STYLIST PROFILE

ELLY McGAW

The Way She Wears It

Elly McGaw is a New York-based stylist who works with globally relevant brands, publishers, and creators. Originally from Sydney, Australia, her style strikes a beautiful balance of androgyny, comfort, and tailoring. As a curator at the most intimate level, Elly has a firsthand view of the best the market has to offer and understands how to approach a wardrobe while maintaining great personal style. From sharp suiting to oversized shirts, here is her intimate deep dive—live from Paris—into getting dressed and the way she wears it.

Exceptional Tailoring and Androgynous Dressing – How I Get Dressed

My style uniform a balance of androgyny, comfort, and tailoring. As I spend much of my time curating wardrobes for others, when it comes to my own attire, I gravitate to these key words. For me, a style uniform is about quality—wearing fabrics made with natural fibers that can be worn over and over again. I have two different modes (the Gemini in me), the type that is dressed head to toe in something beautiful, or in a bikini covered in sand. They both feel like me, but are vastly different. I love the duality of both worlds.

My uniform centers around a pair of tailored trousers—The Row and Bettter (by Julie Pelipas) are my preferred choices. I go for a more relaxed silhouette, often opting to size up for a more effortless fit. A button-down shirt is a staple, with Charvet being my go-to brand; for those who truly geek out about tailoring, their custom-made shirts are on another level. Depending on the season, I love the feeling and structure of a leather jacket. My collection includes pieces from Magda Butrym (their leather jackets are great), alongside vintage treasures from Prada and Yves Saint Laurent , and a few essentials from The Frankie Shop.

Whilst my wardrobe is about 80% of vintage (more on that soon), I’m consistently reaching for new seasonal pieces from Prada, Saint Laurent, Jil Sander and Margiela. Suiting wise, you can’t go wrong with Bettter and Camilla and Marc. Cashmere from JCrew and Liffner for their oversize every day bags. Toteme is the go to for easy classics and believe it or not, have found Celine to have the best jeans. I know the Celine price point sounds like a lot for denim, but the quality and fit are unmatched. They feel like a second skin to me now.

To finish my looks off, a classic belt—usually Yves Saint Laurent—and a pair of loafers from The Row or my Bottega Veneta knife boots from a few seasons ago. If I’m wearing heels, it’s a kitten heel by The Row that I got on The RealReal. They are the perfect height, with this unique off-center heel. I regret not getting two pairs, as I wear them to death and am scared I'll never find a pair I love this much! This is a weird thing I do—when I find something I love so much, I buy two of them. If that’s not uniform dressing, I don’t know what is..!

“My personal style is a balance of androgyny, comfort and tailoring. Confidence is key. The most important thing is wearing what feels true to you.”

TIMELESS STAPLES ARE WORTH INVESTING IN AND USE SMALL STATEMENTS FOR BIG IMPACT

Never underestimate the power of investment staple pieces. It’s much more effective to invest in timeless, high-quality staples that can be mixed and matched throughout different seasons. Think classic tailored trousers, well-cut blazers, leather jackets, and crisp white shirts. These are the foundation pieces of a wardrobe, elevating even the simplest of outfits.

Every wardrobe should feature at least two exceptional belts: one designed to sit low on the hips and another that can be worn higher on the waist. Belts have the power to elevate any outfit—use them to define your silhouette by cinching a coat in winter or to add structure and sophistication to tailored trousers for a more refined look.
Vintage pieces play a significant role in how I style myself, both personally and in my work. Mixing vintage with contemporary pieces adds character and uniqueness to an outfit.
Look at incorporating androgynous elements—blazers with wide shoulders, oversized trousers that drape effortlessly, and button-down shirts with a plunging neckline. This balance creates a chic yet grounded aesthetic that feels powerful and polished.

Given my minimalist approach to style, I like to incorporate something that makes a small statement—whether it’s a bold handbag, a distinctive pair of sunglasses, a standout belt, or oversized earrings. It’s all about finding that little touch of wow that elevates the entire look.

Another big one I tell my friends to do each season is a little pre-fitting photo shoot. Go through your wardrobe and create looks for yourself with all the current clothes you have. Often, we think we need new things each season, but sometimes it’s just about understanding how to style and wear things differently. This way, you can really identify what you need to purchase to complete the look. Another great trick is to make a folder on your phone or print them out—so next time you’re in a rush for an event or a meeting, you can look back at your pre-styled looks and not waste any time trying things on.

Above all: Confidence is key. The most important thing is wearing what feels true to you. When you dress in a way that reflects who you are, it instantly boosts your confidence. It’s not about following trends, but about owning your look and feeling comfortable in it—as cliché as it sounds.

Magda Butrym

cropped leather bomber jacket in beige suede

$2,865

Magda Butrym

pony hair leather midi skirt in brown

$2,130

Tabayer

oera scattered diamonds ring

$7,500

Magda Butrym

cropped leather bomber jacket in beige suede

$2,865

Magda Butrym

pony hair leather midi skirt in brown

$2,130

Tabayer

oera scattered diamonds ring

$7,500

VINTAGE HELPS YOU DEVELOP YOUR OWN, UNIQUE PERSONAL STYLE

I am a full-blown vintage addict—80% of my wardrobe is vintage, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love that it allows me to wear clothes that aren’t on trend and are different from what I see all around me. I also love the sustainability aspect of it. Being around so much product and newness all the time, I’m always looking for ways to make my personal footprint in this industry smaller, so vintage is a great way to shop in a more circular way.

