With our style series Barneys Shoe Stories, we put ourselves in the shoes of dynamic women whose lives are inspiring us with every step they take. Meet Marina Ingvarsson, a New York–based stylist who balances fashion-forward elegance with practicality for a schedule that never stops.
I grew up in Russia, and when I was 16 I had my first modeling contest and then went to Paris for a couple months. That’s where I really started to learn about styling. I observed the way women there put together their outfits and managed to make even the simplest looks have that certain je ne sais quoi. I especially loved how elegant the older women are there. They dressed simply but with a colorful heel or that little something special. I also learned a lot from being on photo shoots as a model. I was always taking notes on what colors combined nicely or what the trends were, and I loved it.
When I came to New York nine years ago, I was still modeling. After Instagram came out, I started posting my outfits and getting lots of positive attention from people, so I started a blog, too. My husband is a fashion photographer, and he’s always looking for great stylists for his shoots. He asked me to do one a few years ago, and I realized just how much I loved it. Now I am a full-time stylist. My days are never the same, but they’re always busy whether I’m doing a morning of emails, going to showroom appointments, or styling on set.
As for my personal style, I’m always trying to find the balance between elegance and practicality, but lately I’ve found that I’m not afraid to slightly overdress, as long as I’m confident about my picks. When I start my days fully dressed in a look that I love, I’m more productive.
THE ROW Betiana Neoprene-Jersey V-Neck Dress / Nueta Tech-Twill Trench Coat / Bourgeoise Leather Slingback Pumps / MARK CROSS Grace Small Leather Box / SIMILAR: CÉLINE Oversized Square Sunglasses / MOUNSER Classic Sculpture Earrings / TATE Marquise Ring
I love this look! The slightly relaxed beige trench coat goes so well over a fitted little black dress—such a classic pairing that invites a strong mix of modern accessories. These slingback heels from The Row are so fresh in white leather and work perfectly for various scenarios day or night.
VIVETTA Orpen Checked Double-Breasted Blazer / VIVETTA Knaus Checked Crop Flared Trousers / ATM ANTHONY THOMAS MELILLO Leopard-Print Silk Cami / PAUL ANDREW Patent Leather Mules / MOUNSER Papakolea Hoop Earrings
Suits are a great passion of mine. When in doubt, wear a suit is my motto. They’re easy to style for any scenario, and they always make you look and feel very important. Basically, they’re the ultimate fashion mood-booster. I chose these Paul Andrew mules to go with the Vivetta suit because they’re playful and a little edgy and make the suit feel even more fun. The heels are also a nice height for a day on the go.
DRIES VAN NOTEN Floral & Fern-Print Dress / LOEFFLER RANDALL Leily Velvet Pumps / MARK CROSS Dorothy Velvet Shoulder Bag / BARTON PERREIRA Kismet Sunglasses / AGMES Gia Earrings
I’ve always been a fan of Dries Van Noten’s bold prints. They’re a great way to make a statement with minimum effort. I’d wear this look to daytime meetings, but it works for drinks with friends, too. It’s important to maintain a balance, so with a statement dress like that, make sure your accessories and especially your shoes are emphasizing it, not competing with it. I love the texture and color of these Loeffler Randall heels.
