Dress Code: For Jamie Haller, the Key to a Good Outfit Lies In How You ‘Zhuzh’ It

Allow Dress Code to demystify and debunk what to wear when and where, and how to wear it, as advised by those whose innate style never fails to inspire and influence.

Southern California native Jamie Haller is, in her own words, notorious for her “advanced casual” style and design sensibility—and her fan base evidently can't get enough of it either. (Just peep the regularity of the words ‘sold out’ on her website as proof that she knows what shoppers want.) In 2020, after two decades in the fashion industry, Haller parlayed her aptitude for pieces that toe the line between chill and chic into her own namesake line. First came shoes—Italian-made loafers, to be specific—before demand encouraged her to launch a fully-fledged offering of ready-to-wear and accessories. Recently, Haller was named as a finalist of the 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund—further cementing the brand’s status as a label dressing those in the know. Ahead of a dinner she hosted at Hotel Chelsea, we asked her how she approaches her own practice of putting together a look that feels inherently her.

Describe your day-to-day style—do you make an effort even when you don’t have to go anywhere or see anyone?

During the day, I am working from my downtown design studio. I make an effort to feel put together as my day can take me anywhere. I am typically working with a variety of people in my office, having fittings, or Zoom meetings with fabric mills, factories, laundries, editors, and PR; all the things we do everyday to make things run. My through line still rings casual, so my style is fairly understated. I like to feel confident and stylish, but easy going and I like to wear layers because the air conditioning is only so-so in our 1920s-era office building. I also am constantly taking off my clothes, because I fit the collection on my own body, so I try to wear things that are easy to throw on and off.

When you want to feel confident—what boxes does your outfit need to tick?

I like a little drape in my clothes and I am particular about how things fit and fall. For me, a well fit trouser with the perfect puddle hits all the notes. I tend to wear a comfortable heel to work—I always feel dressed in the Trap Pump. It’s elevated, but still feels extremely comfortable. There is no difference really between my Traps or my Ballets!

A breakfast event pops up for tomorrow. What’s a failsafe outfit you might turn to for an early morning occasion when you want to feel polished?

The Baggy Painter Twill Trouser and a half tucked poplin shirt with the sleeves rolled up high and the buttons opened kind of low. That, with a necklace, bracelet combo, some earrings, and a Trap pump is my go-to. I might also wear an oversized linen blazer with a tee and a relaxed jean and slipper.

What type of dress code fills you with dread? And what’s your workaround for that?

Dressy. I am not really a true dressy person. I don’t own many gowns and dresses. I usually opt for a suit or a beautiful blouse or on occasion, a floor length silk caftan—but I love to make up for my lack of tolerance for dressy clothes with loud accessories.

A luncheon is on the calendar. How might you approach putting together a look for that?

Soft suiting and mixed textures. Earrings, because you are sitting across from someone so you are being presented waist up. I also always wear my hair back, so the earrings are always on display. I’d pair this with something comfortable like the Tapered Trouser and Oversized Blazer: chic and comfortable.

What are your thoughts on costume parties? All in with the DIY, or politely decline?

I love a costume party. I love to be festive and playful. While a ‘dress up serious black tie’ dress code fills me with dread, a costume party is a whole other story. I love vintage and fun things going together—like costume jewelry, big silk flowers in my hair, fur accessories, and wild frocks.

The 5 p.m. slump has hit, but a dinner party is on the cards. What will energize you when shifting from day to night?

A late afternoon cup of coffee, a shower, and an outfit change. I’m always up for doing things, and I love going out when it’s social or festive.

You’ve no time to think about what to wear for an after-work gathering—what outfit formula always works for you in a bind?

Something drapey, loose, and oversized that is sparsely buttoned. I’ll roll up the sleeves, let it hang loose and wear it over jeans and a fun heel. It’s all in the rolling and the zhuzhing that something transforms.

What’s a failsafe cocktail party outfit you tend to rinse and repeat?

A beautifully cut dark navy trouser, a chic black blouse, and a red lip.

What after-dark pieces get the most wear in your wardrobe, year after year?

A strong statement clutch.

Do you have a favorite party-ready piece or accessory that always inspires conversation with strangers?

I have two things that always invite conversation. My ‘bitch bag,’ or the Document Clutch. I love a bold one, like the gold and black one or all red snake one. I also love to wear silk flowers in my hair. They dress up a look and are inviting. I wore them when I got married, so they are special and I love the opportunity to wear them.

What’s always in your evening bag?

My phone, a lipstick, a key, a credit card. I’m pretty minimal.

Guests recently celebrated with Haller at her first-ever brand event in New York City, gathering for an intimate dinner at Cave à Vin at Hotel Chelsea.