How these clunky running shoes became the ‘It’ sneaker: ‘Every brand is making their shoes look like Hoka’
By Brooke Kato
“You can spot them on celebs and athletes alike which is always a boon for any piece of fashion,” Wardrobe Whisperer stylist Jessica Cadmus told The Post, adding that nearly one-third of her clientele style Hokas as an everyday shoe. “Say what you will about them, Hokas are very comfortable,” she said of the sneakers, which were first integrated into weekend wear, but began slowly creeping into weekday ’fits. She said most of her New York clients first bought them for exercise but shifted to an everyday staple since their daily routines require blocks-long walks.
The 15 Best White Sneakers for Your Next Go-To Shoe
The MVP of all shoes.
“Well, just spot these sport-inspired retro sneaks on the feet of your favorite celebs, from Rihanna to Hailey Beiber. Plus, the brand is expert-backed: Jessica Cadmus, a NY-based fashion stylist and personal shopper, tells Byrdie that Adidas sneakers are her go-to “always and forever.”
What Are the Best Stylish Coats Under $300 (That Are Actually Warm)?
by Ambar Pardilla, Jenna Milliner-Waddell, and Anna Yeo
As a trendy alternative to puffers, stylist and Rogue Paq founder Jessica Cadmus says she likes this swingy, stand-collar teddy jacket from Nordstrom. Its polyester composition might be considered a turnoff to some, but in this case, Cadmus says the synthetic material holds more heat than natural fabrics. And the winter white color and bouclé texture are “in” this season, she says.
The Very Best Men’s Sweatpants
by Liza Corsillo
Best tailored jogger-style sweatpants
For something that bridges the gap between loungewear and trousers, wardrobe stylist Jessica Cadmus recommends this pair of jogger sweats from Reiss. The front-seam detail gives them a flattering tailored look, and the sleek metal-tipped drawstring adds to their slightly more formal appearance. Cadmus works primarily with finance professionals and says these sweatpants are both “chic and comfy” and the fabric composition (a polyester-and-viscose blend, not actually neoprene despite the style’s name on Reiss’s website) makes them wrinkleproof and lends a slight sheen.
The 16 Very Best White Button-down Shirts for Women
From classic cotton to luxurious silk.
French label Anne Fontaine has made a name for itself by being the “master of white shirts,” according to stylist Jessica Cadmus of the Wardrobe Whisperer. These often feature a classic “trim and tailored” silhouette with an eye-catching detail or two — like three cuffs instead of one, Shakespearean ruffles, or puffed sheer sleeves paired with a Puritan collar. The Clodie is a favorite of hers for its slimmer, simple shape that’s “perfectly fitted and tuckable” with sleeves that end just at the wrists. It has miniature pleats all down the front that are meant to follow the curves of the figure. And though it’s subtle, that detail “distinguishes the shirt from a more basic white button-down,” she says.
Want to look like a rainmaker? Wall Street's Wardrobe Whisperer offers her top 19 do's and don'ts to nail the partner look.
By Emmalyse Brownstein
Jessica Cadmus has been dressing Wall Street's top execs since she worked at Goldman Sachs.
But things have changed, and dressing like a rainmaker isn't as simple as it used to be.
Cadmus says heels, pantsuits, and big logos are out, as are three-piece suits.
The Very Best Men’s Underwear
No matter where you fall on the boxers-to-briefs continuum.
“I’ve been told by my male clients that these underwear [Handvaerk] are incredibly soft and comfortable and offer an exceptional amount of support,” says Wardrobe stylist Jessica Cadmus. In her opinion, the best use for briefs is wearing them like a “second skin” under tight pants since they’ll be less visible. When I asked what makes this pair worth the high price tag, she said they are very sturdy and wash well, and that she considers them in the “luxury class.”
The 17 Very Best White Sneakers for Women
Stylist Jessica Cadmus credits their “clean, pared-down aesthetic” with making them “eternally popular” — though the “stellar price point” doesn’t hurt either. She’d pair them with anything from denim to a three-piece suit and recommends keeping them pristine: “This is where a Magic Eraser comes in very, very handy,” she says.
