Hot Picks is a column in which fashion insiders reveal their latest obsessions–sharing their recent purchases and must-have pieces.
DonYé Taylor, a multi-hyphenate has the markings of a style maven. Taylor who is originally from Accokeek, a suburban community in Prince George’s County, a county in Maryland shares that on an emotional level her sense of style is intrinsic and smart. This ideal guides her, she explains that she doesn’t wear or buy an item unless she truly loves it. This notion has led her to don enthralling pieces by Ottolinger, Simone Rocha, Chanel, and other brands as of late, her fashion choices are the opposite of simple. If you scroll through her Instagram feed you’ll see punchy accessories such as sunglasses and kitschy earrings. But you’ll also swiftly realize Taylor is having fun while getting dressed, something that we need more of currently.
On the daily Taylor is sharing insightful lifestyle tips for her followers alongside her intentional outfits. Her knack for creativity stems from her adolescence, she expresses that years ago in high school she was the editor of the school’s yearbook. “I was lowkey Tumblr famous, I made everyone’s MySpace pages in middle school, [and] burned CDs,” she explained. “Art class was my favorite class–I would spend weeks on an art project instead of the other kids who would rush.” Taylor’s artistic inclinations led her to a graphic design summer camp, at one point she even felt she would be an art teacher. A stint selling earrings she made out of Legos is a standout memory for her from her school-ridden era. “I was creative but was also very nerdy,” she shared.
“Growing up I wore uniforms so when I graduated high school and got into college I looked at going to class as me getting dressed for the weekend.” Taylor’s art-centric youth is a throughline that blends into why her style is so central to how she presents herself to the world. She says that her personal style evolves every two years or so and is heavily influenced by her ongoing projects. For instance, when she stepped on the stage at ESSENCE Fashion House this year on behalf of smartwater she was sure to have a memorable outfit on–an Ottolinger lengthy dress in a bold hue of blue was her choice. “I always like to be professional when I’m working in that capacity because I know a lot of people are going to see me for the first time so I try to leave a good impression,” she noted. Taylor adds that with each launch and new part of her life, she finds herself expanding what she feels is stylish and at times even biting or distinct.
With the resurgence of 2000s style and Taylor’s expansive wardrobe that at times feels very 2000s-coded it is fitting that she finds this era of fashion influential. Figures in her life including her older cousins Ericka and Brian are indicative of why she has an affinity for this era–her older siblings are also sources that she grew up close to–she watched them live through this era. Musical influences from this time frame include Amerie, Aaliyah, UGK, OutKast and Jay-Z. Each of these artists fittingly have styles that exist within the 2000s fashion canon. “That era is in my blood–I grew up on that.”
How exactly does Taylor come up with her outfits? She shares that her ensembles typically begin with elements such as her shoes, or a new hairstyle she feels sets the tone. Music can even inspire her too. “I like to make sure the momentum of my look is consistent with what inspired it in the first place from head to toe,” she adds.
“Batana oil has been my savior ever since I did a big chop back in June. It’s been helping my hair grow so much and keeping It soft and hydrated.”
Available at Hondura Hair
“Another item that I feel like was made for me. The blue on this bag is so striking and bold. I get compliments wherever I go!”
Available at Tyler Morgan Studios
“I got this top in Paris during Paris Fashion Week. The material is so rich and luxe and I love how it hugs my body.”
Available at Valentine Witmeur Lab
“I feel like this dress was made for me and my nuclei era. The blue matches my brand perfectly and it makes a statement in any room that it’s in.”
Available at Chinatown Country Club