Exploring personal style and learning about fresh trends from different fashion creatives is always intriguing. So when we had the opportunity to chat with Jessica Abbott, head merchandiser at new fashion brand Behold, we jumped at the chance. At 25, Abbott worked as the COO of a contemporary brand. Since then, she’s continued to help build e-commerce brands, including Behold.
For a little background, Behold is an interactive platform where you can take a quiz to create a personal profile to share more about your style. The platform then offers styling tools to help create outfits and also offers up a daily curation of trends and items from expert stylists that they think you’ll be interested in and want to shop. You can learn even more here. In Abbott’s world, she’s responsible for spearheading all on-site merchandising and brand curation. She also ensures the brands she works with have strong missions.
Given that Abbott has a storied career in fashion and currently leads a merchandising and styling team, we thought there could be interest in learning more from her POV. Specifically, we wanted to learn more about the current items Abbott thinks are true modern wardrobe staples. Basically, the pieces coming your way are items she routinely wears and recommends to others.
With all that in mind, keep scrolling to learn more, complete with outfit inspiration from Abbott. There are also inspired shopping picks sprinkled throughout.
“Every closet needs a button-down, and the oversized trend this season makes for a much-needed and versatile update. This white shirt by Nili Lotan, one of my favorite woman-owned brands, is so easy to style. It can be worn with just about anything.”
“Jeans are the ultimate closet essential. I think everyone needs a bit of relaxation these days, and the oversize denim styles this season are the perfect match for that. This style by E.L.V. Denim is fresh, relaxed, 100% sustainable, and from a woman-owned brand. They’re also about as versatile as it gets—pair them with a basic tank or tee, dress them up with a heel, or keep them casual with a cool sneaker or sandal.”
“One can never have too many tees. This season, I’m loving the addition of the statement shoulder, like this one by St. Roche, a sustainable brand. This upgraded power silhouette gives a whole new dimension to basic jeans and a tee.”
“A blazer is the perfect final touch to almost any outfit. For spring, we’re gravitating toward the oh-so-on-trend slouchy fit. This blazer by Rachel Comey (a great woman-owned brand) is all about power woman meets casual cool. It’s easy to throw on when you’re running out the door or need a quick upgrade for Zoom.”
“There is no greater must-have for spring than a classic trench. They’re functional, transitional, timeless, and the perfect way to dress up a dressed-down look. This one from woman-owned M.M.LaFleur is perfect for rainy-day strolls and leisurely lunches. It also adds a little sophistication to your go-to sweatshirt-and-sneakers look.”
“A crisp and classic white canvas sneaker is a must. For a small investment, you can easily freshen up your look. This canvas pair by Brazilian company Cariuma is under $100, sustainable, and from a BIPOC-owned brand. They’re cute, comfy, and can literally be worn with anything from a dress to a suit.”
