Venetia Archer is the founder of Ruuby App, - an on-demand beauty and wellness services platform, is a board adviser for the British Beauty Council, and was on Forbes' 2017 30 under 30 list.
Though her speciality may lie in tech and beauty, her wardrobe agenda is a force to be reckoned with, and she is a self-proclaimed "city girl style" dresser. "I love finding great staple pieces that I can wear for years and these form the base of my wardrobe," she tells Hello! Fashion, "but I accentuate these with fun, cool and quirky things - whether that be a wicker basket bag, a pom-pom mule or a bold mini dress."
Despite an array of looks on her roster, Venetia's go-to weekday outfit formula is fail-proof: "When I have a hectic day of meetings, it's really important that I feel comfortable and put together. I want to feel confident and strong, and so a great suit or jacket combo with a simple flat works well. Burberry suits are my go-to - the trousers fit so well."
Venetia shared a week's worth of outfits with us and answered all of our burning fashion questions...
What This Fashion Insider Wears In A Week...
A Laid Back Monday
I wore my vintage nineties Gianni Versace dress and some Nike Air Force Ones. This is more casual than what I usually go for, but it fit my vibe that morning and I didn’t have any serious meetings so why not?
Ruuby Box Launch Day
It was the launch day for our new Ruuby boxes, so I spent the day in the office filming content and hanging with the team. I wore my Aquazzura pom pom flats which are so comfortable and also bring a little wit to the outfit, Topshop jeans (I love any Topshop jeans and now find them on Asos), and a jacket from The Fold.
Breakfast at Versace
The weather is starting to turn, and so I brought out the leather and cashmere. I had a breakfast event at Versace this morning to view their new collection, and then had a day of meetings around town so the 'uniform' of boots, leather pants and tailored jacket worked well. The boots are Rag and Bone, trousers are Maje, cardigan Chanel and a Saint Laurent jacket.
The School Run to the Boardroom
This is one of my 'safe' looks - if ever I wake up and run out of ideas of what to wear I’ll pull out a tried and tested dress. This one is by Annie Officiel. It fits like a dream, and can take me from the school run to the boardroom. I paired it with my Nike Low Dunks and some Celine sunglasses.
Day Out with my Daughter
This was a total dress-down day and one of my favourite looks of the week. I had the day out with my daughter - we went to Soho and had dumplings, and then explored the city. I went for comfort - I got these trousers at a chef’s store in LA, and the hoodie is an XL men’s hoodie from Chinatown Market. The bag is a little Fendi that - despite its size - fits a lot. I love an enormously oversized hoodie - there's nothing cosier.
The Fashion Insider Low-Down:
What are your go-to brands?
Burberry, Saint Laurent, Rag and Bone, Nara Niro for evening-wear and Uniqlo for basics.
Do you have any fashion icons or inspirations that influence your style choices? How do they inspire you?
I am inspired by my girlfriends! I love to see how they pull different looks together, and I'm inspired by their unique approach to style.
Weekdays can be hectic. What's your weekday workwear wardrobe like, and how does it differ from your weekend attire?
I definitely have a series of looks that I wear during the week. I move between suits, jackets and jeans when I am out and about, and then more laid-back looks (baggy jeans and a shirt) for days I am in the office. On the weekends I am a bit more creative and casual. If I am going out in the evening I’ll get dressed up - there’s nothing better than a party dress and a heel - Nara Niro is my go-to for evening wear and special events.
Accessories can make or break an outfit. What are your must-have accessories, and how do you use them to elevate your look?
I love a great bag and shoes. I think you can add real humour to a look via the shoe and bag - Anya Hindmarch is one of my favourite accessory designers. I love it when something makes people laugh or smile.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest fashion trends, and do you incorporate them into your wardrobe?
I think it naturally happens by osmosis. We see fabulous outfits every day, particularly in London (and on social media.) If there is a trend I like, I’ll have a little browse and find something to add to the wardrobe - I love baggy khaki pants and just found an amazing pair from Rag and Bone from Net-a-Porter.
Can you share some of your styling tips for mixing and matching pieces?
I love pulling different items of my wardrobe together. I also like to keep trying things, as styles come back. My mother gave me one of her old Chanel leather jackets years ago, and it never worked. The style wasn’t right. But - recently I tried again and for some reason, it worked.
What's your strategy for creating memorable looks for evening parties?
This is the best part about fashion, and these events are the perfect opportunity to wear something truly exceptional. In these instances, it revolves around a piece - a statement dress, cape, suit… the opportunities are endless.
How do you balance comfort and style when you have long days of meetings and appointments?
I never say no to a trainer!!!
