By Katie Pelech
Photograph by Frank Di Piazza
As an assistant buyer for Macy’s Midwest, Madeline Fraser is required to know what’s trendy and hip. It’s only to be expected, then, that she be both. But it would be an insult to assume that her flawless personal style stems from a sense of obligation and necessity. Quite the opposite, in fact. Fraser aspired toward much more monochromatic goals during her undergraduate years—law school, anyone?—but a persistent love of artful layering and a knack for details made it obvious: Her real obligation was to be true to herself.
How would you describe your sense of style? I really like layers and simplicity, but I like to make the outfit my own with unique details.
How long have you been interested in fashion? My whole life. I had fashion books when I was small, and I would draw out entire outfits, head to toe.
Did you ever get to wear them? My mom collected these beautiful silk scarves; she had a chest with drawers full of them. My sister and I, we’d make dresses out of these silk scarves, and they were truly amazing. Some of them, I look at now and I’m, like, “How did I do that?”
What significance does style have in your life today, outside of the professional realm? It’s always been a part of who I am, my creative outlet. That’s how I really became aware of clothing—using it as my creative outlet.
What’s your favorite piece of clothing? I’m obsessed with my bridesmaid’s dress right now: You can wrap it 300 different ways. You can wear it with jeans, you can dress it up or dress it down, and all you have to change are the details.
How would you help a friend tap into his or her style? I wouldn’t just pay attention to what’s in their closets; I’d pay attention to what’s in their lives and then interpret that in their clothing. My style is about my house and my clothing and my life, and I use the same approach when I’m helping someone else.
