The Insider Edit is a curated list of pieces worth buying once and wearing forever. Influencer and C-suite executive Brooke DeVard breaks down her wardrobe investments and beauty secrets, which she defines as simply doing as she pleases. 

Brooke DeVard makes it all look effortless. Between serving as Chief Content Officer at Refinery29, hosting a hit podcast, running a beauty brand, influencing culture, and raising two children, she wears many hats—and always has the perfect outfit to match.

Her love affair with fashion began early. As a child, DeVard kept what she affectionately calls a “dress-up drawer,” filled with her favorite dresses and treasured accessories. Today, that same spirit guides her approach to getting dressed. Whether she’s channeling ’80s glamour or leaning into her signature understated aesthetic, DeVard remains committed to personal style over fleeting trends.

Rather than chasing what’s new, she encourages women to embrace the pieces that make them feel most like themselves. “One of the best ways to find your personal style is to repeat outfits,” she explains.

One of her go-to summer looks, whether she’s heading to a meeting, running errands, or spending time with her children, is a crisp white button-down paired with white jeans, layered with her signature stack of rings and gold jewelry. It’s a versatile uniform that can easily be dressed up or down, and one that reflects her belief that consistency helps define individuality. From recurring color palettes to signature hairstyles, establishing personal style markers makes getting dressed feel effortless. 

“I do not participate in trends at all,” she says. “If there is a dress everyone is wearing, I am not buying it.” Instead, DeVard invests in timeless wardrobe staples she knows she’ll love for years to come. Quality is key, which is why she gravitates toward natural fabrics like 100 percent cotton and cashmere, as well as pieces designed to stand the test of time, both stylistically and structurally.

When it comes to dressing professionally, DeVard prioritizes what she calls “non-fussy” pieces. As a C-suite executive, she gravitates toward clothing that requires little maintenance—no fashion tape, constant adjusting, or temporary fixes. The ideal garment, she says, should fit effortlessly and move with you throughout the day.

With the Essence Festival of Culture just around the corner, DeVard is putting those principles into practice as she packs for the New Orleans heat. As she prepares to take the stage alongside some of culture’s biggest names, she’s leaning on the timeless style philosophy that has become her signature: wear what feels like you, and wear it well.

Author: Mecca Pryor

Read the original article on Essence.