CLOSET SWAP: Meet Lee Hubilla
Layering QUEEN.
Hi my beauts! I am back this week with another CLOSET SWAP, a series where I ask a stylish friend of mine a bunch of nosy questions about how they get dressed, and then share the convo with all of you! I am truly pumped about this week’s guest, the eternally cool Lee Hubilla. She comes bearing (a wealth of!) gifts on a topic that has just become especially temperature-relevant, and will remain that way for many, many weeks: LAYERING.
Meet Lee! Actor, writer, creator, dancer (which I shall not ever let her forget because that is how we met!), and friend extraordinaire. I adore this woman, she always looks great, and she always looks like HERSELF, which friends of Costume Change know I really love.
Lee, WOW, can I tell you I am excited for this!? The style has been giving for years. The people need to see the fits! First off, can we start with a quick intro?
Hi! Lee here! :) I’m an actor, writer, feeler of feels, earthiest of earth signs, wearer of clothes….I’d go on, but you said quick and that’s the gist of it I guess!
Perf. We love a sound bite. Is there anything fashion-related that you’re really into right now? A color or vibe? A trend that is tempting you? A TV or movie character’s style? Or someone IRL?
Pretty incredible we’re going to be diving into layering in this..issue? Are you a magazine yet? Because I’ve been very into re-exploring layers and playing around with unconventional ways to layer lately—even before you reached out to me. This is meant to be! Admittedly, I’ve been inspired by the internet and What The Kids Have Been Wearing, and trying to find my own way into the recent layering trends like…VESTS! I’ve also found myself playing around with a fun fashion concept I call “Dressing For My Self-Esteem.” Sometimes the only way into a better mood is through an outfit.
Wow. I need that on a sampler, hanging next to my closet.
In a sentence or two, loosely describe the aesthetic of your day-to-day personal style (right now—style is transient!). And are there any aspirational words/vibes you’d like to throw in the mix?
I feel like aspirationally I aim for an Off-Duty Celebrity style vibe. I think it’s a notch below turning heads. Kind of like, “Ooh, who is that? Do I know her? Eh, nvm.” But comfort and cozy are the two constant pillars of my personal style—if I don’t feel comfortable, it just cannot be done. Also, I usually like to make myself giggle a little, and try weird combos and new pairings of items for kicks! If I’m wondering if I look strange, it’s usually on the right track! (Sorry that was way more than two sentences.)
Do you feel like your style has evolved a lot over, say, the last 10 years? Has living in New York affected your personal style?
I feel like what’s evolved over the last decade in terms of my style is my threshold for discomfort, ha! When I think about how I used to traipse all over this city in heels, I shudder. These arches today could never.
A clear through line is my affinity for an oversized silhouette. I think living in New York and my constant proximity to thrift and vintage has helped me develop a playful sense of style. When I first moved (back) to the city, I’d stop by thrift stores regularly on my commute home from work. I’d almost always end up with some weird bargain find I was eager to try and make work. The sidewalks of New York are like runways so there’s style inspo literally everywhere.
You’re an actor. Do you feel like that plays a role in getting dressed for you? Or not so much?
Oddly enough I feel like it works in the other direction. I am / have always been interested in style and fashion, and I think that actually plays a role in my acting! Because I have always considered clothing and what it says about me and others—whether I’m auditioning, in a scene study class, or styling myself for a shoot/show—I consider my outfit an important part of the artistic process. My clothes reflect so much about me as a person, and I think they can really add more depth and layered story-telling when portraying a character. I feel like being an actor helps me value the time I get to dress like myself, and not another character! It’s the time I get to portray myself, Lee… so I start by asking myself: how can I make this as unique and reflective of my own personality as possible?
Okay SPEAKING OF, let’s talk layering. I feel like my winter uniform in the colder months usually involves oversized sweaters and cozy socks, plus one extravagant accessory to fight the winter sads. And that is all just to wander around my tiny apartment. If I’m venturing out, it’s like one million sneaky variations on jeans and boots. But you are giving variety with the layers—and you make it look so easy! Is it a gut instinct? Do you gravitate towards certain color or texture combinations? A shape or a cut of clothing?
