Style rules with Emma Hill

You have firmly established what your personal style is. Do you think that’s something that has evolved naturally over time or does it come from experimentation?
I think it’s a mix of both, or at least it has been for me. In my 20s I loved colour and current trends, I was very experimental and dabbled in pretty much anything and everything, but when I got to my 30s it was a massive turning point. My style evolved into what I naturally felt drawn to which was classic wardrobe staples in a more muted colour palette. But, most importantly, I now choose pieces and outfits that make me feel comfortable and confident. I think style constantly evolves depending on lifestyle and age. Mine has taken another more minimal shift over the last year due to the circumstances and the way life has changed in general due to the pandemic, and it may shift again as life resumes some normality this year.


What do you look for when you're investing in something new for your collection?
I look for quality and versatility because these two elements lend themselves to the longevity of an item. I want to invest in pieces that I can wear time and time again because they’re easy to pair with the other items I already own and because I know they’re going to stand the test of time and wear.
 

What would you say are your top 3 most worn items?
Pre-covid, it was straight-leg jeans, a white t-shirt and a black blazer. During Covid though it has been wide-leg tailored trousers or joggers paired with an oversized cashmere jumper.

How do you keep your wardrobe working hard?
By investing in quality pieces which are versatile. I personally find it makes me more excited and creatively satisfied to reach for them time and time again. I like having pieces which have endless options for outfits so I never feel ‘stuck’ for something to wear. In turn, I always feel confident in whatever I’m wearing and for me that’s a really important feeling when opening up my wardrobe and getting dressed.


How often do you edit your wardrobe? And how do you decide what stays and what goes?
I do two main wardrobe edits per year when I do my wardrobe switchover from autumn/winter to spring/summer and vice versa. I will also do what I call ‘wardrobe adjustments’ in the middle of a season (if needs be), mainly depending on the weather. I will only evict items from my wardrobe that I know I’m not going to wear, and I will usually sell these items on to fund something on my wish list.

Do you have any shortcuts for refreshing your favourite staples?
I think it comes down to inspiration. With all the digital content we have these days it’s easy to feel like we need this trend and need that new ‘It item’ but actually the classic staples are what works best, for me anyway. I like to use all this digital content to find inspiration for different ways to style certain pieces that I already own, the classics.


What are your rules when it comes to styling or building an outfit?
Not so much rules, but definitely rituals that I’ve got used to when putting an outfit together:

1. Stick to 3 colours max. per outfit.
2. If it’s not comfortable, and I don’t feel confident, then take it off.
3. Offset something casual with a piece of tailoring, and vice versa.
4. Don’t overthink an outfit and don’t add to an outfit just for the sake of it - less is more.