This is How A NYC Editor Nails Effortless Chic

Dressing for photo shoots and front rows is one thing, but it's the everyday moments in between big events when personal style really comes through. And that's where Chloe Metzger, MarieClaire.com's beauty editor, is #closetgoals.

Her self-described look is "essentially the most New York version of 'is she going to brunch or a business meeting?'" she says. That means stocking up on skinny black jeans, leggings, flowy tops, high-waisted pants and dresses. "I gravitate towards pretty much anything dark at Topshop or Helmut Lang," she says.

Shoes are her practical magic. Unlike other accessories, which fall further down on the optional scale, "shoes are very important," she says. "Good style starts at your feet, and I'm tall so I don't need to wear heels, but when I do, I'm not willing to kill myself in the name of fashion." Fortunately, with today's styles, she doesn't have to.

Office-Ready

Sticking with a work uniform means Metzger can get ready super-fast. "I pretty much always wear some combination of a skirt with a t-shirt or sweatshirt tucked in," she says. "I work ten-hour days and need some level of comfort." Since the office is typically cold, she tops off her look with a blazer, bomber, or leather jacket. On days she's channeling a more dressed up vibe, a coordinating jacket easily subs in. She keeps accessories minimal, opting for these Vionic strappy block heels that feel as comfortable as sneakers but look more elevated.

Vionic Carmel Heeled Sandal, $140, vionicshoes.com; Jacket, $129, zara.com; Skirt, $50, zara.com; Rag & Bone Shirt, $325, saksfifthavenue.com; Vita Fede Earrings, $320, vitafede.com; Vita Fede Mini Titan Bracelet, $390, vitafede.com; gG Maull Outlaw Clutch, $595, ggmaull.com; MuiMui Sunglasses, $440, sunglasshut.com.

Weekends Out

"I love spending my free time cooking or catching up with friends over brunch," says Metzger. "I want my clothes to feel relaxed, but still polished." The one thing that always makes her feel pulled-together: a leather jacket and a pair of chic sneakers. "Something about adding the jacket and a pair of statement sneakers, that just says, 'This is a look'," she explains.

These metallic sneakers keep her look casual and practical with just the right bit of pop. "I do a lot of walking on the weekends and like my sneakers to be sleek and minimalist," she says.

Vionic Edie Casual Sneaker, $130, vionicshoes.com. B. B. Dakota Dress, $88, bloomingdales.com; Zara Faux Leather Jacket, $70, zara.com; Aquatalia Blet Bag, $495, aquatalia.com.

After-Hours

Metzger, who lives in Brooklyn Heights, heads into Manhattan three or four times a week to do improv. On stage, her style is the same understated chic: usually head-to toe-black with slip ons for an an easy, yet polished look. With hours standing on stage and running around to event spaces, she's always looking for good support. These effortlessly cool slides do just the trick.

Vionic Reagan Mule, $130,vionicshoes.com. J Brand Capri, $173, jbrandjeans.com; Kate Spade Jacket, $398 katespade.com; Cami NYC Top, $161, bloomingdales.com; B-Low The Belt Ana Mini Vibrant, $108, b-lowthebelt.com; Aquatalia Mini Flap Cross-body, $450, aquatali.com; Gorjana Bespoke Necklace, $70, gorjana.com; Gorgana Taner Studs, $40, gorjana.com

Makeup by Mark Edio; Hair by Charles McNair; Styled by Brandy Joy Smith.