Stylist Jessica Hilde articulates the principles of expertly culled wardrobes. Photos: Chris Emeott
Wayzata’s Jessica Hilde helps clients curate wardrobes and discover their best styled selves.
“My job is really transforming someone’s life,” Jessica Hilde says. The Wayzata stylist helps clients at her Lake Street showroom build wardrobes from high-quality pieces—from jeans to gowns to suits—that fit perfectly, both in size and in spirit. “I’ve been doing this for 15 years,” Hilde says. “And so many women don’t feel good about themselves … After I work with them, I literally see their entire life transform. They’re going out to dinners and to Europe and posting all their outfits on Instagram.”
The majority of Hilde’s clients are women in their 30s through 80s—a demographic that current fashion tastemakers tend to ignore, she says. How does that clientele find clothes that are comfortable without being dowdy and current without being too youthful? We asked Hilde for her top tips for stylish dressing in midlife and beyond.
Build a capsule wardrobe.
Focusing on a small number of well-made items is key, Hilde says. “All of your options for the day are on one rack, and everything goes with everything.” You can mix and match jeans, T-shirts, a blouse or two, and suit pieces—just change up shoes and jewelry for the occasion. Hilde says a capsule for each season makes sense, and she helps clients put together looks for specific parts of life: at home, going out, travel, work and more.
When is it time to let an outfit shine? Always, especially with this Lafayette 148 pencil skirt in metallic multi., Lafayette 148 crewneck sweater in camel multi., earrings in gold plate over sterling and rose cut diamonds by Gretchen Venutra Jewelry, available at The Showroom. Photos: Amy Sundby Jeanchaiyaphum
Deconstruct a suit.
“Every woman needs a suit in her wardrobe,” Hilde says. “Even if you’re not in a bigwig office.” Wear the jacket over a rock ’n’ roll T-shirt and jeans, or pair the suit pants with cute sneakers and a white tee for more casual days. “And it doesn’t have to be black,” Hilde says. “Try cream or a statement color.”
Classic. Elevated. Invite the style duo in with Lafayette 148’s black cashmere turtleneck sweater with a camel hair, tailored cropped jacket and camel hair Sullivan Pant.
Find creative ways to use current trends.
Not all “trends” are passing fancies or only for the young. “I really like the monochromatic trend,” Hilde says. “You can do a cream top with cream pants or gray on gray. Those lighter neutrals are flattering.” Simplicity is nice for capsule wardrobes, too—florals and patterns look out of date faster. How about a traditionally “youthful” piece like the mini skirt? “I would add cozy tights, boots and a chunky sweater” to make it age appropriate, Hilde says. “There are ways you can still have that look.”
Cut an enviable look with this Lafayette 148 wide lapel coat in black multi., black tights by Wolford and a black wrap ring by Gretchen Ventura Jewelry, available at The Showroom.
Invest in elevated fabrics.
Not only are natural fabrics, including silk, linen and cashmere, much more sustainable than less expensive options, but they also offer breathability during a time of life when many women have trouble regulating body temperature. (Thank you, hot flashes.) “I’m sensitive at my age to fabrication,” Hilde says (She’s 52.), and she works with clients to find pieces that are ultimately comfy. “We can try a sleeveless blouse under a blazer, for example, instead of long sleeves.”
Do denim right.
While it can be tricky to find jeans that look and feel good as we get older, don’t give up hope, Hilde says, adding, “My favorite brand right now is Lafayette 148. They’re very soft but not so stretchy you get a saggy bum.” Pockets that are placed higher up give a more elongated shape, she adds. “And, of course, a wider leg is in. I love jeans with a crisp white shirt. If you’re taller, you can wear it out; if you’re more petite, try tucking it in,” she says. For a casual outing on a warm day, find your staple pair of denim shorts, and pair with a tank top, an open white shirt and a sun hat.
This white button down shirt is crisply paired with denim jeans, and 14K gold with rose cut diamond drops on 14K chain by Gretchen Ventura Jewelry.
Try a new silhouette.
It’s a fact: Our bodies change as we age. It’s OK to embrace that, Hilde says. “Sometimes, you just have to go up a size,” she says with a smile. “I tell people to be willing to try a new shape. Maybe when you were younger, you liked a tight jean, and now it doesn’t feel as good. We want looser pieces that are more elegant.” Hilde is serious about loving the skin we’re in at any age. “The woman I was when I was 30 is not who I am today in my 50s. I’m better. I’m more confident,” she says.
For your next autumnal adventure, embrace this Lafayette 148 Nappa lambskin leather tailored cropped jacket, L148 denim Wyckoff wide-jeg jeans and Gretchen Ventura Pyrite macrame earrings with rose cut diamonds post.
Styled by DNA
Wayzata stylist Jessica Hilde has fashion in her blood. She calls herself a fourth-generation shop owner—her great-grandmother owned one of the first mercantiles in northeast Minneapolis—and she grew up in her mom and grandmother’s boutique, Two’s Company, which opened in Minneapolis in 1974. “I was putting on tags and stickers my whole life,” she says. “I got paid in cookies.”
Hilde started modeling at age 6, and as a young woman, her career took her all over the world. “I attribute a lot of my styling energy and craft to being a model and having people put clothes on me,” she says. “I think that really trained my eye.”
In the years since, Hilde’s had a variety of jobs in the fashion world and ran her Wayzata boutique, Lyric, from 2008 to 2013. Now, clients can find Hilde at her Lake Street studio in Wayzata, where she offers personal styling services (by appointment only), helping women build capsule wardrobes that project outward all of the elegance and energy they feel on the inside.
“Let’s say you’re about to get your dream job and do an interview,” Hilde says. “Those are the people who come to see me. [Additionally], I work with CEOs, real estate people, retirees, stay-at-home moms.” She keeps a fully stocked showroom of pieces, so she can send clients home with their expertly selected shirts, suits, denim and more.
Jessica Hilde: The Showroom
746 E. Lake St., Wayzata; 612.990.1215
Instagram: @jessicahilde_style
