Model Off Duty: Sheila Marquez

As those of you who follow @whowhatwear on Twitter might already know, we're so excited about next month's shows that we've created a countdown of what we're looking forward to about New York Fashion Week. And while we always get wound up about the er, more social aspects of our week in Manhattan (like bacon-wrapped dates, cocktails with editor friends, and shopping our favorite stores), we must confess that seeing all the amazing model-off-duty style certainly tops our list too. One well-dressed wonder we're looking forward to seeing? None other than today's spotlighted subject: Sheila Marquez.


The Spanish stunner's street style is one of our favorites, primarily for two reasons: she's skilled at creating interestingly textured outfits (her way with unbasic black is worth studying) and her wisely judicious approach to color. Regarding the former, we appreciate her layering technique, specifically the way she contrasts utilitarian fabrics and leather with softer and more touchable materials. For example, Marquez was snapped backstage at Ungaro wearing a Balenciaga leather jacket and Phi buckle booties mixed with a silky, emerald green Balenciaga top and a furry Isabel Marant scarf—it's the perfect blend of tough and soft. She showed off this formula again in Paris when she was photographed between shows wearing a handful of menswear-inspired pieces (a Balenciaga blazer, Rag & Bone pants, and YSL boots) styled with a pale nude Isabel Marant blouse and similarly hued scarf, also by the cult designer. Even when she's primarily wearing black, Marquez adds depth to her look through different finishes. To wit: she was spotted at Badgley Mischka wearing lots of matte black—an American Apparel tunic and cropped leggings, Marni peep-toe boots—spiced up with a metallic-accented 3.1 Phillip Lim jacket. The results were subtle, yet delightful.

Marquez also makes our model-off-duty list for her finesse with color, which is often expressed via a fantastic pair of red Chloe boots. Sometimes she styles the mid-calf lace-ups with a primarily neutral outfit, just check out her look backstage at Peter Som for reference. Marquez stuck to perfectly appointed neutrals—a white Stella McCartney blouse, khaki Thakoon jacket, and black slim-fit Peter Som pants—which really allowed her footwear to shine. At Matthew Williamson, she opted for tonal harmony, wearing the boots with a purple Marc by Marc Jacobs shirt, Camilla Staerk leather jacket, and slouchy gray Balenciaga pants. Marquez even manages to look amazing when she opts for a handful of hues, which happened at Preen. The model embraced contrast and combined a vibrant green and blue colorblock dress by Thakoon with purple Wolford tights, a red and white Henrik Vibskov scarf, her favorite Camilla Staerk jacket, and those beloved Chloe boots. It's a color explosion that couldn't be cooler!

To help you assemble your own Marquez-inspired outfits, we've gathered an exceptionally great group of items. As we mentioned earlier, Marquez has amassed an excellent outerwear collection, comprised of both untraditional and classic takes on the little leather jacket. If you'd like to add a little metallic touch to your wardrobe, check out Kenna-T's Leather Moto Jacket ($398) in metallic black/bronze or you can opt for a sleeveless option, like Mike & Chris' Kendall Metallic Leather Vest ($590), which will work well into summer. Simply combine with a long knit top, like Ella Moss' Aster Tunic Dress ($169), and your favorite cropped or full-length leggings, for a similarly lean look.

If you'd prefer a cropped jacket to wear with a bright sweater and slouchy slacks, we'd like to direct your attention to Alpinestars by Denise Focil's Maryann Fitted Moto Leather Jacket ($528), which has clean and understated lines. Wear it with a grape top or tee—we like ASOS' Zip Back Sweat Lounge Top ($34) in purple and Old Navy's Stretch Crew Neck Tee ($15) in prince purple—and a borrowed-from-the-boys pair of pants, like Georgie's Brad Trousers ($175). For extra oomph, add some Chloe-esque red lace-ups; Dr. Martens' Darcie Boots ($130) have a cool, chunky heel, while Restricted's Scout Lace Up Ankle Boot ($70) have a more Victorian vibe. Both boot options would also look swell with a more neutral outfit: try them with your go-to black pants, a Patterson J. Kincaid Blue Label Christian's Shirt ($98), and Gap's amazing Khaki Utility Notched Collar Jacket ($79.50).

Finally, we have some suggestion for those of you who'd like to simulate Marquez's texturally intriguing ensembles. To get her black-and-nude look, we suggest starting with a slim trouser, like D&G's Cotton Skinny-Leg Pants ($265), and flat cap-toe boots, such as Calvin Klein Collection Rylie Ankle Boots ($450). Then throw on a basic black boyfriend blazer and add a pale furry scarf or vest, like Forzieri's White Mongolian Fur Vest ($398). If you're feeling a little more noir or want a more rock'n'roll look, layer Young Fabulous & Broke's Faux Fur Vest ($319) in black over Buffalo's Noelle Faux-Leather Motorcycle Jacket ($128). [FYI: The Young Fabulous & Broke vest also comes in a pinky-ivory color too!]. The finishing touch: a pair of tough-chic boots, like Aldo's Fraker Boots ($130) or Gwyneth Shoes Langston Ankle Boots ($159).