Jenna Phillips' Summer Style is the Definition of California Cool

Rip & Tan: How would you characterize your own personal style?

Jenna Phillips: My style is a form of self-expression—I often choose pieces that reflect how I’m feeling at that moment. If I had to characterize my overall style, I would say I love effortless, basic pieces in that natural fabrics that are comfortable and simple.

Rip & Tan: What’s your general approach to putting an outfit together? Do you have a style ethos you live by?

Jenna Phillips: Generally, I try not to overthink it—I just open up my closet and start with the bottom half. About 75% of the time, it’s a pair of jeans (boyfriend, straight, bootcut, vintage…so many choices and fits), and then the shoes. Depending on my mood it could be comfortable Blundstones or vintage pointy-toe kitten heels. After that, I’ll choose a top, which typically ends up being a fitted tank and a sweater, or a tee and a button-up (like the Jenni Kayne Boyfriend Shirt) I leave unbuttoned.

My style ethos is: don’t dress for anyone but yourself.

Rip & Tan: What are some of your favorite ways to incorporate Jenni Kayne pieces into your everyday wardrobe?

Jenna Phillips: I love styling oversized Jenni Kayne sweaters with vintage jeans, slip dresses, and denim shorts with sandals, cowboy boots, or sneakers.

Rip & Tan: Can you walk us through the different ways you’ve recently styled the Willow Blouse and James Dress?

Jenna Phillips: The Willow Blouse and James Dress have quickly become two of my favorite pieces. They are both breathable, elegant, and they elevate any look. A few ways I styled the Willow Blouse: paired with darker vintage wrangler shorts, vintage faded Levi’s, and white jeans. For the James Dress, I wore my cowboy boots for an easy look.

Rip & Tan: We love a Cotton Fisherman over the shoulders for Spring and Summer—what are some other ways you love to style summer knits?

Jenna Phillips: I love throwing an oversized sweater over a dress or shorts and styling it with chunky sneakers or sandals for an effortless look—perfect for warm days and cooler evenings.

Rip & Tan: Do you have any tips for seamlessly mixing vintage pieces with modern staples?

Jenna Phillips: My favorite thing about vintage pieces is that you’re unique, so no matter what you style that piece with, it’s a unique look. Try mixing vibrant printed dresses or trousers with simple blouses or sweaters to balance it out.

Rip & Tan: Shopping for vintage can be intimidating—where do you prefer to source? Any tips for beginners?

Jenna Phillips: Shopping for vintage pieces takes a specific mindset—you can’t go into it with an idea of what you’ll mind. So it’s important to be in a creative state! I typically keep an eye out for certain fabrics—linen, cashmere, cotton denim, rayon. This helps narrow the search, so you’re not picking up every piece.

Keep in mind, that vintage styles fit differently and about 50% of the time, I end up taking my findings to the tailor. If you don’t have vintage places near you, you can always look on eBay! I’ve found some amazing vintage levis and wranglers, but it takes time to understand the sizing.

For example, levis orange tab 505’s fit me perfectly, but the red tab 505’s never seem to work. It’s definitely trial and error, but it’s worth it!

Rip & Tan: What makes a vintage find truly worth the investment? What are a few signs we’re better off passing on a particular piece?

Jenna Phillips: There’s just something about finding a vintage piece that fits you perfectly and can be styled with items in your closet. I always make myself envision styling that piece 3 different ways, with items I already own, and If I can’t come up with any, I’ll pass on it. Some pieces you’ll be drawn to might have discoloration or have multiple holes that won’t easily be fixed, and if it’s not something you’ll get around to fixing, it’s best to pass on it—you’ll find that perfect piece another time.

Rip & Tan: We love the James Dress for days we want to feel instantly put-together with just one piece. What kind of accessories lend themselves to this silhouette?

Jenna Phillips: I believe you can never have too many shoes—each pair instantly transforms your look. You can also add a sunhat, or a belt around the waist to enhance your silhouette. I also wore the black slip dress that comes with the James Dress and threw a sweater over it!

Rip & Tan: When in doubt, what’s a tried-and-true outfit formula you’ll always return to?

Jenna Phillips: Jeans, tank top, cozy sweater, and a pair of worn-in boots.