Style Icon: Padma Lakshmi

Four effortless outfits inspired by her style

Padma Lakshmi is best known as the longtime host of Top Chef, but she’s also an author, producer, entrepreneur, activist, former model, and the creator and host of Taste the Nation (it’s on Hulu), a series that explores the stories and cultures behind America’s food.

At 55, she’s busy with her career and motherhood. She’s also just naturally sexy and confident in a down to earth, real way.

When it comes to style, she gravitates toward strong colors, beautiful textures, flattering silhouettes, and pieces with a sense of culture and character. And that’s exactly what makes her such great style inspiration.

Let’s get inspired…

1. The Modern Nautical Look

A striped top and wide-leg jeans are timeless, but Padma’s version feels fresh thanks to strong proportions and rich leather accessories.

Shop the look:

• Striped top: We found this cute style with cool buttons that comes in a bunch of color combinations. This navy and white one is great too.

• Wide-leg chambray pants: We love these tailored style jeans that give you a long line (and they’re on sale!) And check out these comfy ones from Frank & Eileen that you could live in for the rest of the summer.

• Leather bag: We’d opt for the Jackie of course.

• Black boots: That’s what we’re assuming she’s got under those jeans. We love these modern style super flexible ones (with the perfect heel height) from Franco Sarto.

3. The Statement Poncho

A great reminder that basics don’t have to be boring and some looks never go out of style. Padma lets the poncho do the talking in this photo from about 12 years ago. She keeps everything else simple with white denim, black flats, and oversized sunglasses.

Shop the look:

• Patterned poncho: her’s is Chanel from 2014 and we feel like it’s time for this trend to come around again later this summer into fall. This one from Alix of Bohemia would be great this time of year (the scene is a beach campfire or maybe a sunset boat ride. This cardigan style has that same fun whimsical vibe.

• White jeans: let’s update her look with these perfect straight-leg ones.

• Breton stripe top: Lagence’s is so good.

• Black ballet flats: Let’s keep it simple with these beauties.

• Oversized sunglasses: We like these Y2K inspired sunnies.

2. The Boho Maxi Skirt

Padma has a knack for mixing relaxed pieces with polished ones. Here, a colorful maxi skirt feels balanced by a classic chambray shirt and simple wedge sandals.

Shop the look:

• Chambray button-down: If you need a western-style one look no further. We’ve tried this Ralph Lauren one and love it. We also just found these Wrangler shirts from Lingua Franca that can be personalized - how cute!

• Printed maxi skirt: Her’s is Ralph Lauren, but we all want this new one from The Great.

• Wedge sandals: These brown woven clog sandals are perfection and there are still a few sizes left.

• Gold bangles: We love Julie Vos bangles - so many cute designs to choose from.

4. The White Canadian Tuxedo

Proof that tonal dressing is always a winner

Shop the look:

• White denim shirt: We love this one and it has stretch!

• White Jeans: These low rise ones (don’t worry, they aren’t too low) are a perfect matching set.

• Belt: Her skinny studded belt really makes the outfit.

• Bag: Her’s looks like the Chloe Betty bag but the Paddington is a good option. Or this guy that’s under $100.

• Shoes: She’s making those black boots work and we love it, but we’d go for these.

What We Can Learn From Padma’s Style

• Don’t be afraid of color.

• Wear silhouettes that work for your body rather than chasing trends.

• Let one piece be the star of the outfit.

• Mix classic staples with pieces that show personality.

• Confidence is the best accessory.

Check out DAISY for more style inspiration. Don’t have a free account yet? Start by taking the quiz - or retake it for a fresh capsule and recommendations.

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