Polished dressing has taken a back seat lately, don't you think? Everywhere you turn, it's sweatshirts ballooning into gowns, denim shredded beyond recognition, trainers thrown on with absolutely anything, and sleeves dragging the floor—or coats tossed over shoulders with theatrical indifference. Maybe I'm stuck in another era, but this whole uniform borrowed from Bella, Gigi and Hailey doesn't quite spark joy for me. I'm certainly not some glossy Upper East Side type—the idea of weekly salon blowouts is genuinely absurd—yet I also have zero interest in looking deliberately unkempt.
When my mother wondered aloud why runways and A-listers were embracing such a laissez-faire vibe, it made me realise how overlooked countless style-loving women must feel at the moment. Cosy dressing certainly has its place, but perhaps the current rumpled mood simply isn't your speed, and you've been quietly craving something sharper. Perhaps your career demands a flawless appearance around the clock. Or, like me, you simply aren't prepared to face the day in boyfriend denim and a slouchy pullover.
Should you want to inject a dose of polish into your wardrobe this year, I've reached out to several industry figures who always appear immaculate, whose signature formula survives every trend cycle. Read on to discover the women whose refined approach I admire, along with their single best-kept secret for always appearing put-together.
Caroline Issa, executive fashion director at Tank, embodies that breezy sophistication working women everywhere look up to—fashion industry or otherwise. Her tailored philosophy ensures even her most casual combinations carry that crisp, ironed, buttoned-up polish. Despite sounding high-maintenance, her secret is wonderfully achievable. “I always feel I look my most polished after I've had a manicure done,” Caroline shares. “I don't know what it is about beautifully 'done' nails but I think it shows you've made an effort, and it pulls together an outfit nicely.” Immediately books an appointment.
Designer Emilia Wickstead crafts gowns that dazzle without resorting to tricks. Her signature flattering tailoring, daring hues and inherently feminine fabrics have produced what can only be described as contemporary red-carpet magic—adored by royals and Hollywood alike. The woman herself, meanwhile, never fails to appear absolutely flawless. Emilia credits her sleek appearance to this formula: “pair dresses/gowns with a neat ponytail, a simple red lip and almost always an elegant flat shoe!” Consider it noted.
Los Angeles-based blogger Jenny, the creative mind behind Margo & Me, consistently delivers charming ensembles, styling each look beautifully from crown to toe, often with her signature black hair bow in tow. She treads the line of ultra-feminine dressing without veering into precious territory—quite a feat. “The secrets of perfectly polished women lies in structure,” Jenny explains. “Regardless of if you're in a rush or just don't feel like pulling yourself 100% together, a structured blazer, a structured handbag or structured trousers elevate your look, making it feel modern and thought-out.”
Petite, graceful and forever the picture of refinement, illustrator and The Sartorialist fashion director Jenny Walton regularly draws the attention of street-style photographers, encouraging us all to scour vintage boutiques for prim blouses, clip-on earrings and sensible low heels. Beyond wardrobe selections, Jenny leans heavily on her hair routine: “I would say taking the time to put my hair up in a thoughtful way always makes me feel polished,” she shares. “If I just throw my hair up into a topknot, I feel a bit messy, but if I take the time to braid and twist it into a pretty bun or an interesting style, I feel more refined and elegant.”
When picturing immaculate fashion PR executives, Lissy von Schwarzkopf—vice president at Karla Otto—instantly came to mind. Even amid the frenzy of press events and runway presentations, she remains crisp, stylish and utterly composed. “A combination of statement earrings (at the moment, mainly by Simone Rocha), red lipstick (Chanel) and face spray (Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Spray £16),” are the three elements Lissy credits for the transformation.
While much of London can't resist dabbling in grunge and punk-inflected dressing, influencer Peony Lim has carved out her own lane with glossy locks and grown-up silhouettes. Watching her transform a pair of boyfriend jeans into something genuinely luxurious has converted even the most devoted loungewear enthusiast. Her secret? Refreshingly simple: “Brushing your hair. Vital—not a childhood myth.” Entirely doable—and Byrdie has curated the finest brushes to help you along.
Pippa Vosper's delightful Instagram grid reads like a directory of the world's most coveted dressmakers. If mastering a show-stopping entrance—whether IRL or on social media—is the goal, this brand consultant and RSPV boutique owner is your authority. “My closets are full of dresses, rails and rails of them. I wear them with flats, heels, boots and a dress will always work for any occasion,” Pippa confides. “To use the words of Mr. Lagerfeld, one is never overdressed or underdressed with a little black dress.” Browse our edit of refined essentials in the gallery ahead.
A brilliantly versatile investment piece, as expected.
Slip on some crimson lip colour and prepare for the flattery.
A beautifully refined swap for after-hours dressing.
Polished yet wonderfully playful.
Just the right elevation for refined glamour.
A blazer of this calibre belongs in every well-dressed woman's wardrobe.
Capitalise on the delicate blouse surge and snap some up while they're available.
Joseph Altuzarra delivers the sharpest pencil skirts around.
Spacious enough to elegantly cradle every essential you carry.
Sharp with a feminine twist.
Pair it with the coordinating pyjama trousers (£189) for the full silky moment.
Rejina's dresses have already captured the fashion crowd's attention.
For the modern woman of sophistication.
After all, where would any silver-screen icon be without a silk scarf at the throat?
Up next! The standout S/S 18 fashion trends worth knowing.
