In Uniform: Style the Perfect NYC Day with Shadi Ojelade

Rip & Tan: What are a few of the defining characteristics of your personal style?

Shadi Ojelade: From a glance, timeless, neutral tones pieces with an emphasis on form and silhouettes. I would personally describe my style as natural sophistication with a bit of rawness. I feel my most powerful in all black with a twist. When shopping or looking at my wardrobe, I see exceptional fabrics, impeccable details, and depending on who I went to, precise tailoring.

As I’ve just moved to New York, I’ve found a bit more liberty and discovery with my personal style. I find much of my inspiration comes from so many things starting from architecture and interiors, like Le Corbusier, Kunio Maekawa, and Luis Barragan, collections and designers like 90’s Maison Margiela and Phoebe Philo, and film/television and creators like @brittanybathgate, @Londongirlinnyc and @stephaniebroek.

Rip & Tan: Which core pieces make up your typical everyday uniform?

Shadi Ojelade: My go to 3 pieces are trousers (typically oversized), a blouse/thick tee, and a layered coat with really fun shoes! I take a lot of pride in my coats and trousers. Many of them are similar, but I love all of them individually. I am new to New York and purely think I moved here and delusionally pay this rent just to be able to wear knits and long sleeves. So an honorary mention is throwing on a knit everywhere I go.

Rip & Tan: How does your uniform tend to shift from day to night?

Shadi Ojelade: Lately, I like to keep it casual and comfortable—so I’ve switched to baggy jeans and comfortable sneakers. Feeling confident in what I wear is key, especially in the city, so I still like to keep it casual. At night, I switch to a tank or a linen or silk top for dinner, and top it off with ballet flats or tabi’s.

Rip & Tan: What are some of your favorite ways to mix up an everyday look?

Shadi Ojelade: Many people assume that having a neutral wardrobe means you’re always opposed to trends, rather it’s important to play trends into the neutral wardrobe. For instance, right now of my favorite ways to do it is to keep true to my tones and fabrics, and subtly throw in high knee socks or a mini skirt!

Rip & Tan: Seasons aside, which 3 pieces does every woman need in her wardrobe? 

Shadi Ojelade: Perfect denim/jeans that when put on, everyone knows it’s you. A good white button down and either staple shoes—mines are my tabis or YSL loafers or jewelry. I love a dainty necklace and Thanos-inspired ring stack.

Rip & Tan: Walk us through your version of the perfect NYC Day. What are you doing, and what are you wearing? 

Shadi Ojelade: My morning routine is everything to me which includes sunshine, movement, a cold shower, and Tate’s cookies with my coffee. After that, I get dressed in something loose and comfortable like a sweater and trousers with some cool sneakers and jewelry. After running errands, I come home to decompress, then switch to something more interesting like a dress and tailored blazer. Lately, I’ve been loving wearing silk tops to dinner with a skirt and sandals.

Rip & Tan: If you could only choose one shade to style for the rest of your life, which would it be?

Shadi Ojelade: Black. No further questions lol.

Rip & Tan: When it comes to style or even just certain pieces in your wardrobe, what makes something a classic? 

Shadi Ojelade: If it’s the 20s, 90s, or 2010 (when leopard and pumps were in), you can pull out that piece, and you would feel comfortable putting it with any outfit.  A classic is something that is special to you and your heart. It could’ve been trendy last year, but if you style it uniquely, you can wear that piece anytime you want. Stay true to yourself always.