Style Diaries: Erica Pierre Jerome
Hi! Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about where you’re based and what you do?
Hi! I’m Erica Pierre-Jerome. Florida born and raised turned New Yorker. I’m currently a marketing manager at Victoria Beckham.
How have your surroundings influenced your personal style?
My surroundings didn't always influence my style. I was a Tumblr kid growing up and went to private school for most of my life. It was a constant battle against weather that refused to accommodate Doc Martens, combined with the monotony of wearing uniforms five days a week. Now, living in a place where everyone dresses so freely is incredibly inspiring. It’s like the people I followed on Tumblr are my neighbors or my seat partners when I take the train — which is crazy to think about. It's a privilege to walk outside and immediately feel inspired as soon as you step out. Living here has pushed me to dress for myself, not for others.
How do you think your style has evolved as you’ve gotten older?
My style has evolved in color, but to its core, it’s the same. A few summers ago, I was getting ready for a girl’s trip to Greece with my two best friends and took account of my closet. After realizing the majority of the colors were neutral, I knew I had to force myself to consume more color. Now, I can't get enough of it — it's kind of addicting. My core style pieces are either from high school (like the groundbreaking Doc Martens I mentioned) or from my mom and aunts' closets. It's cool to witness the evolution of my styling with each piece as the years go by. With time, more memories are packed into them, adding a sense of familiarity and texture to the new outfits I put together.
Can you walk us through your thought process when you get dressed for the day? Are there any style rules you tend to adhere to inherently?
There are definitely days I couldn't be bothered, but when I want to look my best, I usually start with what vibe I’d like to achieve — kind of like a persona. Do I want to be sexy, boyish, or super buttoned up? I have anchor pieces that can sway me from one end of the spectrum to the other, and I build it off of that headspace.
We’re finally moving into warmer weather! Do you have any go-to pieces you’re looking forward to wearing that will keep you cool without compromising your style?
I’m excited to wear my scarves! I’ve been building a collection for quite some time and it's become such a staple for me during the warmer months. I can tie them into shirts or wrap them around my head; it's my party trick when I can’t think of what to wear.
What or who has been inspiring lately?
I know this is so cliche, but SATC will always be an inspiration. Not just Carrie, but all of the women! To me, style is not a monolith, it's layered. Why can’t I be a Charlotte one day and a Miranda the next? I love Carrie's care-free, color-forward approach. I'm obsessed with Miranda’s badass usage of a power suit (I have three... vintage, of course). I'm completely floored by Samantha’s lavish 'f*** you, talk about me' style, and I adore Charlotte's clean lines that have an understated demure. They’re really the four personas I think of when I ask myself 'who do I want to be today' when I’m getting dressed, plus I have the outfits to match! Ha!
Is there a specific trend or item that you’ve been eyeing to incorporate into your every day style?
I like to participate in trends primarily through accessories. It's lighter on the pocket, and keeps my (limited) closet space lean. Nine times out of ten, I already own something that appeals to it. I want to step my sneaker game up but it's become quite daunting. I have sambas and I DON’T regret buying into it as a trend. You might be able to grab someone's shoes, but you can't steal their style.
What’s one item that you think everyone should have in their closet?
A good pair of pinstripe pants!
In what outfit do you feel the most you?
I’m thinking a fresh white tee with a mini skirt and some playful heels to add a bit of height?
This? Or That!
Leather or Denim?
Denim
Colors or Neutrals?
Colors
When Traveling: Dress up or Down?
Dress up
Sneakers or Sandals?
Sneakers
Vintage or New?
Vintage
Hot Weather or Cold Weather?
Warm Weather? I love a light jacket
Solids or Patterns?
Patterns
Find more of Erica here:
Instagram: @ericapierrejerome
