Party season is upon us—and so too is the influx of outfit conundrums it brings. 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.
The notion of “elevated essentials” might be commonplace in the brandverse now, but when Andrea Lieberman’s label A.L.C. debuted on the shelves in 2009, its approach to consistent, quality everyday pieces immediately marked it apart. A former stylist—whose resume highlights include putting her then-client Jennifer Lopez in that navel-revealing Versace number—and a Parsons design grad, Lieberman has stayed true to her belief in hard-working garments that are able to ace anything required of them from A.M. to P.M. This month, she celebrated 15 years in business and her Icons collection, enlisting Too Much star Justine Lupe as a co-host for a dinner party in Los Angeles. Surrounded by a room filled with admirable women dressed in her designs, it was as good a time as any to hear her thoughts on power outfits 101.
When it comes to building a wardrobe that stands the test of time, what’s the first thing you advise people?
My advice is to always invest in curated pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable. For me, fabric and fit are paramount—which is where I start with all of our designs. Every piece within my Icons Collection was designed for longevity, to be worn in any season, and to provide a foundation upon which to express your own personal style.
What’s your own day-to-day style like? Do you make an effort even when you don’t have to go anywhere or see anyone?
I typically reach for my version of jeans and a tee, which is sleek denim and a cashmere or voile knit, and I always drape our menswear-inspired Calla double-breasted jacket over my shoulders. I live in LA, but I’m a New Yorker at heart, so the way I dress blends that vital tension between feeling relaxed and looking polished.
When you want to feel confident—what boxes does your outfit need to tick?
I would choose really elegant fabrics in unfussy silhouettes, finished with one piece that has structure. Something like a fluid dress with a blazer, or a textural lace skirt with a structured knit.
A breakfast event pops up for tomorrow. What’s an outfit you might turn to for an early morning occasion when you want to feel polished?
The key lies in having the perfect fit and again, really immaculate fabrics, and finishing it all with some accessories to add a touch of personality. I am a trouser girl so typically I reach for a classic straight leg trouser and thin knit or a slinky tee, topped with a roomy, double-breasted blazer over the top.
A luncheon is on the calendar. How might you approach putting together a look for that?
Something sleek and simple always hits the right note for day, like a leather column skirt and a thin knit, or a crisp white shirt. It exudes confidence without being shouty.
What are your thoughts on costume parties? All in with the DIY, or politely decline?
To each their own, but I’m always way more excited to see someone representing their personal style in a genuine way. Why pretend to be someone else!
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?
I keep my makeup very natural during the day, but I can t live without Westman Atelier’s Lit Up Highlight Stick and Khol Eyeliner for an evening transformation. I love a fun accessory too, I ll add a dash of feathers or a mesh diamanté bag; something with some swagger to wake everything up.
You’ve no time to think about what to wear for an after-work gathering—what outfit formula always works for you in a bind?
When I think about taking my pieces from day to night, it’s about reimagining my favorites in a more elevated way. Satin separates are always at the front of my closet. I love pairing them with denim for a relaxed daytime look, and when worn together, they are such an effortless formula for a sophisticated evening outfit.
What’s your read on cocktail attire, in general? What’s an outfit you tend to rinse and repeat?
When it comes to cocktail attire, I’m a firm believer that you can do whatever you want, which makes it incredibly fun. I’m always a fan of a tailored jumpsuit, but nothing beats a really fantastic dress, especially if you’re celebrating something. At our dinner, Dree Hemingway wore a crepe-backed satin slip dress trimmed in ostrich feathers—I thought that sense of whimsy looked so refreshing.
What after-dark pieces get the most wear in your wardrobe, year after year?
Definitely a tailored evening look, either a tuxedo or sharp suit, with nothing underneath. It makes me feel bold and powerful—and isn’t that how dressing should make us feel?
