Ella Richards is a creative, London-based talent, model and worldwide PIAGET ambassador, whose effortless personal style blends British cool with a love of 1930's vintage, 90s minimalism, and laid-back bohemian glamour. Ella grew up immersed in the world of style and culture, yet has carved out her own distinctive point of view. Known for mixing polished staples with offbeat, characterful touches, her approach to getting dressed is intuitive and individual. From well-worn denim to investment coats and timeless accessories, here is her intimate deep dive—into the pieces she loves, the eras that inspire her, and the way she wears it .
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A Style That’s Both Eclectic and Intentional
My style is hard to describe—it's pretty eclectic, but there's definitely a simplicity to it as well. I've always been inspired by two very different eras: the early '70s for that bohemian, effortless look—jeans, boots, a fur coat, big sunglasses, or a Jane Birkin-style mini dress with flats and a basket—and then the '90s for how simple and chic everything was. Slip dresses, trench coats—very Calvin Klein, Prada , Jil Sander, Tom Ford for Gucci. My style probably sits somewhere between the two. Maybe it's because those were the eras my parents and grandparents lived through, so I've naturally picked up on both.
Day-to-day, I just like to be comfortable. When I’m modeling, I’m often traveling or changing in and out of outfits all day, so I want things that feel good and aren’t restrictive. Usually, it’s jeans or trousers, a T-shirt or jumper, cowboy boots, and a trench. I tend to invest more in shoes and jackets—if those two pieces are high quality and classic in aesthetic, they’ll last forever and really elevate a look.
My favorite brands are Alaïa, Tom Ford by Haider Ackermann, Saint Laurent, Chloé, Toteme, The Row, Valentino, Prada , Miu Miu, Réalisation Par, and Tove . It's a highly curated list that I fall back on and regularly mix with vintage. I find it much more modern to pair current designers with unique vintage finds.
I'm a bit of a magpie when it comes to jewelry—it's my favorite way to accessorize and complete an outfit, and it's always carried deep sentimental value for me. My most cherished pieces are gifts or heirlooms passed down from my grandparents or parents, each holding a special memory. Day-to-day, I keep it simple with small hoops and necklaces inherited from my mother, but recently, becoming an ambassador for Piaget has allowed me to explore their beautiful collections. I especially love their vintage designs, which feel timeless yet distinctly modern, and experiencing their craftsmanship up close has given me a newfound appreciation for the artistry behind every piece.
There are so many wardrobes I’d love to raid—Jane Birkin, Chloë Sevigny, the Olsen twins, Miuccia Prada , Carrie Bradshaw..
THE HARD-WORKING ESSENTIALS
I prefer a looser fit when it comes to jeans, so I usually go up a size. The Danielle jeans by Khaite are a favorite. I’m still searching for the perfect vintage pair, but the cut of Celine jeans are fantastic. I’ve also got a few pairs from DL1961 that are low-rise, loose, and long—they’re super comfy and look great with a T-shirt and ballet flats. One of my all-time favorites is actually an old Zara pair—low-rise and bootcut. They look great with high-heeled boots or cowboy boots. I’ve got some similar corduroy ones from Saint Laurent that I live in during winter. For trousers, Toteme makes great simple black ones with a slight flare and a nice, long leg.
For basics like T-shirts and tanks, it’s Eterne. Brandy Melville is also great for simple tees. Most of my favorite shirts are actually my boyfriend’s—I sometimes even take them to a tailor to get them copied. I live in cashmere jumpers, and I tend to buy men’s because they feel softer and more oversized. I also love second-hand cashmere for that soft, worn-in feel. Cos does really good ones, and I’m a big fan of Uniqlo and The Row, too.
Spring 2021 Valentino X Levi’s 1969 517 Jeans
$550
Spring 2021 Valentino X Levi’s 1969 517 Jeans
$550
VINTAGE AND THE THRILL OF THE HUNT
Most of my wardrobe is vintage, either handed down from family or carefully picked up over the years. There’s something satisfying about finding that one perfect item that feels destined for you. I love the hunt, although I usually prefer shopping alone or with just one other person—larger groups can get competitive, especially when we're eyeing the same treasure!
I have an affinity for vintage 1930s dresses—their feminine, delicate cuts move beautifully. About a year ago, I found one of my all-time favorites at Portobello Market: a black velvet dress with lace shoulders, finished with tiny beads and crystals. It’s so elegant.
My love for ’30s silhouettes also explains why I’ve always admired John Galliano—especially his early bias-cut dresses. To me, they're perfect; nothing makes me feel as good as wearing one of his pieces.
