By Mecca Pryor ·Updated February 20, 2026 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…

The Insider Edit is a curated list of pieces worth buying once and wearing forever. Influencer and social media expert Candace Marie breaks down her wardrobe investments, which she defines as ranging from elevated essentials to statement staples. 

After beginning her career at JPMorgan Chase, Candace Marie quickly realized her interests lay elsewhere. The now social media strategist earned her MBA in finance, initially viewing it as a practical backup plan. Her short stint in banking later transitioned into a career in editorial, where she worked across market, fashion, and social media. 

From there, she moved into full-time social media management roles at Barneys and Prada Group before eventually launching her own firm, Candace Marie Consulting. Through her consultancy, she develops social media strategy for a range of brands and creatives. Think: Prada, Chanel and Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment. And when she’s not consulting for the industry’s top brands, she’s also creating accessible guides, like 75 Not-So-Hard Social Media Challenge, for the everyday social media user, outlining how to build discipline and grow as a content creator.

But, regardless of what she’s doing, at the center of it all is fashion. And, on a personal level, one of Marie’s core wardrobe philosophies is exploring how, as she tells ESSENCE, “classic staple pieces can be elevated.” Influenced by her corporate background, Marie notes, a simple button-up shirt, for example, becomes interesting through unexpected details—perhaps, for example, a heavier fabric, an asymmetrical placket, or a subtle structural twist.

Beyond individual garments, Marie emphasizes the power of neutrals—blacks, whites, and creams—as the foundation of a strong wardrobe. Rather than relying on bold color, Marie, who gravitates towards designers like Comme des Garçons, experiments with texture, tailoring, unconventional silhouettes, and layering to create dimension within a restrained palette.

She also stresses the importance of understanding your body. For example, Marie says that she has long legs and a shorter torso, so she sometimes dresses to accentuate her proportions. Ultimately, understanding your own shape empowers you to make thoughtfulhref=”https://www.aislingcamps.com/shop/convertible-cardigan” target=”_blank”> Marie admires knitwear designer Aisling Camps forclass=”retailer essence-commerce-link” target=”_blank”>Aisling Camps 975Shop Now 02 02 K.ngsley Off-White “Riis” Pullover Polo Marie looks to K.ngsley for inventive takes on button-ups, including her personal favorite with a wool underlayer. Available at k-ngsley 550Shop Now 03 03 Cult Gaia Laurel Earrings Marie referenced the oversized floral earrings that appeared on the runway at the latest Dior show, noting that she sketched a similar concept to be sculpted into her braids. For a comparable statement effect, shop these extra-large floral earrings from Cult Gaia. Available at Cult Gaia 198Shop Now 04 04 Rokh Belted Flare Puff Sleeve Top Marie favors garments that balance geometric structure with classic silhouettes. This blouse from Rokh features oversized, puffy shoulders and ruffles at the hips, bringing extra dimension to any ensemble. Available at Bloomingdales 240Shop Now 05 05 Aeyde Clara Heel Aeyde’s Clara heel is a perfect choice for emulating Marie’sclass=”retailer essence-commerce-link” target=”_blank”>Aeyde 545Shop Now

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Author: Mecca Pryor

Read the original article on Essence.