London-based stylist Lauren Croft talks unconventional style and statement pieces
Counting Confidence Man and Jazzy among the big-name artists she’s had the pleasure of dressing, London-based editorial and celebrity stylist Lauren Croft gives us an insight into her own personal style.
Lauren Croft is a London-based stylist who specialises in celebrity and editorial styling. Working on a variation of jobs covering magazine features, live performances, music videos, press shoots, public appearances and red carpet, she has dressed the likes of Confidence Man, Sinead Harnett, Jaz Karis and Jazzy to name a few. Her work has appeared in publications such as Wonderland, Harper’s Bazaar, Mix Mag and Elle.
What’s a day in the life like for you?
A day in the life would consist of a lot of running around and a lot of emailing! In the lead-up to a shoot, I’m liaising with management, designers or agencies. Oftentimes I’m running around looking not-so-glamorous in a tracksuit with my suitcase collecting from various places all over London. Every day is different and it’s something I love about the job!
How would you describe your own personal style?
I would describe my style as unconventional, contemporary streetwear. I absolutely love a bold colour palette. I wear a lot of blues, purples, and greens. I would say I’m really drawn to those one-off eccentric pieces that are something different, and wearing that one statement piece that sets the tone for the whole outfit.
What is your approach to clothes shopping?
I like to shop from a mix of emerging designers and high-end. I’m a big supporter of up-and-coming brands as they really do have some of the most innovative ideas. I tend to shop via the brands I find on Instagram and use in my work. Quite often I loan pieces and love them so much in person that I’ll purchase them for myself. I would rather build a wardrobe full of character-building pieces, not pieces purchased from the influence of trends. I like to shop in a few vintage stores from time to time, and also browse on Depop and Vinted for secondhand designer pieces.
What are your thoughts on ‘haul culture’?
I don’t really pay much attention to haul culture, it’s not something I would say interests me. A lot of these videos nowadays are just ads, and I believe it promotes fast fashion and the need for having ‘more for less.’ I believe spending a bit more on an item is necessary in building a durable wardrobe enriched with quality over quantity.
Tell us about five capsule items in your wardrobe
- Checkerboard faux fur Stand Studio coat
- Chunky biker boots
- Gucci shoulder bag
- 194 Local brown cargo pants
- Marques Almeida jeans
The hand-me-down you treasure
It would have to be my mum’s and Nan’s jewellery! I love my mum’s vintage gold hoops. They feel timeless and will always look great. My Nan also had a vintage silver watch that is definitely something you couldn’t find in today’s market.
The most quintessentially ‘you’ piece
I would say the most quintessentially ‘me’ piece is the Jean Paul Gaultier trompe l’oeil trench coat. This coat is the best for me when on set days, I can literally turn up in just a black jumper and leggings and it still makes the outfit look put together.
The go-to shoe/trainers
I love wearing trainers, especially when you’re walking around all day and end up living in them! My favourite that I wear at the moment are the white Nike Shox R4 trainers. They are so comfy and look great. I also love the classic Air Max 95. I found a green pair with daisies and they are the cutest.
The does-it-all coat
My favourite item in the wardrobe — a fabulous coat! One of my favourite does-it-all coats has to be the pink oversized duvet coat I bought on Vestiaire Collective from H&M’s circular innovation collection.
The perfect jeans
My perfect jeans must be a pair from Marques Almeida. I was never a huge fan of jeans personally until I tried on a pair from them! My go-to is the blue belted boyfriend jeans that have a maxi belt attached to the front. They are super comfy, fit really well and are so simple to style. Even with a white vest they just make the outfit look elevated.
The must-have knitwear
My must-have knitwear would have to be a piece from Hope Macauley. The colossal knit cardigan is one of a kind! They’re an elevated, everyday knit, handmade by Hope and her family using sustainably sourced wool. I’ve loaned her pieces a handful of times for client shoots and everyone has absolutely loved them.
The everyday jewellery
The everyday jewellery has to be my silver chunky rings. I love to fill pretty much every finger with a silver ring, layering some up. I recently found this chunky cowboy hat-shaped ring at a car boot sale in Dalston, London and every time I wear it I get so many questions on where it’s from!
The wear-everywhere handbag
My everyday handbag is my vintage Gucci monogram shoulder bag. I’ve literally worn this to death but I still love it! I bought this bag secondhand from Files London and it’s had its wear, to say the least. Buying a brand new handbag just isn’t top of the list for me, I need a bag that I can throw everything into and not worry, my bag is always a bit of a mess!
The Sunday cosy casual look
I wouldn’t even class my Sunday look as a look! I will pick up the comfiest thing in my wardrobe to wear — usually a tracksuit or fleece of some sort. Sundays are a day off from thinking about what to wear!
The ultimate pyjamas
I’m not actually a pyjama person so I never wear them! It’s just a tracksuit instead of lounge pyjamas for me.
The party look essential
The party look essential would have to be one of my fitted printed dresses. I love my custom mesh Tara Hakin dress (green is my favourite colour) paired with my Simon Miller x Mellisa green clogs and a little green bag.
The most treasured piece
My most treasured piece would probably be my Dolce and Gabbana yellow and blue quilted coat. I purchased this before I got into styling and it was one of the first expensive purchases I made back when I was 18. It feels like a reminder of when I first properly considered my joy in shopping and putting outfits together. Even though I don’t wear it often, it’s one for the archives.
The wishlist item
The wishlist item right now would be an Issey Miyake Pleats Please backlight top, I saw this the other day in store so it’s next on my list!
The vintage shop(s) to know
I’d say my favourite vintage shop to visit in person would be Lover’s Lane in Notting Hill. The store itself just feels so fun to have a look around in and they have some really stunning vintage runway pieces. I would have to shout out Azura Archive for my favourite online platform. Azura has an incredible display of vintage items that are so unique. You can purchase from the store or her archived pieces are available to rent at a really affordable price.
Who to follow online for style inspiration
I love Koleen Diaz’s Instagram, I’m a fan of all of her outfits! I don’t tend to follow many influencers if I’m honest. I prefer to check out the sites that promote a lot of what’s going on in fashion currently and the trends from upcoming designers. Those include Up Next, 1 Granary, and gastt Fashion.
Follow Lauren Croft on Instagram at @laurenncroftt.
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