Sidewalk Style: Lovely in Layers

Erin Allweiss, 27
Communications director for Congressman Earl Blumenauer

What she’s wearing: The earrings are from Eastern Market, and the necklace is from Crafty Bastards. (“I bought more to give as gifts because so many friends liked it.”) Tommy Hilfiger cardigan, vintage belt, Vena Cava dress from Gilt Groupe, funky ‘elf’ shoes from a store in Brooklyn. (“I finally started wearing footwear that’s actually comfortable.”) The coat is from Reiss, and the scarf is from her favorite vintage store—Suzette Sundae in Manhattan’s Alphabet City—which has closed.

How do you stay stylish on the Hill? “Wearing bold colors helps me interject style while still looking professional. I think it’s getting better on the Hill. I’m noticing a lot more men in suits that fit. It must be all the young Democrats.”

Where do you shop? “Vintage shops in New York always seem to have great, affordable things. I get a ton of my stuff in New Orleans [Alweiss is a native]. I try to support the small boutiques there. I just bought a pair of black skinny James jeans from Ruelala.com, just because I know exactly what size I wear.”

Any style quirks? “Hats. I get cold all the time so they’re really functional—I can throw on a hat and then I don’t have to jeopardize the integrity of the rest of the outfit. I can still make it a little funky without having to put a big coat on over it. And in the summer, hats add a quirky kick. When in doubt, I put on a dress. I can layer sundresses in the winter with tights and cardigans. And I have a bit of a belt addiction.”

What will you be wearing come spring? “I want a pair of flat lace-up oxfords. They look sort of like boy shoes and kinda French. I’d wear them with shorts and flowy blouses, and I’ll put a hat on with a cardigan. I’ll wear a lot of skirts and sandals.”

Rachel says: Erin’s layered outfit brings together so many great textures all in the same neutral, feminine palette. It’s a bit hard to tell from the photo, but both the tights and the cardigan were shades of a dusty-plum color, picking up on the colors in the dress. The scarf and cool studded hat added more texture and complementary shades. And as she points out, this dress will look great on its own when the weather warms up.