Cadmus introduced me to Swedish label Axel Arigato and its signature sneakers, which have the sort of Scandinavian influence you’d expect (including clean lines, a low profile, and the subtlest of logo stamps). Cadmus is often on the lookout for sneakers her clients might like, and these have become a favorite. She likes the Clean 90s for their simplicity, almost “blindingly white” appearance and sturdy construction. The key is to keep them scuff-free like the Stan Smiths, she says. She also advises that since these come in European sizes, they are about half a size off from U.S. sizes (so a 37 is more like a 7.5).
What Are the Best Jumpsuits?
Jumpsuits help you achieve a polished yet easy look in summer, according to wardrobe stylist Jessica Cadmus. “I’ve pointed a slew of clients towards this one that I own myself. It’s sexy and sophisticated and looks great day to night.” Made from 100 percent linen, the jumpsuit is perfect for the transition into warmer weather, and Cadmus says it pairs just as well with sneakers as strappy sandals. “It’s lightweight and comfortable, tailored but not clingy,” says Cadmus. And you can even machine-wash it — “but don’t toss it in the dryer!”
The Very Best Shapewear
By Ambar Pardilla
Because full bodysuits and dresses cover the most surface area, those will focus on smoothing your whole body, not just one specific part, and will most likely be the most constricting. Typically, these pieces are saved for more formal events because, as stylist Jessica Cadmus puts it, they’ll “feel constraining, and you’ll likely not want to endure this for more than an evening.”
The 10 Very Best Black Tights
By Ambar Pardilla
Best Sheer Black Tights: Wolford Satin Touch 20
With the lowest denier on this list, these sheer Wolford tights are your best bet if you’re going for tights reminiscent of pantyhose. (You can choose between a number of flesh-toned colors, too.) Whenever Cadmus is wearing a higher hemline with skin exposed, she turns to these, and says they are as satin-y and soft as their name promises. She points out that they have a hint of shimmery finish, as opposed to the matteness of some of the others recommended on this list. Though Cadmus has traditionally bought more opaque versions of the company’s tights — and says some of hers have lasted more than a decade with careful hand-washing — she assured me that these are durable despite their sheerness.
The 8 Best Tennis Skirts of 2023 to Wear On Or Off the Court
This Match Tahlia Mini Skirt is a more luxurious option if you want to add a little spice to your tennis wear. For stylist and founder of Wardrobe Whisperer Jessica Cadmus, this is the tennis skirt of her dreams.
“The striping is a little different than you'd normally see because it comes down the front pleat vertically, not just the horizontal striping that you normally see on tennis skirts, so to me, this one is extra, extra special,” she says.
This sustainability-focused brand is known for its high-quality clothing and attention to design details, making this a splurge-worthy piece for us.
We Found Pedro Pascal’s Flannel Shirt From The Last of Us
When HBO aired the third episode of The Last of Us on January 29, people fixated on two things: the romance between characters Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett) and Frank’s plaid flannel shirt. Those people included clients of Jessica Cadmus, stylist and founder of Rogue Paq Accessories, who kept asking her to find the exact shirt for them.
“I work with both women and men, and honestly, it’s usually women who ask me to find stuff,” she says. “So it really interested me that these guys — who are not always so specific about their wants in clothing — all had the same desire.” Cadmus’s clients were part of a bigger cohort. She came across dozens of sub-Reddits trying to track down the shirt too…
What Is the Best Lingerie?
By Ambar Pardilla
London-based luxury-lingerie maker Coco de Mer “exudes strong femininity,” says stylist Jessica Cadmus of Wardrobe Whisperer…The “interplay of tulle and satin” makes it a beautiful piece to put on, Cadmus says. Since “lingerie is the closest thing to the skin,” she chooses undergarments made only of the finest fabrics and says this satin feels especially luxurious in its smoothness. To make the look even more indulgent, she pairs the bodysuit with Coco de Mer’s Olympia robe.
Dust Off Your Tux and Sequins, the Holiday Party Is Making a Comeback
By Jo Constantz
…On Wall Street, however, firm-funded blowouts have been a distant memory at most big firms since the financial crisis, as most remain self-conscious about shows of excess. A common practice now is a managing director picking up the tab for drinks or dinner with a small group of direct reports, said Jessica Cadmus, a personal stylist for Wall Street executives who began her career as an associate at Goldman Sachs. Job cuts in finance and a roughly 16% drop in the S&P 500 so far this year are only more reason to keep it simple.