Oh my gosh thank you for the compliment! I feel like layering may actually be a gut instinct, now that you mention it. I’ve seen photos of me back in high school rocking tank tops over button-downs, tube tops over tank tops. I remember having to walk the 6 ½ blocks from Port Authority to my high school (lol 6 ½ blocks is nothing, I know that now!), and I would be so cold in the wintertime. It was different than my school days in the suburbs, when you’d get dropped off and the only walk outside was from your car to the front door. So I think I took to layering around then! I also tend to run cold all the time, and have an irrational fear of being cold, so layering feels like an internalized coping mechanism as well.
For me, layering 101 is cold weather layering. It’s as simple as turtlenecks under everything. And I mean everything! Everyone can start here! Turtlenecks really are the gateway drug of layering.
Graduating beyond that, I personally like to have fun and play with interesting combinations. Adding a button-down and/or a cardigan is one cute (and warm) way to layer. Tank tops over turtlenecks is also a go-to for me. Sounds crazy, but it works!
I think wearing just a top and bottoms somehow feels boring (lol) to me, so layering really is a way of life all year long—not just in cold weather (though that is how it all started).
Is there any one piece that you find yourself gravitating towards again and again? Anything you never leave the house without?
Again—turtlenecks! Always and forever, turtlenecks! Turtlenecks are my go-to base layer under everything and anything! And in the warmer months, I have this old cap-sleeve cropped white tee shirt that belongs to my mother (aww!) that I wear over and over, and I love to layer over it with bralettes, tanks, etc.
Lately, I never seem to leave the house without my layered gold necklace (on theme!) – it’s one necklace made of 2 different chains combined. We love a 2-for-1! I love to throw it on over, you guessed it, a turtleneck, or the collar of a button-down.
‘Tis the season of holiday dressing! Any hacks/tips for layering formalwear?
Layering formalwear! How fun! Again, hate to sound like a broken record but…turtlenecks! A sheer turtleneck has been something I've been wanting to integrate. It’s a fun (sexy?! alluring?!) way to layer under more formal clothes like blouses or dresses. A sheer turtleneck under a cozy sweater can dress it up a bit.
I also enjoy layering blouses under sleeveless dresses or sweaters for the same effect. And fun tights are a must for warmth! I like layering thick cozy socks over tights for more warmth and a little juxtaposition—I’m all about balancing cozy/casual with more formal pieces.
These looks! We love! And I’m absolutely going to add a sheer turtleneck into the rotation. Obsessed with that.
Okay. THERE IS SO MUCH INSPO HERE WOW I HAVE HEARTS FOR EYEBALLS, but—any final thoughts to add/leave the people with? Style advice? Words of wisdom to fight the seasonal sads? Movie recs? Lol?
Dress to feel good! Dress to impress yourself first and foremost. Dress for comfort. Dress for kicks, laughs, giggles. I think most people could use a little more gambling, risk-taking, and play when it comes to getting dressed. The seasonal sads can be a real drag, and I find that intentionally injecting more joy into everyday activities is helpful. For me, getting dressed can be a fun little puzzle I get to complete everyday and that brings me joy!
You and me both sister.
Okay Costume Change, I am living for all the style inspo that was just dropped above, and I hope you are too! Isn’t Lee the best?! And, personally, as a summer baby/child of the sun, this makes me feel a lot less MEH about getting dressed during the darkest time of the year. If you want more of the goodness that is Lee Hubilla, you can follow her here.
That’s it for this week! I’ll see you next Monday. XOXO.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
Costume Change is a styling newsletter (vs. a shopping newsletter). There’s no spon-con in the above convo—any references to clothing/shoes/shops, etc. are purely honest-to-goodness recommendations. Thanks for reading, and reminder to keep those comments kind!
Yes!!! I love this so much!