The Insider Edit is a curated list of pieces worth buying once and wearing forever. Founder and tastemaker Elisa Johnson shares the wardrobe investments and collecting philosophy that shape her personal style.

For Elisa Johnson, personal style is less about chasing what’s new and more about knowing what’s worth keeping. As the founder of her namesake eyewear brand, Johnson has developed a sharper eye for craftsmanship, construction, and the details that make a piece feel special. That perspective has made her more intentional about her personal wardrobe, where timeless staples meet unexpected, statement-making touches.

“Owning my own brand has definitely changed the way I shop,” Johnson tells ESSENCE. “I have a much deeper understanding of construction, materials, and the details that make a piece feel truly high quality, so I’m much more intentional about what I invest in now.” For her, a higher price tag or recognizable designer name does not always mean better quality. Instead, she considers whether the craftsmanship justifies the investment.

That mindset has shifted her wardrobe toward fewer, more enduring pieces. She invests most in shoes and bags, which she considers staples that can remain in her collection for years to come. “Those are the pieces I’ve always felt most comfortable making a larger financial investment in because they’re staples that can remain in your wardrobe forever,” she says. She also gravitates towards timeless clothing, from a classic jacket to pieces she knows she’ll continue wearing long after a trend fades.

When it comes to defining her style, Johnson keeps it simple: She wants to feel like herself. “When I’m getting dressed, I really just want to feel authentically myself, which I would describe as feminine with an edge,” she says. Her wardrobe leans toward darker colors and classic, feminine silhouettes, which she balances with bolder, edgier, or even masculine touches.

“What makes something feel like an ‘Elisa’ piece is that same sense of timeless, feminine luxury, but always with a unique point of view or an unexpected edge that takes it beyond just being a classic staple,” she says.

That same philosophy informs how she approaches trends. While Johnson still takes cues from the fashion landscape, she’s more interested in trends with staying power. “I think I just try to be more discerning about whether a trend has an element that feels enduring, rather than something that will feel tied to a very specific moment in time,” she says.

Right now, that means low-rise pants are firmly in rotation. “It’s always a relief for me when they’re in vogue because I find them to be the most flattering on me,” she says. Capris, however, may have reached their saturation point. “Especially in LA, I feel like I see them everywhere,” she jokes.

That intentionality extends to how Johnson presents herself online. Her Instagram is a carefully considered extension of her personal style, and she describes herself as “very intentional and hyper-specific” about what she shares. She’d rather post less than share an image she doesn’t fully stand behind, ensuring that everything from her fashion to her travel imagery feels like an authentic reflection of her point of view.

“I’ve always loved expressing myself through fashion,” she says. “So when I go on a beautiful trip, for example, I want the looks and imagery I share to feel intentional and reflect the way I express myself.”

As she looks toward fall, Johnson is especially drawn to KHAITE and Catherine Holstein’s ability to build a complete world across clothing, accessories, and jewelry. She’s particularly interested in those brands’ use of leather, both in classic pieces and more unexpected silhouettes. “As we move into fall, I’m definitely looking forward to integrating more leather pieces into my wardrobe,” she says.

Phoebe Philo is another constant source of inspiration, drawing her to the relaxed silhouettes, unexpected materials, and understated sophistication. “I’m absolutely obsessed with it,” she says of Philo’s namesake line. “Everything feels so effortlessly cool and inspiring to me.”

That influence directly translates into Johnson’s personal wardrobe, where she’s leaning toward more relaxed, elevated silhouettes and menswear-inspired pieces, while playing with the contrast between structured leather and softer fabrics.

For her current rotation, Johnson is still living in the Los Angeles uniform of low-rise pants and a fitted top. And when it comes to shoes, she remains loyal to one longtime favorite. “I have been and always will be a Tabi girl,” she says, reaching for either a Tabi flat or boot depending on the look.

If there’s one piece she thinks everyone should invest in this season, it’s a leather staple they genuinely love, whether that’s a classic jacket or a pair of fitted leather pants. For Johnson, the formula is ultimately simple: Invest where it counts, choose pieces with staying power, and leave enough room for a little edge.

Scroll ahead to see Johnson’s wardrobe non-negotiables as a successful founder and the blueprint behind her effortless It-girl style.

Author: Mecca Pryor

Read the original article on Essence.