“I had one of my clients, who’s very senior, say to me: ‘It's a little tricky. But it's been a rough year, and people just really want to be together. Whatever form that takes, I think it's going to be appreciated,’” she said.
The Very Best Shapewear
By Chloe Anello and Ambar Pardilla
“Typically, these pieces are saved for more formal events because, as stylist Jessica Cadmus puts it, they’ll “feel constraining, and you’ll likely not want to endure this for more than an evening.”
What Are the Best Black Flats Under $200?
By Ambar Pardilla Additional reporting by Hilary Reid
Stylist Jessica Cadmus of Wardrobe Whisperer now owns six pairs of Starlings after much research into finding the right flats that won’t aggravate her plantar fasciitis, which makes comfort a top priority when shopping for shoes. Along with a fair amount of internal cushioning, these smoking slippers are light and airy, and the velvet fabric “gives them a little extra-special quality,” she says. “I always tell my clients that shoes in a textured fabric are super-high value because they stand out and provide instant polish.” (One of her favorite ways to wear the Starlings is with a pair of high-rise, wide-leg, leg-lengthening trousers from Milanese clothing house Del Core.)
The Best Eyeglasses Shops in New York
By Emma Alpern
Stylist Jessica Cadmus likes to bring her C-suite clients shopping with her — especially for eyewear — and Moscot’s flagship on the Lower East Side is her optical shop of choice. The frames sold at the glasses classic, which has been open since 1915, are “somewhere between conventional and downtown, but not boring,” says Cadmus, which works well for finance types who wear suits all day; frames like the translucent-green square Yontifs ($300) or the Telenas ($300), an extra-plump Wayfarer type inspired by a mid-century Little Italy zeppole baker, feel discerning but not flashy. But Cadmus says the real reason she takes clients to Moscot is the store’s concierge-like setting: “They sort of read you when you come in,” she says, “and they’re eternally ready to step in at any moment and talk about the product — how it holds up over time, all its specifications — without ever being overbearing.”
More Women Are Injuring Their Feet With the Return to Office High Heels
By Jo Constantz
Jessica Cadmus, a personal shopper and stylist for Wall Street executives, said her clients have scaled back from wearing heels everyday to just once a week, or only for important meetings…
Considering a Tattoo? It May Not Be Bad For Your Career After All
by Jo Constantz
“I've worked with quite a large number of senior people at both Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, women and men both, and not a single one of them has a tattoo,” said Cadmus, who’s been in the financial fashion business for 15 years. “You’d even think that some would have something hidden, maybe something small on their leg or on their back — not a single one,” she said. “And I can tell you that with certainty because most of these people I see in their underpants.”
…But the pandemic has upended that buttoned-up dress code, said Jessica Cadmus, a wardrobe stylist for finance professionals.
As hedge fund managers and partners at large investment firms began taking Zoom meetings with clients from the comfort of their home, business-casual has become normalized even as workers now return to the office.
But the trend didn’t start with the pandemic. Cadmus — who started her company, the Wardrobe Whisperer, while working at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. in 2007 — says that big firms began adopting a more “business casual atmosphere” as a retention tool.
The Resurrection of Retail
By Allie Volpe
…”Jessica Cadmus, a personal shopper in New York City, told me that helping others style an outfit that makes them feel good about themselves is an empowering social experience. “That’s my favorite moment as a stylist,” Cadmus said, “looking at the client falling in love with themselves in the mirror”…
The 7 Very Best Mom Jeans
By Ambar Pardilla Additional reporting by Lori Keong and Chloe Anello
Once a “disgrace to denim,” mom jeans are now as accepted as the boyfriend or bootcut. Reputation aside, these jeans were ahead of their time — most denim brands (yes, even Mother) now have their own rendition. “The overall look is much more sculpted than the ones of the ’80s,” says stylist Jessica Cadmus. What has stayed the same, though, is the blueprint: high-waisted, often lighter wash, and a looser leg. There are all sorts of iterations of mom jeans at the moment, which makes finding a pair that actually harkens back to your mom much harder.
The 6 Very Best High-Waisted Jeans
By Ambar Pardilla Additional reporting by Angelica Frey and Hilary Reid
Personal stylist Jessica Cadmus puts it best: It’s all “about the derrière with denim, and a high-rise jean most effectively sculpts your peach and accentuates your waist.”
