In Uniform: Emily Bonita on Outfitting Made Effortless

Rip & Tan: In as many words as you’d like, what is your personal style?

Emily Bonita: For my personal style, I try to blend traditional sophistication with modern creativity. I could say the purpose of my wardrobe is to create a unique and polished aesthetic that can be interpreted in a number of ways.

Rip & Tan: How would you define New York street style as a collective? How do you put your unique spin on it? 

Emily Bonita: In its collective form, New York street style is a blend of individuality and urban charisma. This fusion of high fashion and streetwear encapsulates the city’s dynamic spirit and diverse influences. 

Rip & Tan: Describe your perfect NYC day. What are you doing? How are you styling it? 

Emily Bonita: As part of my ideal day, I would spend the morning with close friends at one of my favorite coffee shops, Bel Ami Cafe, and then spend the afternoon visiting local galleries, such as Fleiss-Vallois, Nahmad Contemporary, among many others, as well as dining at Cafe Sabarsky, a restaurant located within The Neue Gallery. For a day like this, I usually wear clothes that are comfortable and easy to walk in.

Rip & Tan: On any given day, what pieces generally make up your everyday uniform?

Emily Bonita: It depends on the season. Generally, however, I would wear a button-up crisp shirt, a long black skirt or trousers, a great blazer or long tailored coat, and slip-on mules or over-the-knee pointed boots.

Rip & Tan: What’s your approach to dressing for special occasions? 

Emily Bonita: The rule of thumb is to keep it comfortable so I won’t fidget with it all evening, but add something surprising that someone wouldn’t expect from you, such as a black dress with comfortable heels and a bold statement purse or earrings and vice-versa. 

Rip & Tan: On the inevitable mornings when you don’t know what to wear, what’s your strategy for feeling effortlessly put-together? 

Emily Bonita: When unsure what to wear, I try to turn to monochromatic dressing. Playing with different shades and textures helps to create a cohesive look, even when time is limited. Comfort is always a necessity too! I can’t say this enough. In my experience, the more I plan my outfits, the more I overthink, which is not a good practice. I follow my instincts and do what feels right to me. 

Rip & Tan: Imagine you could only wear two neutrals for the rest of your life—which are you choosing? 

Emily Bonita: It’s no surprise that I’d choose black and ivory as my two neutrals. Black is timeless, while ivory adds a touch of luxury and versatility. It allows me to express myself in many ways, believe it or not.

Rip & Tan: As summer heads toward fall, in what ways are you planning on refreshing your wardrobe for the seasonal transition?

Emily Bonita: As summer transitions into fall, I plan to add more comfortable sweaters and elements of leather to the mix. In addition, I plan to wear richer colors as opposed to only black. I’m trying!

Rip & Tan: What makes a piece feel classic to you? 

Emily Bonita: A classic piece transcends trends and time, embodying the perfect balance of craftsmanship, design, and versatility. While it exhibits enduring sophistication and understated beauty, it isn’t swayed by fads.