I usually mix vintage with more contemporary pieces to keep the look polished. With vintage dresses in particular, I love pairing them with modern shoes—even a ballet flat with a fresh shape can do the trick. Right now, I often reach for my Saint Laurent PVC boots—they instantly elevate any vintage outfit and keep it feeling current rather than head-to-toe secondhand.
Whenever I travel, I'm always seeking out vintage markets or pop-ups. London has some of the best—Frock Me and Clerkenwell Vintage Fair are personal favorites—but I often shop online as well. I spend far too much time browsing Vestiaire, eBay, and Resee, and I've discovered some fantastic vintage sellers on Instagram. I'm constantly on the lookout for special pieces from the 1920s and 1930s, along with little white blouses, slip dresses, and standout finds from Westwood, Prada, and Alaïa.
CONNER IVES IS MY FAVORITE NEW NAME TO KNOW
When it comes to new designers, I’m a huge fan of my friend Conner Ives. He creates beautiful, wearable clothes with a distinctly modern twist. I especially love that he incorporates as much up-cycled fabric as possible, resulting in truly unique pieces. A couple of years ago, Conner made me a custom dress for the BFAs using a vintage piano shawl we found on Etsy (middle image above). He carefully cut and reworked the fabric, and because it was so old, it ended up looking like the most perfect vintage dress—I absolutely loved it.
A TRIED AND TRUE APPROACH TO BEAUTY
SKINCARE ROUTINE:
I’ve been a skincare junkie since I was about 15. I remember watching all the women in my family use their lotions and potions, impatiently waiting until I was old enough to have a full routine of my own.
Dr. Sam Bunting has been my dermatologist since I was about 19, and I've stuck to a similar routine ever since. I have very sensitive skin and rosacea, so even though I'd love to experiment more, my skin responds best when I keep things simple.
In the morning, if I’m feeling puffy, I’ll use an ice roller to give myself a quick facial massage. Then I cleanse with Dr. Sam’s Gentle Cleanser—I always count to 60 seconds to properly wake up my skin. Next, I apply SkinCeuticals’ Vitamin C serum, which gives a beautiful brightening effect and glow. I follow with Dr. Sam’s Flawless Moisturiser, avoiding my T-zone since it tends to be oilier, and finish with Dr. Sam’s Gossamer Sunscreen every single day. It leaves a nice glow under makeup without feeling greasy.
My evening routine is a bit of a ritual, and I never skip it. If I’ve worn makeup, I start with Bioderma Micellar Water—it’s gentle and perfect for sensitive skin—then cleanse again with Dr. Sam’s Gentle Cleanser. Prescription retinol from my dermatologist is the most important step in my routine and has been essential since I was 19; it really helps manage breakouts and keeps my skin texture smooth. Finally, I apply Dr. Sam’s Intense Moisturiser, which is richer than my daytime cream but still doesn’t feel greasy. If I have a breakout, I'll use Dr. Sam’s Neutralising Gel.
Day-to-day makeup is pretty minimal. I always curl my lashes with a curler, then use the Dior Forever concealer and Westman Atelier contour stick in "Biscuit," a lovely taupe shade. For extra color, I like Chanel’s bronzer, and my go-to blush and lip tint is Benefit’s classic tint, topped off with a good lip balm—usually Homeoplasmine or the cult classic Laneige.
I trust Josh Wood for the perfect blonde highlights, and James Gould is great at keeping my hair healthy while achieving that creamy blonde I love. I get my trims with Federico at the same salon. Like my skincare, I keep my haircare routine simple—the less I do, the better it feels. If my hair is dry, I'll use Ouai hair oil or the K18 hair mask. For added texture, I reach for Sam McKnight’s Cool Girl spray or Oribe’s Texturizing Spray.
I tend to choose scents depending on the season or my mood. Fragrances evoke powerful memories for me, so many of the scents I wear have sentimental value. For years I used Bonpoint perfume, which is so clean and delicate. Now, I often wear Byredo scents—I prefer something light and fresh like Blanche or Gypsy Water. I also adore Guerlain fragrances; their jasmine scent is incredible, and their classic L’Heure Bleue was my grandmother’s signature perfume, so I occasionally wear that as well.
In terms of wellness, exercise has the biggest impact on how I feel. I’m not naturally sporty and often have to motivate myself, but I always feel better when I maintain a regular routine. Pilates, weight training, or just a walk in the park makes a huge difference.