What Are the Best Workout Shoes for Women?
These road-running-ready sneakers [Brooks Adrenaline GS22] are designed for everyday runs and soft landing, according to the brand. But stylist Jessica Cadmus likes them for her workout of choice: walking. Cadmus is on her feet all day and likes walking extensively as a body and brain exercise. She also does a series of stretches and strengthening exercises on these walks. The sneakers offer a balance of support and softness, making her walks feel smooth. Despite her plantar fasciitis (“if you have ever had it,” she says, it “typically makes each step painful”), these sneakers allow her to walk long distances.
What Are the Best Eyeglasses for Women?
By Ambar Pardilla and Hilary Reid
Thanks to Lasik, stylist Jessica Cadmus of The Wardrobe Whisperer doesn’t wear glasses herself. But she does often help her clients pick out their frames, considering their eye color, skin tone, and face shape. Her current favorite recommendation is this Oliver Peoples pair. They’re almost universally flattering…“There’s something about the modified round shape of these lenses which works with many different face shapes,” she adds. Plus, these have sort of cat-eye-esque ends on top to frame the eyes even more. She likes them in the transparent shade for most, but mentions that the tortoiseshell will go with almost any outfit, too.
What Are the Best Stylish Coats Under $300 (That Are Actually Warm)?
By Ambar Pardilla, Karen Iorio Adelson, and Jenna Milliner-Waddell
En Saison Faux Leather Puffer Jacket $205
If you like the look of a leather motorcycle jacket, consider this faux leather puffer, which comes courtesy of Cadmus. Initially, she really wanted it for the high turtleneck collar, but it comes with little details that make a difference in how warm it can be — you can tighten the drawstring hem to keep warmth in and the cold out, and the elasticized cuffs to hide frozen fingers.
No more birthday candles, no more cities: experts on their worst pandemic predictions
Hugs and handshakes have survived the pandemic. Not so much shared lipsticks and formal business attire
BY Allie Volpe
…Stylist and personal shopper Jessica Cadmus was among those who voiced initial doubts about the survival of stuffy workwear, in an interview with CNN. Many of her clients, who are senior level financiers and hedge fund managers, have told Cadmus their offices’ post-pandemic style is a hodgepodge: some employees are in jeans, others in business wear. Across the board, she doesn’t foresee that a critical mass of workers will dress up for the office any time soon.
“I don’t think we will ever return to pre-Covid levels [of formal office dress],” Cadmus says, “which is distressing to me.”
What are the best long sleeved T-shirts for women?
By Ambar Pardilla
This ribbed option comes recommended by stylist Jessica Cadmus of the Wardrobe Whisperer, whose main must-have quality for a long-sleeved tee is shape retention. “I want my T-shirts to be fitted when I pull them on and stay fitted until I pull them off,” she explains. Rag & Bone T-shirts do just that, she says, so she adds two to her wardrobe every year. This one is her favorite “because of its super-flattering exaggerated deep-V neckline.” It’s a “heavy lifter” in terms of versatility (she can wear it with almost anything) and layering (“If you need to strip off your outer layers, you remain polished,” she says). You can choose between three hues: Morning Mint, Mauved Out, and black. Cadmus likes Rag & Bone’s very similar bias-ribbed long-sleeved T-shirt, too.
What are the best jeans for women?
By: Ambar Pardilla
These straight-leg jeans are stylist Jessica Cadmus of Wardrobe Whisperer’s current obsession. She describes them as of-the-moment with a high-rise, a medium wash, and a cropped cut that are all on trend. But these jeans offer a timeless fit. “They are super structured and sculpt the backside perfectly.” She likes to style them with cashmere and loafers to make them feel even more elevated.
What’s the Best Bathrobe?
By Ambar Pardilla, Amanda Fitzsimons, and Hilary Reid
Olivia von Halle is known for its “larger-than-life, chic motifs,” as lingerie expert Cora Harrington told us in our guide to silk pajamas. Wardrobe stylist Jessica Cadmus says that this zodiac-printed robe is a splurge for sure but “so wonderfully luxurious” that it’s worth it. A self-described glamour puss, she likes to wear it around the house, even if she’s all alone working from home. Cadmus adds, “If you could wear a Bentley, it would feel like this.” And she wears it out of the house, too, pairing it with leather leggings. “I love the way it trails behind me when I wear it open — it makes me feel like I’m in a perpetual photo shoot.”