The RealReal is a big one for me. I also use Etsy and eBay when I’m really in the trailing mood, as well as Vestiaire. Occasionally Depop, but I find it a little too Y2K—not so much my style.

I don’t quite rate the vintage in NYC as I do in Paris, but I do occasionally find some items at Lara Koleji on the LES. There’s also Sorbara’s in Williamsburg, where you can score some goodies.

In Paris, my go-to is Pre-Clothed—Cami has exceptional taste, and the prices aren’t crazy (unlike Desert Vintage in NYC, which I find a little too over the top for vintage).

It’s hard to pinpoint my favorite vintage purchase ever, there are a few! There’s no better feeling to me than finding a vintage piece that fits perfectly and is the right price. I have a Celine trench coat and a pair of burgundy heels I got on The RealReal, as well as a Miu Miu vintage leather skirt.

When it comes to the hunt....

My only tip is it’s a time thing—you have to be willing to put in the effort for vintage. I have alerts set up on all the sites I shop on, so when brands I love have new items, I’ll be notified.

“Vintage pieces play a significant role in how I style myself, both personally and in my work. Mixing vintage with contemporary pieces adds character and uniqueness to an outfit.”

NEW NAMES TO KNOW AND THE NECKLACE THAT’S ON MY LIST

As a stylist, I see so many brands each season. I’m really interested in what Róhe, Ruohan, Voranida and NYC based Colleen Allen are doing. GIA Studios is one on my radar – I was gifted this incredible jacket from them a few seasons ago and have been following them ever since. I recently went to their showroom in Paris to see their FW25 collection and was blown away. Every look, I would wear—it fits very much in the world of Toteme and The Row but with its own sensibility.

Another new brand on my radar is Vautrait. I missed their show in Paris as I had to fly back to NYC, but the collection looked really new and interesting—lots of oversized pieces but still wearable.

I love all things tassels and beads. I just discovered the brand Le Sundial—I purchased her tassel belt and am looking to get her beaded necklace when it's back in stock. I find I lean into a little more bohemian dressing when it comes to spring, so these are perfect.

it’s about clean, effective products for my skincare routine

I’m not someone who goes heavy on makeup, so I love multi-functional products that keep my routine simple yet effective. The ILIA Super Skin Serum SPF 40 is a staple—it’s niacinamide, foundation, and sunscreen all in one, the perfect balance for a natural finish.

When it comes to skincare, I’m a bit of a junkie, and my routine is pretty extensive (and well-researched). I use the Yuka app to ensure all my products are 100% clean—so much skincare these days is packed with endocrine disruptors and chemicals, and I’m really mindful about what goes on my skin and hair. My routine starts with a double cleanse, followed by vitamin C and niacinamide serums, an occasional BHA treatment, and moisturizer. At night, I’ll add retinol. Some of my go-to brands are Macrene Actives (their moisturizer is worth it), Paula’s Choice for their Vitamin C, Dr. Hauschka, along with a lot of Korean skincare, like Beauty of Joseon—it’s clean, effective, and affordable, highly recommend their suscreen! My TheraFace de-puffing wand— a lifesaver for travel or just tired, on-the-go days. My Lesse lip balm is always with me.

Skincare philosophy & lifestyle:

If I could only bring two things to a desert island, it would be moisturizer and lip balm. Keep it simple! I used to love fragrance, but I had to stop using it due to my endometriosis—even natural scents can contain compounds that interfere with hormones. It was hard to let go of, but these small changes have had a huge impact on my overall health. That said, I’m not someone who spends a fortune on skincare and facials—I believe skin health is best nurtured from within. When I’m not traveling, I stick to a diet high in animal protein, fiber, and vegetables, with lots of filtered water. I also regularly use the sauna and practice daily meditation. For me, this is the best medicine for glowing, healthy skin.

SHOP ELLY'S EDIT

TOVE

suri scarf in mink

$454

PRADA

spring 2022 prada runway distressed leather jacket

$6,000

Flore Flore

car tee in white

$105

Magda Butrym

relaxed silk trousers in khaki

$1,260

Rylan

black phoebe shoulder bag

$560

E Nolan

oversized shirt in light pink poplin

$203

Magda Butrym

croc embossed leather midi skirt in black

$2,090

Alaïa

1986 azzedine alaïa runway iconic hooded dress

$3,200

Céline

2018 céline by phoebe philo grey wool coat

$2,090

TOVE

cora loafer in black

$783

Tabayer

oera diamond bracelet

$9,950

Esse Studios

classico shirt

$282

French Farmacie

le sculpting stainless steel gua sha tool

$40

Surratt Beauty

relevee lash curler

$36

Surratt Beauty

beyond beige

$102

Koh Gen Do

maifanshi aqua foundation

$106