Signe Yberg, a freelance fashion stylist based in NYC, has a carefree style and unfussy good looks we seriously sweat. She’s the kind of gal that can just throw on a casual cotton sundress and aviator glasses and look instantly Sartorialist-worthy.

Since we are nosy here at The Pleat, we had to find out where Signe’s excellent sense of style comes from. Luckily she obliged, and look who’s our guest editor today?

My Mother
By Signe Yberg

It’s barely even spring, and already I find myself daydreaming of wearing shorts every single day. To me, the perfect warm weather outfit means four things: simple, spare shapes; legs for days; garden fresh color; and sexy shoes that make sense traipsing around the city and riding my bike. When I look at this photo of my mother from the late-70s, I am reminded that not only is she my original fashion icon, but we also share the same exact summery style.

Bi-level hair-don’t aside, how gorgeous is my mom? This look epitomizes everything I want to wear right now. First of all, it’s uncomplicated. It’s basically two pieces of cotton clothing that I could hand wash the night before, slip into the next morning, and be out the door in minutes. The camisole is bare but demure, and the shorts — well, it should come as no surprise that I own at least seven pairs of high-waisted shorts, and counting. They add an air of sophistication to a very casual outfit and balance the legginess of the look. And may I add that a higher waist negates any possibility whatsoever of muffin top? Like!

Let’s talk about my mother’s brilliant color sense. I don’t know about you, but after months of covering almost every square inch of my body in a palette that is almost exclusively dark and lifeless, I want to wear hues that seem to bloom in the sun, and I love pairing complementary colors. I got that from my mom. Here, in her cool pinky-lilac and grassy green, she looks at one with the bouquet of flowers in her hands.

And, finally… the shoes. Like most ladies, the first chance I get to shed my winter boots, I go straight for candy-colored sandals. Yup…just like Mom. You can’t see her heel, but I’m willing to bet it’s a 3-inch wedge; just high enough to elongate the legs and put the booty on a silver platter, but just low and supportive enough to serve it up all day. I mean, who wants to change shoes for different activities? I could easily commute, work, shop, sip cocktails, and pedal my bicycle in these — all while showing off my new tan and shiny pedi. Now that’s winning.

Signe Yberg is a freelance fashion stylist based in NYC.  www.signe-yberg.com