Alyssa Kapito on Understated Style and the Art of Effortless Dressing

In a Vogue interview, New York-based interior designer Alyssa Kapito discusses her personal style philosophy, which mirrors her pristine design projects. Kapito favors simple, consistent pieces like wide-leg trousers, white t-shirts, cashmere sweaters, and oversized button-downs, often mixing high-end labels such as The Row, Prada, Margiela's Hermès, and archival Yves Saint Laurent with lesser-known Swedish and French brands. She emphasizes the importance of effortless comfort and impeccable tailoring, avoiding overly complicated outfits. For various occasions, she offers specific advice: for breakfast events, she opts for beautifully cut trousers, masculine shirting, and a long coat draped over shoulders; for luncheons, she prioritizes quality and considers how garments will look after sitting; for cocktail attire, she enjoys being elegant and slightly overdressed, often choosing a long black column skirt or tailored trouser with a sharp blazer; for black tie, she sticks to classic elegance, favoring a simple, perfectly cut black gown. Kapito also shares her dread of rigid, no-stretch jeans and her approach to costume parties, where she leans into chic, abstract interpretations rather than literal costumes. A notable piece in her wardrobe is The Row's Inrou tiny lacquer bag in crocodile from 2018, purchased at Barneys, which she describes as absurdly small and a conversation starter. Her evening bag essentials are minimal: a lip stain, a mint, and a hair comb.