Style Diaries: Jordyn Leib
Hi! For those who may not know you, can you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about where you’re based and what you do?
Hi! My name is Jordyn Leib. I’m currently based in NYC, but born and raised in the valley of Los Angeles. I’m a stylist, trend forecaster, and personal shopper!
How would you say your surroundings have influenced your personal style?
I think growing up in Southern California my style is very much rooted in the casual and laid-back nature of coastal heat. I think there’s almost always one element of my outfit that could be categorized as “not dressy enough” or “out of place,” but that’s by design. Going to a Big Ten college and living in my sorority house bred a very DIY culture for game day and themed party dressing. Getting crafty with what I have in my closet has been a part of my fashion for as long as I can remember. My best friend is the same, and we often FaceTime each other wearing clothing or accessories any way except for how they were intended and asking, “Did I take this too far?” haha. Working in the fashion industry and living in New York has also definitely altered the way I look at getting dressed. I spend so much time around clothing and creativity that each day I genuinely like perusing Pinterest, but in real life.
Can you walk us through your thought process when you get dressed for the day? Are there any style rules you tend to inherently stick to when getting dressed?
The first question I always ask myself when getting dressed is, “What do you want to give today?” Is it a part of my body (anything from leg to hair)? Is it a vibe (sweet, sexy, chill)? I also will randomly think of a piece in my closet and build around that. I definitely am building outfits in my head when I’m trying to fall asleep. I don’t follow or believe in many fashion rules because I believe art has no rules. A core pillar of my personal style is juxtaposition. I am many things, and so are my outfits :)
What or who has been inspiring you lately?
I’ve been traveling recently within California and visiting LA, so being around new people and places has definitely given me a new perspective!
Is there a specific trend or item that you’ve been eyeing incorporating into your everyday style?
I keep a running list in my notes of interesting items I see in the wild or an idea of an item/outfit in my notes. I think with vintage shopping, going in with a plan in a big store is always very helpful. Right now, I’m on the hunt for a vintage pair of silky basketball/running shorts, a moccasin shoe, and I need a black mini bag. I have my eye on one from a brand called Freja!
How do you navigate staying true to your personal style without being influenced by every new trend that pops up?
This is a very loaded answer for me. I think in a very digital and influencer-heavy world, it’s really easy to do your shopping exclusively through influencer links. A lot of people aren’t just selling an item but are selling you the life or body or whole outfit that comes with it, and that’s not reality. So, you get the item, style it the exact same way, and then it rots in your closet after. I see a lot of content of people speaking down to people who participate in trends or create aesthetics, and to that, I say no one is safe from the pressure of consumption. It takes real practice to break that habit and cycle (speaking as someone who’s a shopaholic and chronically online). I think a lot of it is self-discovery because impressionable viewers don’t always know themselves wholly. Growing up and doing a lot of inner healing and work has helped me avoid that pattern and stay true to myself!
In what outfit do you feel the most you?
I’m a biiiiig slip dress girl. I love slip dresses and how sweet and girly they are. Paired with my Ray-Ban Wayfarers (very classic with an edge) and a flip flop (very casual), I think it tells a story of my personality without me having to speak.
What’s one item that you think everyone should have in their closet?
I don’t believe that anyone NEEDS anything, but would say never underestimate the power of a good accessory!! A bag, necklace, sunglass, or shoe that is unique can truly turn any outfit cool and make it personal. Little effort required ;)
This? Or That!
Leather or Denim?
Denim
Colors or Neutrals?
My heart says color, but my mind says neutrals
Sneakers or Sandals?
Sandals
When Traveling: Dress up or Dress Down?
DRESS UP!
Vintage or New?
Vintage, always
Hot Weather or Cold Weather?
Hot! I’m a lizard
Solids or Patterns?
Solids
BONUS!
Listen to Jordyn’s Getting Dressed playlist here.