Zooey Deschanel Shares Her Best Fashion Advice

If there’s someone that embodies modern style in a retro way, it’s Zooey Deschanel. From her whimsical looks as Jess in New Girl to her effortless girl-next-door vibe as Summer in 500 Days of Summer, her style has been nothing short of iconic. Which is why her new collaboration with Vera Bradley—a heritage brand with a recent rebrand—was so fitting.

Vera Bradley debuted this July with a new collection featuring a colorfully printed assortment of handbags, luggage, scarves, and accessories. As someone who proudly owned Vera Bradley in high school (like the rest of us), Zooey says she’s thrilled to be collaborating with the brand. 

“I’ve been a fan for a long time,” she says. “I used to have the classic toiletry kits and quilted makeup bags growing up. I was really excited to work with them on the rebrand because everything looks different but is still classic Vera Bradley. They have more stuff that works from day to night, and more classic pieces that can tie everything together.”

Much like Vera Bradley’s style evolution, Zooey’s style has also evolved over the years. We chatted with the actress about her controversial fashion opinions, biggest style advice, and why she doesn’t like abiding by clothing trends.

How would you describe your style?

Zooey Deschanel: Personally, I’ve always liked the 1960s—that’s just my aesthetic. I like structured clothes, miniskirts, things like that. Oversized clothes don’t really look good on me—I get swallowed up by clothes really easily, so when I wear stuff that’s oversized, I look like I’m wearing somebody else’s clothes. If you’re 5’9″ and wearing an oversized suit, it looks amazing, but on me it would look like I’ve stolen my dad’s getup. I look better in a more tailored silhouette. My style icons are Audrey Hepburn and Twiggy.

How has your personal style evolved?

ZD: I definitely wear things that are more practical because I have two kids. I wear way more jeans than I used to. Back in high school and college I used to be obsessed with creating looks, so I’d be super over the top and pore over every little detail in my outfit. I still love putting together a look, but now I have to wear things I can pick my kids up in. So my style is still me, but a more practical version.

Which of your characters’ clothes did you love the most?

ZD: It would have to be Jess from New Girl because we did over 100 episodes, and all the looks were such a collaborative effort. The show’s costume designer, Debra McGuire, and I would go test things together, and all of it just felt like me and looked good on me.

Are there any looks that you regret?

ZD: I think good makeup makes an outfit. When I was first starting out around 20 years old, I went to my first film festival and there was no one there to do my makeup. I was still young and it was a tiny movie, and I remember only having one lipstick in my possession. I went completely bare-faced and a bunch of people were commenting on it. So I do regret going to a premiere without makeup on—I didn’t know you were supposed to do that. It can really make or break a look.

Do you have any controversial fashion opinions?

ZD: I don’t wear skinny jeans—I’m more of a classic fit kind of girl—and I don’t wear low-rise pants. I think low-rise is a very specific look for a very specific person. Back in the early 2000s, they didn’t really give you a choice on jeans, so low-rise jeans were all that was available. I think they look great on some people, but thank God we have more options now.

Any fashion hacks you can share?

ZD: If you like something and it comes in multiple colors, buy it in multiple colors. It’s so rare to find something that really fits because everyone has a different body. 

Also, speaking of colors, if you want to find clothes that look good on you get a color analysis. It’s real. I did it twice and got ‘true winter’ both times, so I look better in a cool color palette. Now if something isn’t available in a color I like, I’ll just DIY it myself and dye over things. Also, you can never go wrong with black, white, and gray. Because pretty much everybody looks good in black, white, and gray. 

What’s your best fashion advice?

ZD: Here’s the thing—I don’t believe in trends. Everything cycles around really fast anyway, and I think if something looks good on you, you should wear it. Trends are universal, but style is individual. Not everything looks good on everybody. You can look amazing in something and I won’t, so I don’t want that being the only thing available. At the end of the day, you should wear what you like because you feel good in it.