For Natalie Simkins, personal style is all about intention without losing a sense of ease. With a love for thoughtful layering, rich texture, unexpected accessories, and a well-placed pop of color, she approaches getting dressed as an expression of what feels distinctly her own. We caught up with Natalie to talk about the magic of fall in the city, the pieces she is most excited to bring back into rotation, and her best advice for building a wardrobe that feels elevated, effortless, and true to you.
How would you describe your personal style?
I’d say my style is elevated and intentional. I want to look effortless, but there's always a lot of thought behind what I wear. I gravitate toward neutrals with accessories that do the talking, but I still love a pop of color - and fall is my favorite season to dress for for that reason. More layers, more texture, more pattern mixing.
There is something special about New York in the fall. Tell us about your ideal day in the city during this time of year.
There's truly nothing better than a fall day in the city. My ideal day would start with a long walk and breakfast outside a coffee shop, then meeting friends somewhere with outdoor seating - a restaurant, the park, the Westside Highway. The leaves and the temperatures are both so short-lived, I want to be outside for every possible second of it.
As we transition into fall, what pieces, colors, or styling elements are you most excited to incorporate into your wardrobe?
Fall is my favorite season to get dressed, there's just so much more to work with. I'm always excited to bring out my jackets and suede pieces that feel too heavy for summer, and I love that layering opens up a whole new way to use the details I gravitate toward all year - fringe, tassels, studs - just in a richer context. Color wise, I'm loving chartreuse, navy, camel, magenta, and burgundy (still!) right now. It's a mix that feels warm and bold at the same time.
What advice would you give to someone looking to elevate their wardrobe while staying true to their personal style?
Start with the pieces you already love and build around those. You don't have to reinvent your wardrobe every time a new trend comes along, and if something feels 'out of style' but you still reach for it, that's not a problem, that's your personal style talking. Wear it anyway. If you want to elevate without starting over, accessories are the easiest place to start. A great bag or an unexpected earring can completely change the feel of an outfit you've worn a hundred times.