What are the best mom jeans?
By Ambar Pardilla, Lori Keong, and Chloe Anello
Once a “disgrace to denim,” mom jeans are now beloved. They’re high-waisted, often in a light wash, and with a loose leg. “The overall look is much more sculpted than the mom jeans of the ’80s,” says Jessica Cadmus of Wardrobe Whisperer…
What Are the Best Jumpsuits?
Jumpsuits help you achieve a polished yet easy look in summer, according to wardrobe stylist Jessica Cadmus. “I’ve pointed a slew of clients towards this one that I own myself. It’s sexy and sophisticated and looks great day to night.” Made from 100 percent linen, the jumpsuit is perfect for the transition into warmer weather, and Cadmus says it pairs just as well with sneakers as strappy sandals. “It’s lightweight and comfortable, tailored but not clingy,” says Cadmus. And you can even machine-wash it — “but don’t toss it in the dryer!”
…”That’s the same advice that stylist Jessica Cadmus gave us — with one exception. “If you’re going to your tenth reunion and know your ex is going to be there and you want to ensure that they hit the floor when they see you, you may opt for that body-con dress under which you wear a full-body shaper that pulls you into a firm, smooth shape,” Cadmus says. “This will feel constraining and you’ll likely not want to endure this for more than an evening.”
New York-based stylist and personal shopper Jessica Cadmus, professionally known as the Wardrobe Whisperer, has seen this dress code shift up close in the corporate world. Around 90% of her clients are in finance, and she herself is an alumna of Goldman Sachs. Dress codes in the finance sector have historically had the most conservative, formal standards, and even those are changing.
8 best comfortable work-from-home pants for men in 2021
By Ambar Pardilla
Need a quick Zoom wardrobe hack? Pop on a faux collar.
By Parija Kavilanz
This could be the end to office wear
By Parija Kavilanz
Wall Street Journal's Market Watch consults the Wardrobe Whisperer...
Business Insider and Wardrobe Whisperer team up regularly to tackle men's fashion...
Gentlemen, a few things to keep in mind about your dress shirts - 5/26/2017
"We've seen some bad dress shirts. Don't pretend you haven't as well..." read moreShave off your goatee, do it today - 3/01/2017
"Facial hair in all its forms...has been coming back with a vengeance for years now..." read more11 things everyone on Wall Street needs to stop wearing ASAP - 12/20/2016
"Like any tribe, Wall Street has its own way of dressing..." read moreGentlemen, here's what you're usually missing from your travel bags - 8/30/2016
"Listen, we're not saying you're bad at packing - we're just saying you might be little clumsier at it than you should be..." read moreDonald Trump constantly makes one of the most offensive mistakes in men's suiting - 8/22/2016
"We can no longer be silent. Presidential fashion is a low bar..." read moreThere's a trick to staying cool in a suit jacket in the summer - 6/03/2016
"Jackets are warm. Summer is hot. Sweat is gross..." read moreHow To buy a pair of dress shoes that will never go out of style - 4/07/2016
"Every man must have a pair of dress shoes. That is unless they want to show up to...whatever event looking like the lovable side kick in a romantic comedy..." read moreThe No. 1 thing men need to throw out of their closets - 3/11/2016
"For a variety of reasons...we often keep clothes that we should actually throw away..." read moreHow to buy a blazer that will never go out of style - 3/04/2016
"Gentlemen, we know what you want..." read more6 kinds of jeans we never want to see on a grown man again - 2/16/2016
"The jeans we are about to present are online for sale, so we are assuming that some men are buying them..." read moreEverything a modern gentleman needs to know about how a perfect suit fits - 1/20/2016
"Print this out, tape it to your cubicle..." read moreGentleman, you could be doing so much more with your sweaters - 12/17/2015
"It has been unseasonably warm here at Business Insider's global headquarters here in New York City..." read more15 perfect gifts for guys who can't dress - 12/07/2015
"It's almost certain that you know a man that should be dressing better..." read more10 ties that actually make solid gifts - 12/02/2015
"Ties are usually considered the cop-out gift for dad...Not these ties..." read moreThere are only 5 acceptable boots to wear with a suit - 11/21/2015
"After a long fall, it's getting colder in New York City. That means we're going to start dropping not-so-subtle hints about how a gentleman should dress for winter weather..." read moreGentleman, here's how you get dressed for work in 5 minutes or less - 10/14/2015
