Wilmington University Professor Kimberly Richardson Shares Her Top Style Picks

The law professor favors polished fashions, dependable brands, and elegant style influencers.

Style sense

I have a classic urban chic aesthetic. I love versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down.

Dependable brands

Banana Republic, J.Crew, Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, White House Black Market.

Exceptions to the norm

Kate Hewko, Locker Room.

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Classroom clothes

When I teach, I like to wear a button-down shirt and blazer. When it’s cold, I add a sweater vest. I kind of have this old-school professor look—blazers with elbow patches. I look like Indiana Jones when he was teaching.

Early courtroom cues

I worked at a relatively conservative firm in Grand Rapids, [Michigan]. There were rumors that certain judges did not like to see women in pants. Suits are stiff, but they don’t require a lot of thought. Then I went to [Washington], D.C., and it was khakis. So I had to find my style.

On-the-town ensemble

Jeans, heels, and a vintage tee.

Prize possessions

I bought a vintage canary yellow Burberry belted winter coat online. It’s my favorite statement piece. I have a vintage Burberry plaid red handbag with a yellow seam. I wear it around Christmas. I had vintage Ferragamo and Gucci bags that I loved, but they were stolen from my house—they took my bags and my jeans!

The one that got away

A Ralph Lauren trench.

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Shoe sense

I organize them by the number of hours they can be worn. I have four-hour, eight-hour, and 12-hour shoes. I have a pair of shiny silver stiletto shoes. They’re beautiful but not for any event that requires standing. They’re shoes for a red-carpet photo and then sit down and take them off. Franco Sarto makes some good shoes that I can wear for 12 hours. So does Jessica Simpson. …I only have one pair of [white] sneakers and two pairs of hiking boots. I like quality and versatility.

Southwest-inspired

I don’t wear a lot of jewelry, [but] when I do, it’s usually turquoise and silver rings or necklaces. I have a ring I got at a powwow that I love.

Favorite fashion era

The 1950s: sleek, powerful, and feminine silhouettes for women. Sheath dresses, sunglasses, defined waistlines, chic hats, heels, and trench coats.

Fashion influencers

Audrey Hepburn and Zendaya. Both are classy, sleek, polished, professional, effortless, and minimal. To me, they are the epitome of elegance.

Fashion designer

Christian Siriano. I have followed Christian since “Project Runway.” He has a passion for designing effortlessly elegant and powerful clothes for women of all sizes. He’s one of those designers that a woman can rely on to make them look impeccable even if their weight fluctuates like mine tends to do.

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Secondhand sources

DBCC’s Great Stuff Savvy Resale & Home.

Mani-pedi principles

[Short nails] in neutral colors.

Never leave home without

Lip gloss.

A well-dressed person

Puts thought into their attire so that the clothes are clean, fit properly, reflect their personality, and are appropriate for the environment.

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