From editor to founder

Marina Larroudé spent a decade at Condé Nast and was fashion director at Barneys before cofounding her namesake shoe brand with her husband nearly six years ago. The company now has over 700 employees and counts Taylor Swift as a fan.

Practical beats dressed up

As a founder walking her townhouse office daily, Larroudé ditched the formal dressing required at Barneys and Condé Nast. Now she wears flats every day and prioritizes comfort over formality.

“Now, I don't tend to dress up for the office. I am wearing flats every single day, walking up and down our townhouse.”

Color is her signature

Larroudé wears black only a few times a year, instead filling her wardrobe with vibrant colors. She dresses for herself and wants her fashion choices to show she has a personality.

“I love fashion, and I dress for myself. It makes me so happy every day when I get to wear something fun and festive.”

The formula: basics plus statement

Her work uniform combines simple pieces like Uniqlo crew necks with printed pants or skirts, then she elevates the look with a special jacket and funky heels. Even a T-shirt and jeans gets a crystal-covered blazer.

“If she's wearing a T-shirt and jeans, for example, she'll add a crystal-covered blazer on top and funky heels at the bottom.”

Hunting vintage on TheRealReal

Larroudé regularly shops secondhand, with sales alerts set for Chanel blazers at fifty to sixty percent off. She scored a Christopher Kane dress for sixty dollars that originally cost far more when it debuted.

“I found that jacket on The RealReal. I have a sales alert on all Chanel jackets.”

Trends don't tempt her

She ignores returning trends like shoulder pads and tiny sunglasses, preferring signature pieces she's worn for years. Her closet is a rainbow of colors, not neutral tones following what's current.

“If you open my wardrobe, it is a rainbow of colors at all times.”

Jewelry is emotional

Larroudé loves statement gold jewelry most, wearing multiple necklaces daily. She views jewelry as emotional because pieces often mark celebrations and milestones in her life.

“Jewelry is emotional. You usually get it for a birthday or another time in your life that you celebrate.”

Rare exception: the black dress

She wore a black Prada minidress to a July dinner party, a rare choice. She added metallic green vintage earrings to inject personality while keeping the outfit appropriate for the business-focused event.

“I wanted to be me as a fashion founder, but I didn't want to wear something that would overshadow the event.”

Business lunch, fashion statement

For lunch at Le Bilboquet with important business contacts, she chose a five hundred fifty-five dollar Jonathan Cohen white dress with red floral print. She paired it with statement gold jewelry to signal she's a fashion founder.

“I needed to wear something that was appropriate but still said I'm a fashion founder.”

Summer ease with gold touches

For a casual Friday, she wore a three hundred seventy-five dollar Ciao Lucia cotton sundress in pink with black straps. She added gold jewelry and flat Larroudé sandals to complete the breathable, comfortable look.

“Sometimes all you need is a good sundress.”

Weekends still shine

Running errands in orange satin shorts and a graphic tee, she added brown leather sandals, gold rings, and a white Larroudé tote with a cherry charm. Style never takes a break from her life.

Don't save fashion for later

Larroudé founded her brand because she saw people buying expensive items and never wearing them. She wears everything immediately, even pieces her kids say are inappropriate for Monday mornings.

“Fashion is for you to wear and enjoy every day. Don't wait for a party.”