Zoey Washington has an eye for style — and all things creative. As Senior Fashion and Beauty Editor at Brit + Co, she hunts down the best buys and newest fashion brands, and helps readers live their best, most chic life through style inspiration from celebs and influencers. With almost two decades of experience in fashion, and degrees in art history and museum curation (check out her #fashionartmashup series on Instagram) it’s safe to say this babe knows what she’s talking about. That’s why we tracked down Zoey for a quick chat about fashion, shopping, motherhood, and being your own damn self.
Lulus: Tell us about your background. How did you get into fashion/media? How did you end up at Brit + Co?
Zoey Washington: I have been in traditional print media since 2000 (LAWD!) when I interned at Cosmopolitan magazine while I was in college. I always knew I wanted to go into fashion media as a kid and I studied magazines like I was prepping for the SATs. Throughout the years I have been lucky enough to work in different areas of fashion, ranging from consumer brands to high fashion to mid-market. Each experience has been completely different from the last, but one thing always remains constant: I love fancy pretty things.
Lulus: We do too! Do you have a favorite career moment?
ZW: I don’t have a favorite moment in particular, but I would say that what I am most proud of is that I am 100% myself no matter where I work. I don’t dim my personality or pretend to be someone I’m not in order to fit in and that is (in my opinion) a rarity in fashion.
Lulus: Whose style are you really feeling right now?
ZW: Hmm, I am really into all the Scandi street style stars because they are the best mix of DGAF silos (more masculine inspired shapes that are more about comfort than sex appeal) and super luxe materials. I also am always into whatever (stylist) Shiona Turini is wearing.
Lulus: What do you think are the key items a woman should own right now?
ZW: This winter I am living in slightly oversized coats in stripes, plaid, or camel. I have always been into tonal dressing and cozy fabrics so winter is pretty much the Superbowl for my wardrobe. I also think that since the weather is a little iffy, now is the time to sport a true luxury bag. Fall and winter are all about texture, so this is when you want to break out the big guns with a serious accessory.
Lulus: Do you have a go-to style hack or uniform?
ZW: I think when in doubt, add a stripe. It works for every season and every color preference. Want to make your overcoat or puffer look more interesting? Wear a striped sweater or scarf. Want to mix prints? Add a stripe. It just works.
Lulus: What’s your shopping strategy? (i.e.: Splurge on investments? Buy one in every color, etc.)
ZW: I buy almost exclusively designer [resale] because I can’t afford my own taste. I wear a lot of black, navy, tan, and grey and that is true all year long. For me, sticking to shades of those colors has been kind of a style hack because it makes shopping easier and everything goes with everything which allows me to be a little more adventurous with accessories.
Lulus: You’re a new mom — has that changed your style?
ZW: It has! Before I would say that 90% of my wardrobe was dry clean only, but now I have shifted to buys that I would be okay getting destroyed by my son’s spit up or drool. I bought a bunch of basic tees and sweaters and have more or less just stayed in high-waisted stretch pants from Spanx (for many reasons).
Lulus: What advice do you have for women who want to work in fashion or media?
ZW: Well I would say don’t get blinded by all the pretty things. Know that fashion and fashion media is really hard work and about more than free stuff and designer clothes. This is an industry about connections, networking, and hustling — you can’t rest on your laurels and expect a plum job to come your way. Also, there is always going to be someone who looks like they have it all figured out, but don’t be fooled. Be who you are and find out how to market that in the best way possible.
Lulus: Do you have a mantra or motto?
ZW: I don’t have one but I will say to be in the business of being you, no matter what industry you are in.
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xo
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