Bio
OccupationSenior Fashion Editor at Harper's Bazaar
One of the best parts of working at The Strategy, is getting to meet so many badass women who are killing it in the industry. Chrissy Rutherford is no exception. She’s held her position of Senior Fashion Editor at Harper’s Bazaar for the better part of 8 years, and before that, she honed her skills at the likes of Cosmo and InStyle. She’s also the voice behind Harper’s Bazaar’s Instagram, as the magazine’s social media manager. And, she does it all while looking flawless. No really. She’s a street style favourite whose picture is all over WhoWhatWear and the like come fashion week fashionable spottings. Naturally, we were beyond excited when we got to sit down with her to understand what it is exactly that inspires her style.
Q&A
How do you start your day off?
If I’m being good, I start my day by meditating – after I check Instagram of course for 15 minutes. I did a thing recently where I kind of got into this mindset where I tried to guilt myself into meditating, because I always think, in the morning I could spend so much time on Instagram, like an hour or two before I go to work, so I’m like, if I can spend an hour on Instagram, I can meditate for 10-15 minutes. Then I make myself breakfast. I’m one of those people who are ravenous when they wake up. I make myself 2 scrambled eggs and toast, and then I’ll get ready for work.
What’s going on in the background when you are getting ready?
I’m usually listening to music. I listen to everything. I have a playlist that’s called Discover Weekly that Spotify makes for me every Monday. It arranges a lot of new music for me, so I do a lot of music discovery through that. I listen to mostly electronic R&B.
You never leave home without…
My cellphone. Serious cell phone addiction – but I can’t function without it.
What are your closet essentials?
Right now, my closet essentials would be a turtleneck in the winter. That’s my go-to. If it’s cold, I can’t go outside without a turtleneck. It just keeps you the warmest. My favourite turtleneck is from Wolford. They’re super expensive, but they’re so worth it. You’ll never have to buy another turtleneck in your life. Then, high-waisted jeans. I just became a big denim person in the last 2-3 years. Prior to that I wore skirts or dresses or trousers, and I think my fashion director has had a major influence on me because she always wears denim, so now, I find myself always wearing denim as well. High-waisted is my favourite cut. Slim leg. I hate skinny jeans. I feel a lot of people feel that way now. I feel like they’re just not flattering. They’re useful when you’re going to wear over the knee boots or something like that, but for the most part, I stay away from them. Then, my other closet essential would probably be ankle boots. I love them because they lend a little bit of cool to an outfit. Whether you’re wearing jeans or a flirty sundress, ankle boots can really ground an outfit and make it look really cool.
What is your biggest fashion regret?
Harem pants. They’re not cute. I had a black pair from H&M that I used to wear all the time, but I would balance it out with a crop top. That’s always been something I’ve been really good at when putting together an outfit. I like there has to be a balance of some sort.
You always splurge on, and you always save on…
I always splurge on shoes. I always save on bags. I know that can be kind of controversial, but I think there are so many cute up and coming bag brands that are really affordable. Just spending $2000 on a handbag is not something I ever do.
What is one piece of clothing you wish you could steal from your 16 year old self?
Not going to lie, I had good style when I was a teenager and was voted best dressed in high school. I had this hot pink snakeskin Betsy Johnson slip dress that I wore. I actually still have it, but I don’t think it fits me anymore.
What inspires your style most?
I’m not someone that looks to other people for style inspiration. Naturally, it would just be being in the industry and seeing what designers are doing. But, I think something that I’ve really moved away from as I’ve gotten older, is actually paying attention to trends for my own personal wardrobe. Obviously I pay attention to trends for work and for stories, but for me, I think that knowing what feels and looks good on my body is so important. Now I repeat the things that I wear. Especially in the winter, which will be a formula of a turtleneck, high waisted jeans and a cute jacket. I just always want to know that when I’m putting something on that I’m going to feel good in it. Putting on a good outfit can transform my mood. It’s really important for me to feel good in what I’m wearing.
Your #1 style tip is…
Wear things that make you feel good and not necessarily things that make you feel trendy.
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