Underrated Icons: Eva Chen

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Editor, Instagram fashion maven, style icon — Eva Chen is #goals all around.

Welcome back to Underrated Icons, a column that looks at the styles of icons past and present, specifically icons that don’t always get the credit they deserve.

Some people live and die for Anna Wintour, others obsess over Grace Coddington, and others are forever fans of Carine Roitfeld. However, my number one fashion media fave will always be influencer, editor, and overall boss Eva Chen

Eva is the perfect example of someone whose career ended up being wildly different than originally intended – she graduated from Johns Hopkins University as a pre-med student, but as she was preparing to take her MCATs she switched gears and began interning for Harper’s Bazaar, thus beginning her reign in the fashion world. 

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In 2013, Anna Wintour appointed Eva – then 33 years old – as now-defunct Lucky magazine’s youngest-ever Editor-in-Chief. Eva was also the first Asian-American woman to head a major magazine at Conde Nast. Currently serving as Instagram’s Director of Fashion Partnerships (she herself has almost 700,000 followers), Eva is known for her unique sense of style and attention to detail. (See also: Her signature #EvaChenPose!)

I can’t tell you the secrets of becoming a #GirlBoss like Eva, but I can help on the fashion front. Here’s how to get her bold, fearless style for yourself… on a college budget.

Street Style

Products: T-shirt – The Outnet, Skirt – H&M, Jacket – Forever 21, Socks – Macy’s, Boots – Amazon, Bag – Miss Selfridge, Keychain – Aeropostale, Bracelet – J.C.Penney, Watch – Kohl’s

For this outfit, I was inspired by this look that Eva wore to Paris Fashion Week back in 2014. It would totally still be wearable today.

For a luxe feel, invest in a classic white t-shirt from T by Alexander Wang then pair it with a faux leather skirt. Top it with an embroidered bomber jacket, a cheaper and more understated alternative to Eva’s Kenzo piece. To keep with the theme of color coordination, wear tan socks with black cutout boots and accessorize with a nude clutch. For a pop of color, attach a bright pom-pom keychain to your clutch and wear a jade bracelet with a classic watch.

Editor-in-Chief

Products: Sweater – Gap, Skirt – H&M, Heels – Lulu’s, Bag – Overstock.com, Gold Bracelet – Nordstrom, Jade Bracelet – J.C.Penney, Heat Protectant Spray – Target, Straightener – J.C.Penney

Eva is a master at dressing professionally while still showing off her personality. Oftentimes, she opts for pencil skirts in fun colors and/or featuring interesting details. Emulate her boss look whether you’re interning or just going out by pairing a classic navy blue sweater with a metallic pencil skirt. Tone down the intensity of the metallic by wearing peep-toe mules and a faux crocodile bag in a sleek color combo. 

For accessories, a luxe Kate Spade gold bangle looks great next to a jade bracelet similar to the one Eva always sports. 

And of course, an outfit inspired by Eva Chen would be nothing without sleek and smooth hair – blunt bob optional. Don’t forget to use a heat protectant when straightening! 

Bold Comfort

Products: Crop Top – Sans Souci, Jeans – Abercrombie & Fitch, Blazer – Boohoo, Shoes – Saks Off 5th, Bag – Skinnydip London, Bracelet – J.C.Penney

For a subtle yet bright look, go for an all-white ensemble with pops of color. A white crop top and white jeans look great with embroidered white sneakers. The combo definitely references Eva’s fun personality. A blush-colored blazer keeps things from going into cutesy territory, though. To really make the outfit pop, wear a holographic crossbody — and include it in your #EvaChenPose Instagram snap.

No matter what you wear, be sure to give your outfit a personal touch. I included the same jade bracelet in every look as a nod to the bangle Eva wears. In her Reddit AMA, she explained the piece: 

“My parents gave that to me when I was 20 and I haven’t taken it off since because I love my parents and it makes me think of them every time I see them.” 

Your signature piece doesn’t have to be a jade bangle, just something that makes you feel like you. Being unique and true-to-self has served Eva well – let these philosophies inspire you, too.

What do you think?

Did you like this post? Are you an Eva Chen fan like me? Have any requests? Let me know in the comments!

Source: #Fashionblogger #fashiontrends



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