"This one goes out to the Wall Street associates and vice presidents who have to be at work on time after a nice, long client dinner..." read more14 things no man should ever wear to the office - 10/08/2015
"If you, like many American men, work in an office, you should know that there are things you simply should not wear..." read moreThere are only 12 items of clothing men need to be ready for fall - 9/16/2015
"Gentleman a quick overview of what you'll need to look fresh this fall..." read moreHere's what you should know going into your first custom suit fitting - 8/31/2015
"Every man needs one suit that fits him like a glove..." read moreEverything you need to know before talking to a tailor about your suit - 8/10/2015
"You want to get your suit tailored. You've got the suit and it fits..." read moreIf you buy a suit off the rack, there's really only one part that MUST fit perfectly - 8/07/2015
"There are two ways to buy a suit. One is to have it custom made for your body..." read moreThere's a whole hierarchy to dressing on Wall Street - 7/30/2015
"For the most part, you can tell how senior a banker is just by looking at them. But you need to know what to look for..." read moreHere's what guys are constantly getting wrong about dress shoes - 7/13/2015
"Shoes can change the entire look and feel of an outfit, so especially when it comes to dressing up, you want to get it right. There is one thing, though, that men get wrong over and over again..." read moreGentlemen, this is how you do blazers in the summer - 7/2/2015
"One of the easiest things a gentleman can do to make himself look polished is put on a blazer, but how does one achieve that look without boiling during the summer time?" read moreThe debate about men's shorts is over - here's why you probably lost - 6/30/2015
"Guy in the cargo shorts with the many empty pockets. Guy in the board shorts with the flower print. Guy in the too long shorts that hit below the knee. I see you..." read moreThe four things every modern gentleman needs for a 4th of July weekend - 6/23/2015
"At this point, your 4th of July weekend beer list has probably been expertly curated. You've also probably done the headcount for ratio of hamburgers to human beings, and you may or may not have purchased some kind of firework. However, you, gentleman, have probably not even considered your accessories..." read moreThis is who high-powered Wall Streeters call when they don't know how to dress - 6/1/2015
"There comes a time in every ambitious Wall Streeter's life when they have to look at their clients right in the face and gain their trust. So when those clients look back, they need to see someone who looks like a master of the universe..." read more
Markets Media features Wardrobe Whisperer's Q&A column:
Stylish Laptop Bags for Traveling - 6/21/2015
"Q. I travel frequently for work and need a bag that fits my computer but looks stylish and has enough room for cords, plugs, etc. Backpacks and roller briefcases are good on the back but look like amateur hour in the airport. Help!..." read moreWhat To Wear for A Job Interview? - 6/12/2015
"Q. Is it imperative to wear a suit for an interview? I don,t usually wear a full suit to the office and I'm afraid if I do, the boss will guess my motives..." read moreBeach Weekend Fashion - 6/5/2015
"Q: I plan on spending most of my weekends at the beach this summer. I'm terrible at packing (I always bring way too much) and need suggestions on how to streamline the process..." read moreWhat to Wear on Casual Fridays? - 5/28/2015
"Q: What is acceptable office-wear for casual Fridays? At first I was excited and now I'm just perplexed..." read moreWeekend Wear for Working Moms - 5/20/2015
"Q: What does a working mom wear on the weekend? I struggle when I need to transition into mommy-mode. It's much easier to get ready for work when all I need to do is put on a black dress..." read moreHow a Men's Suit Should FIT - 5/15/2015
"Q: In your column last week, you mentioned Don Draper. I'm over 6' tall and work hard to stay fit yet I never look like he does in a suit. What am I doing wrong?.." read moreJessica Cadmus 'Whispers' on Mens' Summer Fashion - 5/7/2015
"Q: Say I have multiple weddings and black tie events to attend this summer. I want to look the part but I don't want to look or feel like I'm going to work. Help!..." read more
Wall Street Journal's FINS.COM asks Wardrobe Whisperer what a first year Analyst should wear on the job.