Shop Like A Fashion Insider: Sarah Harris

Within any crowd during fashion week it’s easy to spot British Vogue’s Deputy Editor, Sarah Harris, her curtain of silver hair trailing past a throng of waiting street-style cameras. A Hampshire, England native, Harris attended the London College of Fashion and has lived in London ever since. She began her editorial fashion career at magazines including Tatler, Women’s Wear Daily and W before landing at British Vogue, where she has remained for over 15 years. You’ll never see her in a bold print or peacock colors, but her distinctive style reveals how much you can do with just a few subtle hues. Harris shares with us her love for timeless investment pieces and her favorite styling tips to add intrigue to a monochrome look.

Describe your style in three words:
I think I’m probably a restrained maximalist. I like an element of refined glamour — a feather trim on an austere gown, or a sparkling strap on an otherwise plain black pair of heels. Even for day, a heavy gold chain on a black leather coat — something that elevates it from normal. 

What’s the greatest thing about buying consignment?
There are so many great things about buying consignment. I love that it gives you a second chance to find something that you missed out on the first time around, and often offered at less than half the price. And if you’re still coveting something from a few seasons — or years — ago then you’re likely to love it forever. Great design stands the test of time, so vintage pieces by Chanel and Hermès, and jewelry from houses like Cartier and Bvlgari will always hold their value. It’s also incredibly sustainable. I’ve never liked the idea of fast fashion — of buying something to wear for a season. I love that consignment is circular fashion, it’s giving clothes a new life. 

Is there a certain brand or collection that you’re currently looking for?
I’m always looking for Hermès bags, rarely with the intention to buy, but I love to browse. I think the vintage styles are among the most special. I love looking at Kelly bags from the ’60s, and you often find them in pristine condition, still boxed and treated with so much care. I love that —  the fact that these bags have had a whole other life but also are so timeless that they look as good today as they did then. You can’t say that for many pieces. 

What pieces are you looking for now?
In addition to constantly searching for Hermès, I’m suddenly fixated on finding a vintage ivory bouclé Chanel jacket. 

Is there a certain brand/collection that you’re currently coveting/looking for?
Hermès, Chanel and Bottega Veneta under new designer Daniel Lee.  

What’s your most exciting consignment find?
An Hermès Constance bag in black box leather. 

It’s a chilly February 2020 day in Paris, London, New York, Milan… what are you wearing?
I never wear color or prints. I’m pretty much only ever in black, navy, grey and white. During the shows, I’m probably wearing all black. Black lace-up boots by The Row, skinny tailored trousers by The Row, a white shirt from Loewe or a black cashmere sweater by Connolly and a black coat — my current favorite is a quilted leather style with heavy gold chain fastening by Bottega Veneta. I love everything Daniel Lee is doing right now.

Have consignment sites like The RealReal changed the way you think about/approach shopping/dressing? If so, how?
I think consignment sites have taken away the urgency of shopping — which is a great thing. It makes shopping more considered. I think it has also brought back an element of discovery, too; it’s exciting to hunt pieces out, to find treasures.

Find your own uniform. Shop Sarah Harris’ edit here.
Photographed by: Kate Martin