Allow Dress Code to demystify and debunk what to wear when and where, and how to wear it, as advised by those whose innate style never fails to inspire and influence.
It’s rather unsurprising that the woman behind the label seen everywhere from Upper East Side fetes to Palm Beach weddings and Jackson Hole dinner parties is as immaculately turned-out as her designs would suggest. Lela Rose—yes, that’s her fittingly-elegant real name—revels in the ritual of putting together an outfit, even if it’s just to pop out for some errands. Thanks to her Texan upbringing, the many years spent entertaining at-home in her famed Tribeca apartment with its floating dinner table, and her immersion into Wyoming ranch life, Rose is rarely stumped by the predicament of having nothing to wear when an occasion arises. When she recently celebrated her yeehaw-ready partnership with heritage bootmaker Lucchese with a glamorous gathering in Dallas, it was the perfect moment to tap her for some tips.
What’s your process for getting dressed? Do you make an effort even when you don’t have to go
anywhere?
I absolutely make an effort—if only for myself. Getting dressed is a tiny act of optimism. I’ve never
been someone who throws on sweats and calls it a day. I’ve always agreed with Karl Lagerfeld—sweatpants feel like a sign of defeat. Most days that means something comfortable, but still pulled together—an easy skirt, a western shirt, and a vintage belt. After all, you never know who you might run into, and it’s much nicer to feel good in what you’re wearing. I mostly live in Wyoming now, so boots are a staple—the new Lucchese x Lela Rose boots give me plenty of options.
When you want to feel confident—what boxes does your outfit need to tick?
Personality with a bit of polish—that’s always where I land. I’m drawn to pieces that feel put-together but never fussy. Then I like to add something unexpected: a leather corset belt, or a vintage piece I’ve collectsed over the years; something that feels like it had a life before it came to me. For me, confidence really comes from knowing what you like. Refined, but not rigid. Colorful and fun, but not silly.
A breakfast event pops up for tomorrow. What’s a failsafe outfit you might turn to for an early morning when you want to feel polished?
I tend to gravitate toward separates—a skirt and top, maybe adding a sweater. I love the versatility they give you, both from a layering standpoint and in how easily the pieces can move from day to dinner.
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What type of dress code fills you with dread? And what’s your workaround for that?
“Casual.” It’s so vague! My workaround is elevating the essentials. If denim is involved, it must be
impeccably cut and paired with something that makes a statement. Casual should still feel considered.
A luncheon is on the calendar. How might you approach putting together a look for that?
Luncheon dressing is one of life’s great pleasures. I’d lean into a feminine silhouette—maybe a dress with fullness—and a kitten heel or platform that’s sturdy enough to get from lunch to the next event. I adore a statement earring or necklace at lunch; it’s a built-in conversation starter.
What are your thoughts on costume parties? All in with the DIY, or politely decline?
I kind of think of life as a costume party—the chicer the better! No silly themes; I love to dress up. Life is short: ski in the woolly chaps or quilted skirt…wear the feathers! A costume party is simply an excuse to experiment without restraint, but always do it with taste and don’t err on tacky.
The 5 p.m. slump has hit, but a dinner party is on the cards. What will energize you when shifting from day to night?
Putting on a full skirt is transformative for me. That, and a margarita.
You’ve no time to think about what to wear for an after-work gathering but you want to feel chic: what outfit formula always works for you in a bind?
You know the old saying “before you leave, take one thing off”—I say add one thing on! I think there’s a real power in adding one great accessory, whether it’s a belt layered over a blazer, or a statement necklace over a sweater. It just changes the tone and even your mindset.
What’s your read on cocktail attire, in general?
For probably my entire working career my go-to motto when entertaining has been “nothing says chic like matching your drink to your dress and your dress to your table.” Whether you’re hosting or attending, I think that mindset applies. Cocktail is about the art and celebration of coming together—which I think is always worth dressing up for.
What about black tie? Do you like to take risks, or play it pretty safe?
Truthfully, I don’t think my name and “safe” have ever come up together. I am constantly thinking of new ways to reinvent the meaning of black tie—both in design and in practice. I truly don’t believe black tie means wearing long anymore; I see it being synonymous with dressing your best and dressing elegantly—which is a challenge I am always up for!
What after-dark pieces get the most wear in your wardrobe, year after year?
My giant eye mask which practically covers my entire face!
Do you have a favorite party-ready piece or accessory?
I carry a Tonya Hawkes fringed bag that we designed together for our stores. It’s the most fun bag to carry at night and is a guaranteed conversation stater.
What’s always in your evening bag?
A sewing kit—you never know when you’ll need it, or need to be the hero for someone else who does! Either way, it’s the designer in me.
Guests celebrated the Lela Rose x Lucchese collectsion at the Pump House in Dallas, Texas earlier this month
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Photo by: Kaitlin Saragusa1/10
Photo by: Kaitlin Saragusa2/10Amber Venz Box
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Photo by: Kaitlin Saragusa3/10Betsy Pepe
Photo by: Kaitlin Saragusa4/10Holly Mery
Photo by: Kaitlin Saragusa5/10Kaleta Blaffer Johnson, Zinat Ahmed
Photo by: Kaitlin Saragusa6/10Kennedy Boscamp Andrews, London Boscamp, Haley Anderson
Photo by: Kaitlin Saragusa7/10Kimberly Whitman
Photo by: Kaitlin Saragusa8/10Porschla Kidd, Annika Cail, Catalina Jorba Gonzalez
Photo by: Kaitlin Saragusa9/10Sydney Woy
Photo by: Kaitlin Saragusa10/10Talley Hodges Pike, Kaleta Blaffer Johnson, Melissa Smrekar
