I have only recently discovered Jessica Fay on Instagram and fell in love with her minimal aesthetic, her wearable yet refined wardrobe and her blazer and jacket collections. As I’m always on the hunt for more minimal fashion feeds on Instagram, I didn’t hesitate to ask her to do a Style Notes collab post with me.

*all pictures by Jessica Fay

When Jess sent me her answers for my questionnaire, it was no surprise we share a style crush - Lu Hough - and would be wearing the same outfit if we had to choose one for the rest of our lives. I loved her detailed answers and hope you enjoy this longer interview!

If you like Jess’ personal style as much as I do, here are the sources to follow her:

• Instagram: @iamjessicafay

• Shop her wardrobe here

• TikTok: here

• Substack: A Few Good Things
  

Hi Jessica, thank you so much for joining me! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Thank you so much for having me, Anika! My name is Jessica Fay and I live in Dublin, Ireland, with my husband. After spending several years working in the fashion industry, I transitioned into content creation, where I now share my ever evolving love for fashion and style. I’ve always been creatively minded, but for reasons I can’t quite explain, I suppressed it in favour of more corporate and business-orientated roles. While those paths seemed practical, they ultimately left me feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from what truly inspired me. In recent years, I’ve given myself the freedom to fully explore my interests on my own terms, which has reignited my passion for fashion and allowed me to work on building a career that feels both authentic and fulfilling.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is a mix of classic, neutral pieces with a modern, approachable feel. I gravitate toward timeless silhouettes, soft textures, and versatile outfits that can be styled multiple ways, making it easy to transition from day to night or casual to polished. Comfort is always a priority, but I love incorporating elevated details – whether it’s a well-tailored blazer, a structured bag, or simple, elegant jewellery – to create a look that feels refined yet effortless. My style is always evolving, but at its core, it’s about feeling confident, put together, and staying true to what makes me feel my best.

What role has style in general and your wardrobe played in your life? 

Style has always been a form of self-expression for me, allowing me to feel confident and put together no matter the occasion. Over the years, my wardrobe has evolved alongside different phases of my life, reflecting not just trends but also my personal growth, lifestyle, and mindset. Having a well-curated wardrobe filled with pieces I love makes getting dressed effortless and enjoyable, which in turn sets the tone for my day. Style isn’t just about clothing – it’s about how you present yourself to the world, how you feel in your own skin, and the confidence that comes from wearing something that truly represents you.

What was the last outfit you wore and truly loved?

The last outfit I wore and truly loved was very recently actually. I attended my first fashion event hosted by a luxury department store here in Dublin. I had been unwell for a number of weeks leading up to the event and didn’t have a chance to do much planning so I pulled something together quickly before leaving the house, but it ended up being a look that I really loved. I wore an oversized cream Totême blazer over a black base, black Raey jeans and sleek black Khaite ankle boots. The standout detail was a statement Déhanche belt, which I styled around my neck instead of at the waist. I loved how the mix of tailoring and unexpected accessories made the outfit feel effortless yet elevated. It was comfortable, polished, and a true reflection of my personal style.

During which times in your life has your style changed the most and why do you think that is?

My style has changed the most in recent years as I’ve shifted my focus to a more timeless approach. Rather than constantly adding new pieces, I’ve become more intentional about utilising what I already have, identifying gaps, and only buying with purpose. It’s not about having more (in fact, I own less clothes now than I ever have!) – it’s about curating a wardrobe of well-made versatile pieces that will last beyond a single season. Investing in forever pieces rather than fleeting trends has not only made my money go further but has also helped me build a collection of items I genuinely love year after year. For me, enduring style is about quality, thoughtfulness, and creating a wardrobe that evolves with me in a meaningful way.

What item of clothing are you still on the hunt for or have you been on the hunt for forever?

The one item I’ve been on the hunt for forever is the perfect black leather jacket. For me, it’s an investment piece – something that will be loved and well-worn for many years to come, so I want to get it right. With so many styles, sizes, and silhouettes to choose from, it takes time to figure out which one truly suits me. I love the structured, effortless feel of a Khaite or Saint Laurent-esque design, but I’m also open to second-hand and vintage options, which often have that beautifully worn-in character. I know the right one is out there – I’m just waiting for the perfect fit.

When was the last time you’ve admired another woman’s style and why?

I admire women and am inspired by their style most days on social media and I’m often out and about with my husband and tell him when I see a woman whose style I love (sometimes I’ll say it to the person because, why not spread the love and appreciation!). What stands out to me isn’t just the clothes themselves but the way a woman carries them. I’m always drawn to women who make style look effortless, who wear pieces that feel considered but never overdone. It’s a reminder that true style isn’t just about what you wear, but how you wear it.

If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?

If I had to wear one outfit for the rest of my life, it would definitely be something that balances comfort and style. A pair of well-fitted jeans, a tailored yet relaxed shirt and a structured blazer. It’s effortlessly chic while still feeling easy to wear. Pairing it with ankle boots or loafers adds polish without sacrificing comfort, and minimal accessories like a classic bag and delicate jewellery keep the look refined. Sheerluxe Fashion & Creative Director, Lu Hough, is someone who wears this combination regularly and has perfected the art of looking both stylish and comfortable.

What is your favourite season to dress for? What is your favourite occasion to dress for?

Winter is my favourite season to dress for because I love the cosiness and sophistication of cold weather fashion. There’s something so chic about layering – a beautiful coat, luxurious knits, and rich textures that add depth to an outfit. I also enjoy the mix of practicality and style that Winter dressing allows. It’s the season where fashion feels the most elevated, with structured pieces, classic silhouettes, and statement outerwear that make even a simple outfit feel intentional. I love any opportunity to get dressed up and add a little glamour. Whether it’s a holiday party, a special dinner, or an event where I can take my time getting ready, there’s something so fun about putting together a look that feels a little extra. I enjoy the whole process – choosing the right accessories, adding a touch of sparkle, and finishing it all off with the perfect beauty look. It’s those moments when fashion becomes more that just getting dressed – it’s about feeling confident, radiant and completely in your element.

Are you an intuitive dresser or do you like to plan out your outfits?

I’m definitely a planner in every aspect of my life, and that includes how I get dressed. I like to think ahead about what I’m wearing, whether it’s for a specific event or just my day-to-day outfits, because it makes my mornings smoother and takes the guesswork out of getting ready. I find that when I plan, I feel more put-together and confident in what I’m wearing. That said, I’m not rigid about it – I still leave room to switch things up depending on my mood or the weather but having a general idea of what works for me makes the whole process so much easier.

Is there any style advice you wish more people would know about and follow?

The best style advice I could give – and what I wish more people would embrace – is that feeling good in what you wear is just as important as how it looks. No trend, designer label, or “must-have” piece will ever replace the confidence that comes from wearing something that truly suits you. Invest in well-fitting, timeless pieces that make you feel comfortable and put-together rather than chasing what’s popular in the moment. Also, don’t underestimate the power of tailoring – sometimes the smallest adjustments can make a huge difference in how something looks and feels. Style should enhance your life, not complicate it.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my style questions, Jess!

Who else would you like to see in a Style Notes post? Let me know your favorite creators / fashion people and your latest style crush!