In Uniform: Olivia Wayman's Take on London Street Style

Rip & Tan: How would you define your personal style?

Olivia Wayman: I would say my personal style is definitely a culmination of trial and error over the years. I have certainly had some interesting looks and experiments but now have settled into what I feel is my true style. I take lots of inspiration from the Olsen Twins and street style photos which gives me a minimal feel to my clothes. Growing up in the English countryside has given me a love for classic pieces, which is why I love such timeless pieces and silhouettes. Overall, I would say it’s a mix of minimalism and investment pieces, casual but always ever so slightly dressed up.

Rip & Tan: What pieces make up your weekday uniform? Any difference on weekends?

Olivia Wayman: I really enjoy getting dressed, so my style is pretty consistent all week. I feel I can’t focus if I don’t feel like myself and getting dressed is very much a part of that! My current uniform is a white t-shirt, either denim or tailoring then I rotate with knitwear and outerwear. My accessories always stay the same, silver earrings, my bean necklace, and a belt. 

Rip & Tan: Can you share your philosophy on styling special occasions?

Olivia Wayman: When it comes to special occasions, I always think about sticking to my own style. Just because it’s a special event doesn’t mean you have to wear a brightly colored dress you’d never normally wear—I always feel more comfortable and confident when I’ve chosen an outfit that feels like me. Along the same lines, a special occasion doesn’t have to mean a new purchase, the best part of buying good quality investment pieces means you can switch around pieces and outfits to create new looks all the time.

Rip & Tan: Any travel plans this year? How do you tend to approach packing?

Olivia Wayman: I’m a surprisingly light packer, my boyfriend always laughs as he always has double the luggage. I always used to overpack then only wear a handful of those pieces! Now I do a rough outfit plan a week before, grab my essential wardrobe pieces plus a few extras depending on the location and it’s so much easier.

Rip & Tan: Whether it was purchased, found, or passed down—do you have a certain piece that’s most sentimental to you?

Olivia Wayman: Probably the jewelry I have from my Granny. She had some very special pieces that always make me remember how she used to wear them.

Rip & Tan: When you’re planning a look, what’s your typical order of operations?

Olivia Wayman: I always think of where I’m going first, not that I’m the most practical dresser, but it is good to know the tone of dress. Then, I’ll think about any pieces that I’ve been wanting to wear for an occasion like it, even if it’s just a new pair of jeans! I’ll then build around that piece until I have a final outfit.

Rip & Tan: What’s the one accessory every woman needs in her year-round capsule wardrobe?

Olivia Wayman: A good alternative to denim. I am a huge denim fan but every woman needs an alternative for the days she doesn’t feel like wearing jeans. My go-to’s are a pair of tailored trousers or silk trousers.

Rip & Tan: For you, what makes something an instant classic?

Olivia Wayman: I love when I find a new piece and I instantly start wearing it with all the pieces I already own, in lots of combinations. That’s how I know it’s going to be a lifelong classic piece. The item is almost always a timeless design that won’t age after seasons.