Katya Shyfrin, Lily Atherton Hanbury

Party season is upon us—and so too is the influx of outfit conundrums it brings. Allow Dress Code to demystify and debunk what to wear when and where, and how to wear it, as advised by those whose innate style never fails to inspire and influence.

Back when Lily Atherton Hanbury and Katya Shyfrin set out to launch Le Monde Béryl almost ten years ago, the notion of a party-ready flat shoe implied the complimentary flip-flops stocked in the bathroom at the end of a wedding. As creative director and CEO, respectively, they pooled their experience in art and jewelry to reinvent the classic Venetian slipper into a silhouette that could inspire as much fantasy as a stiletto. While the duo has since expanded into additional categories—from satin and suede runners to calf-hair Regency slippers—the same commitment to combining impeccable comfort with thought-provoking design remains. Atherton Hanbury recently co-hosted a sunny luncheon at CouCou in Los Angeles with model Laura Love and Nordstrom’s Rickie DeSole to celebrate the line’s arrival at the retailer. It was a good time to pull up a chair and hear how she and her co-founder approach styling a look from the ground up.

When you want to feel confident—what boxes does your outfit need to tick?

Lily: I used to overdress to feel confident, but now I find confidence in simplicity and I tend to wear a uniform that is quite understated. I feel most like myself in a pair of vintage jeans and a men’s shirt or a white t-shirt and a blazer.

A breakfast event pops up. What’s a failsafe early morning outfit when you want to feel polished?

Lily: I have a collection of vintage men’s silk dress shirts that I always turn to when I want to feel a bit more put together.

Rickie DeSole, Lily Atherton Hanbury, Laura LovePhoto by: Hunter Abrams

What type of dress code fills you with dread? And what’s your workaround for that?

Katya: Anything that requires something overly sparkly—or pink. However, I’m confident that I can make any outfit work by pairing it with interesting jewelry. I’m loyal to Jessica McCormack. I love how her pieces, which I have collected over time, all mix so effortlessly together.

A luncheon is on the calendar. How might you approach putting together a look for that?

Katya: I default to my wardrobe staples, which can be reinvented in so many ways. A tailored jacket from Khaite or The Row styled with either jeans or a dress instantly makes an outfit feel chic and effortless.

What are your thoughts on costume parties? All in with the DIY, or politely decline?

Lily: DIY, always! An easy solution usually involves a veil or layers of veils.

You’ve no time to think about what to wear for an after-work gathering—what outfit formula always works for you in a bind?

Lily: I’ll throw on a dark leather bomber jacket, and my black crystal Luna slippers.

What’s your read on cocktail attire, in general?

Katya: I’ve always preferred the ease of trousers over a dress when it comes to cocktail events. I like to elevate them with beautiful velvet shoes and special accessories.

What’s a failsafe outfit you tend to rinse and repeat?

Katya: I love a slip silk dress, either on its own or layered with a cashmere sweater and blazer, or even when styled with a t-shirt underneath or an organza shirt on top. In summer I wear them with mesh Mary Janes and in the colder months, with boots and socks peeking out.

Lily Atherton Hanbury, Katya ShyfrinPhoto by: Trish Ward

What about black tie? Do you like to take risks, or play it pretty safe?

Katya: I tend to play it safe. For me, less is more, and it’s all about the fit and construction. That’s why I love The Row, the pieces are so beautifully crafted and tailored in a very flattering color palette.

What after-dark pieces get the most wear in your wardrobe, year after year?

Lily: My Turnbull and Asser silk pajamas.

Do you have a favorite party-ready piece or accessory?

Lily: Jewelry—I have a few unusual pieces that always seem to speak conversation.

What’s always in your evening bag?

Lily: Lipstick and keys.