By Ingrid Schmidt
“I always say spend on the classics: great jackets, blazers, sweaters, or Chanel pumps that don’t really go out of style,” says Petra Flannery. Photo by Alek Parker.
Emma Stone, Reese Witherspoon, Amy Adams, and Zoe Saldaña are among those who call upon Petra Flannery for their sartorial needs. The fashion stylist began her career as an agent for Elite, then pivoted to assisting Hollywood stylist–turned–fashion designer Andrea Lieberman before launching her own business in 2006. Saldaña has been a client from the get-go, and Stone signed on in 2007. Recently, Flannery collaborated on a white shirt monogramming service for Lafayette 148, and along with her sister, Meehan, designs sustainable diamond jewelry for VRAI. On the heels of promoting Stone’s film Kinds of Kindness and Saldaña’s Emilia Pérez at the Cannes Film Festival, Flannery spoke to us about fall fashion, what’s always in her suitcase, and more.
What’s your fashion uniform when you’re working?
Alaïa high-waisted baggy jeans that I wear with The Row loafers and some kind of cropped T-shirt or sweater. I also have Celine cat-eye glasses I’ve been wearing for years; they’re sort of my signature look. I’m a big fan of sunglasses to elevate a look.
Describe your personal style.
I’m definitely minimal; white button-up shirts, denim—pieces that travel well. A lot of my work is in LA where it’s more casual, but I do like designer jeans that are a bit elevated. I like a clean aesthetic; it keeps my mind clear, so I can focus on my clients. It’s always nice to have a uniform, so when you get ready in the morning, you’re not so stuck.
What’s inspiring you in terms of fall fashion?
Because I live in LA and the weather is typically warm, any time I shop and find a coat or jacket, I’m like, “When I go to Paris…” That’s my rationale. I get excited about all the layering. It’s back to beautiful fall colors: blacks, browns, mustard, brick red, off-white, and a lot of khaki. And definitely a trench coat: I always travel with a trench because, no matter the time of year, Paris is a little chilly, and a trench doesn’t pack as heavy as a coat. I also like sheers mixed in the layering, as it dresses up a look.
Other fall pieces you have your eye on?
I love getting a new handbag for fall. Vuitton’s fall show was great: It was Nicolas Ghesquière’s 10-year anniversary, and they have all these amazing bags.
Advice for building a wardrobe?
I always say spend on the classics: great jackets, blazers, sweaters, or Chanel pumps that don’t really go out of style. Then you can mix in the T-shirts and denim that you replenish. Even for fall, I love white and off-white shoes as a fresh touch—especially in contrast with an all-black look.
What’s perennially in your suitcase?
Sometimes I don’t even unpack my suitcase between trips. I have duplicates of all my beauty essentials: turmeric face wash by Miranda Kerr’s Kora Organics that I’m obsessed with; and I always travel with 111 Skin’s Cryo De-Puffing facial mask.
Travel uniform?
I think it’s important to invest a little bit in your travel look. Everybody likes to be comfortable in flight, so I love High Sport stretch pants with a ’60s-flair crop that look a little Jackie O, paired with a cashmere top. You get off the plane, check into your hotel, and still feel put-together.
One underrated item every woman should own?
I’m a collector of belts. Absolutely love them, always have. At Cannes, I went into a vintage shop, and the only thing I left with was a saddle-brown vintage Hermès belt with a gold bamboo buckle. I already had that belt in black crocodile. It must be late-’60s. A belt really creates a new look; it freshens and elevates. I always pack a cube of belts, because I find I want one for my high- or low-waist pants, over dresses, and around a coat to give it that hourglass shape.
How do you pamper yourself when you’re finally off-duty?
I do lymphatic massages at the Ricari Studios in LA and New York as a way to give back to myself. And I always splurge on food and Champagne, because you’ve got to enjoy life. I’d like to say that I splurge on rest, but that doesn’t always happen. So sometimes it’s just good food, good company, and a little bubbly.
