’s Wear Daily and Tatler, started a high luxury clothing business, NET-A-PORTER [7], that she would later sell for £350 million in 2010. With over two million people logging onto the site every week, spending an average of £500, it is no wonder she is having such success. Bringing the designs of Oscar de la Renta, Lanvin, Alexander McQueen and Chloe to the doorsteps of anyone no matter where they might live in the world, clearly was a brilliant idea. But in order to be so successful, she had to understand fashion, and that she does. (To read even more about her road to success, click here [8] and here [9].)
RULE #1 – Wear Your Fabulous Heels
One thing I have finally realized about shopping for shoes is that you must shop for the shoes and not the outfit. What I mean by this is demonstrated perfectly by Natalie above. If the shoe is fabulous, there are very few things that won’t go with it. I can remember the days in high school when just before prom, girls would have their heels dyed to match their dress. Needless to say, my fashion sense has come a long way since then. If the shoe is made well and looks amazing, you will find a way to wear it, and it won’t have to “match” your outfit because it will simply make your outfit.
RULE #2 – Statement Accessories
The best style secret in the world is to always have a handful of black dresses in your closet and adorn them with statement making accessories. Allowing a well-tailored black dress to be the backdrop sets off the wow factor of your necklace, chandelier earrings, handbag or heels in a way no other color or print could because the focus is solely on the accessories. Jennifer Aniston is another style icon who has also figured this trick out and continually looks smashing on the red carpet.
RULE #3 – Black Tights
Though we may be entrenched in the winter months up here in the northern hemisphere, let our style not be muted. Wearing black opaque tights allows you to wear that gorgeous, flirty skirt and put your style on display for everyone to see.
RULE #4 – Know Your Assets
Natalie has fantastic legs, so quite often you will see her in above the knee dresses or skirts. I love this particular outfit for so many reasons, but the first thing that grabs my attention (okay, maybe the shoes are first), but for the most part, it is her legs. So the next time you are out shopping, understand what asset it is that you want to highlight and shop to feature it regularly. You won’t be disappointed and no one tires of something that looks amazing, except maybe those who are envious.
RULE #5 – The Versatile White Shirt
Classic, dependable, versatile. Diane Keaton, Caroline Herrera, Katherine Hepburn and now Natalie Massenet. The collared button up white shirt is a staple that should be in everyone’s closet. The crisp appearance and neutral palette enable you to create more than just a handful of outfits whether you choose to layer or simply pair it with a gorgeous embellished skirt.
RULE #6 – A Wrap V-Neck
A draped V-neck dress, top or cashmere sweater is an elegant way to exhibit a bit of femininity without going too far. Whether it be with sparkle, gorgeous layered sheers or textured fabrics, the simplicity and quality will let your beauty do all of the talking.
Massenet in Valentino (above)
When asked what a few of her favorite things were, Natalie shared her thoughts with the editors of Keep It Chic [10], click here [11] to read her list.
Here are a few more Rules of Style from always inspiring style icons:
*Inès de la Fressange [12]
*Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer [13]
*Molly Sims [14]