Chantel Jeffries’ NYFW Style Secret: Embracing Comfort and Versatility Over Flashy Trends

New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is often synonymous with bold statements, dramatic silhouettes, and avant-garde designs that push the boundaries of conventional style. The streets become a vibrant runway filled with fashionistas vying for attention with loud prints, luxurious feathers, dazzling bold colors, and exaggerated proportions. Amidst this sartorial spectacle at the Spring 2020 shows, DJ and social media sensation Chantel Jeffries, then 26, carved out a distinct and refreshing path, deliberately shying away from anything overtly flashy or attention-grabbing. Her approach was not about competing for the loudest look but rather about embracing an intentional styling choice centered on comfort and versatility. This thoughtful strategy, which she candidly shared with HollywoodLife at the Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards, highlights a growing trend among celebrities to prioritize practicality without compromising on chic appeal.

“Ceejay the DJ” explained that her decision to forego elaborate ensembles was rooted in a desire to fully immerse herself in the NYFW experience without any distractions. For her, towering stilettos or restrictive garments were simply not conducive to making the most of the week’s events. When asked for her styling advice, the record producer and influencer offered a philosophy that resonates deeply with many modern fashion enthusiasts. “I honestly feel like taking chances is really fun. But I also love to be comfortable and versatile,” Chantel admitted during our EXCLUSIVE interview. She elaborated on her personal mantra, stating, “That’s kind of my style. I pick comfort over being so crazy.” This perspective suggests that true style isn’t always about making the grandest entrance, but rather about feeling good in what you wear, allowing your authentic self to shine through.

Prioritizing Experience: Comfort as the Ultimate Fashion Accessory

Chantel’s styling philosophy extends beyond mere personal preference; it’s a strategic choice designed to enhance her overall NYFW experience. By consciously avoiding “crazy” or overly restrictive outfits, she frees herself to fully engage with the various events, shows, and after-parties that define Fashion Week. This intentional approach allows her to move with ease, dance, network, and genuinely enjoy every moment, fostering richer memories. “I just like to be able to have the best time possible, because I feel like, those make me the best memory,” Chantel explained to HollywoodLife. “So, I’d rather be a little bit more comfortable and have fun.” This insight speaks volumes about a shift in celebrity fashion, where the focus is less on performative dressing and more on authentic engagement. For Chantel, comfort isn’t a compromise; it’s the ultimate enabler for an unforgettable Fashion Week.

Beyond her sartorial choices, the brunette beauty shared another crucial element behind her ability to maintain an amazing figure in these comfortable fits: her disciplined diet. For Chantel, fitness isn’t just about fleeting trends or restrictive eating; it’s a foundational aspect of her lifestyle, directly influencing her well-being and, consequently, her capacity to rock any outfit with confidence. “Honestly, diet. It’s mostly diet. I just know the specific diet. And I never cheat, because I’m allergic to things,” she revealed to HollywoodLife. This personal disclosure underscores that her dietary regimen is not a voluntary “diet” in the conventional sense, but a necessity driven by allergies. “That’s why that’s my diet, so I do this. But, I don’t try to diet. I just don’t eat foods that make me feel sick. And that’s about it. That’s part of my life.” This candid explanation showcases a holistic approach to health and wellness, where listening to her body’s needs is paramount. This deep understanding of her physical self undoubtedly contributes to her ease and confidence in her chosen comfortable fashion statements.

NYFW Outfits: A Masterclass in Understated Chic

During our interview at the Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards on September 5, Chantel perfectly exemplified her own style advice. She greeted us in an ensemble that was modest in its details yet undeniably chic: a sophisticated mini ivory dress paired with easy slide-on mules. This choice was a clear departure from the heavily accessorized, layered looks often seen at such high-profile events. Instead of relying on an overwhelming array of embellishments or statement pieces to command attention, Chantel strategically highlighted subtle, yet significant, trends. Her transparent-strap heels offered a nod to the “naked shoe” trend, while the asymmetrical cut of her dress showcased a modern, architectural sensibility without being overly dramatic. This thoughtful curation of details allowed her natural beauty and confident demeanor to take center stage, proving that sometimes, less truly is more.

Just days later, on September 8, Chantel continued to champion her minimalist-chic aesthetic while sitting front row at the highly anticipated Laquan Smith show. She donned the same comfortable mules, this time complementing a vibrant purple ruched mini dress. The dress itself, while rich in color and texture, maintained an understated elegance, avoiding any excessive frills or embellishments. However, Chantel demonstrated her keen eye for emerging trends by adding a pair of reflective silver shades. This accessory subtly elevated her look, proving that she remains firmly embedded within the A-list crowd that dictates and introduces new styles, even when choosing a more subdued overall palette. It was a perfect blend of comfort, contemporary design, and a hint of celebrity flair, showing how to stand out through refined choices rather than overt extravagance.

The DJ’s commitment to comfort and practical fashion was further evidenced in her casual outings throughout the week. On September 6, she completely ditched the traditional dress code, stepping into a pair of trendy “dad shoes” for an excursion in New York City. She paired these chunky sneakers with a striking pink turtleneck and biker shorts set from the brand MISBHV, alongside family friend of the KarJenners, Jonathan Cheban. This ensemble was a powerful endorsement of the burgeoning athleisure trend and the rise of comfortable, street-style-inspired looks in high fashion. Notably, supermodel Winnie Harlow had worn a remarkably similar co-ord on the Kith runway just the night prior, underscoring Chantel’s innate ability to identify and incorporate relevant, forward-thinking fashion statements into her personal wardrobe, even in her most relaxed moments.

Most recently during that NYFW, Chantel was photographed on the bustling streets of SoHo in yet another impeccably executed, sidewalk-friendly outfit. Her choice was a chic button-down dress crafted from a stretchy fabric, offering both style and ease of movement. She accessorized this practical yet polished look with a classic Burberry baguette bag, signaling a touch of luxury without ostentation, and a pair of comfortable black sneakers. This final ensemble perfectly encapsulated her overarching style philosophy: effortlessly blending high-fashion elements with everyday wearability. It showcased her unique ability to navigate the demanding pace of Fashion Week with grace, style, and an unwavering commitment to feeling good in her own skin and her chosen attire.

Chantel Jeffries: Redefining Celebrity Style with Authenticity

Chantel Jeffries’ approach to NYFW Spring 2020 served as a refreshing counter-narrative to the often overwhelming maximalism of the fashion industry. Her deliberate choice to prioritize comfort, versatility, and personal enjoyment over the fleeting pursuit of the “loudest look” speaks to a growing desire for authenticity in celebrity style. She effectively demonstrated that one can be deeply entrenched in the world of high fashion, attend prestigious events, and still maintain a personal style that is both accessible and deeply comfortable. Her outfits, from the elegant ivory mini dress to the athleisure-inspired biker shorts and dad shoes, were not only stylish but also strategic, allowing her to fully experience and create lasting memories during one of fashion’s most demanding weeks.

Ultimately, Chantel Jeffries’ presence at NYFW Spring 2020 offered a valuable lesson in intentional dressing. Her style is a reflection of a holistic lifestyle that values well-being, personal enjoyment, and practical elegance. By rejecting the notion that fashion must be uncomfortable or overly complicated to be impactful, Chantel positions herself as a relatable style icon for a new generation. She proves that true style stems from confidence, comfort, and an authentic understanding of oneself, making her a compelling figure whose influence extends far beyond just the runways.