In Uniform: Ilana Torbiner's Take On Essential Style

Rip & Tan: What does style mean to you? How would you describe your own personal style journey?

Ilana Torbiner: Style to me is deeply personal, and a reflection of how you see yourself. My personal style journey has been…fairly linear? I have always been incredibly particular about what I wear, where my clothes come from, and how they feel. I’ve always known what I like, and have gravitated towards simple styles, mostly in a neutral color palette, even at a young age. However, I’d like to think my style has become slightly more refined over the last few years.

Rip & Tan: If you could only wear one look for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Ilana Torbiner: A white tee, jeans, a belt, and a good pair of boots. Basic, but for good reason. Effortless, but still put together. 

Rip & Tan: What role do clothes play in your day-to-day? How does that influence the way you get dressed?

Ilana Torbiner: As much as I love clothes, I want getting dressed to be the simplest part of my day. I’d rather invest my time into building my wardrobe and establishing a strong foundation, so that when it comes time to actually get dressed, putting an outfit together is quick and easy. Comfort is always a top priority–if I don’t feel good about what I’m wearing, it’s not going to be a good day.

Rip & Tan: When you’re on the hunt for new finds—vintage or new—what kind of characteristics are you looking for? What makes something worth a splurge?

Ilana Torbiner: Something I will be able to wear multiple different ways, all year long, for many years to come!

Rip & Tan: As a self-proclaimed lover of consignment, can you share some tips for sourcing quality pre-loved pieces?

Ilana Torbiner: Yes! I love shopping second-hand. It’s the best way to infuse originality into your looks and guarantee a bit of uniqueness. It’s boring seeing everyone wear the exact same thing, but with the addition of a special vintage jacket or pair of shoes, it adds some interest and helps to establish your personal style. 

I live for TheRealReal and have had the best luck sorting through their vintage filter.  Etsy, Poshmark and Vestiaire have great pieces too, but sometimes require more digging. Patience, patience, patience, and checking your favorite searches daily makes it feel less daunting. 

Rip & Tan: Regardless of season, which staples do you have on heaviest rotation?

Ilana Torbiner: Denim, a white t-shirt, and some variation of a trench coat. 

Rip & Tan: As we approach sunnier seasons, what looks or pieces are you most excited to style?

Ilana Torbiner: I plan to live in flowy dresses all summer. I’ll be very pregnant at that point and don’t foresee this summer being my most stylish. But if I wasn’t, I would be excited about shorts, of all lengths, sheer tops, maxi skirts and woven bags. 

Rip & Tan: What makes something a classic?

Ilana Torbiner: I think ‘a classic’ can look slightly different for everyone, depending on individual style. But always something of good quality that will withstand any closet clean out. Something you never want to part with and will want to wear forever, not just a season or two.