Socialite style is the perfect marriage of chic and quiet elegance: subtle, timeless, pieces that whisper “wealth” instead of screaming “rich!” A little daring is not unwelcome, and some socialites (like Zoe Kravitz) prefer a more bohemian style. Maggie Betts and Susan Fales-Hill, above, wear perfect examples of “Lunch” outfits (and don’t forget to reserve your lunch date at The Four Seasons dining room, where any social worth her salt goes to see and be seen).
2. Perfect Your Blasé Stare:
Practice diligently in the mirror, thinking thoughts like “I could so be on Roberto Cavalli’s yacht right now” or “Woe is me: another front row seat at Zac Posen.” The stare is all about projecting “I have better things to do but sure, I’ll indulge you and take a photo.” Then, of course, secretly scour socialite photog sites, like Patrick McMullan and New York Social Diary, the next day to see if you’ve got it down like Zoe and Genevieve Jones.
3. Develop a Signature Piece:
It’s important to have a fashion signature, whether it’s inventive evening clutches or headbands–a little stylish eccentricity adds some color to your social profile. Studio Museum in Harlem Director Thelma Golden is known for her bold jackets and coats, quite fitting given her artistic background. Ms. Golden is the perfect model of a career woman with socialite status, which leads us to…
4. Cultivate Accomplishments:
In this day and age, it’s OK to be smart and social (hey, not everyone’s parents can be multimillionaires). A successful career of your own lends your socialite sheen some purpose and depth. Some of the more accomplished socials include White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers, finance mogul Pamela Joyner, and fashion publicist Bonnie Morrison. Today’s socialite should have an interesting answer to the perennial conversation opener “And what do you do when you’re not front row at B. Michael?” (and if you don’t know who that is, well, I just can’t bother to tell you dahhhling…) ;-)
Finally, one of the most important requirements for flaunting your socialite status is…5. The Quiet Statement Bag:
So exclusive yet low-key that only other socials may know the brand, the bag must be big enough to fit your Smythson planner but small enough to carry easily in your manicured hands, have few to no embellishments, and, of course, be almost always black. Favorite socialite brands include Bottega Veneta (for their famous woven leather pattern), Hermès’ Birkin Bag, and, of course, the classic quilted Chanel Caviar bag. Take your cue from the above socials, actress-socialite Kerry Washington, and philanthropists Prudence Solomon Inzerillo and Grace Hightower De Niro.Ready to channel your socialite soignée but lack the trust fund? Here are a few options to indulge your inner social gal! Toodles, daaahlings…~Adri
Credits* The fashion Bomb Blog Adriana
