Playing Dress-Up with Stylist:
Şeyma Arslaner

With fifteen years in fashion behind her, Şeyma remains devoted to one constant: the power of basics. At Reflect Studio, where she now shapes looks full-time, even the most ordinary t-shirt is elevated into a statement. We caught her in the studio to talk about why “boring” might just be the coolest attitude of all.

Fifteen years in the game — how did you end up making basics your playground?

For me, it’s a game of creating looks that are layered, minimal, and thoughtfully composed, yet appear effortless through the use of essentials.

What's the first thing people notice about you when you walk into a room?

My hair. 

If someone says “basics are boring,” what’s your comeback?

I respect that—there will always be maximalists out there.

RS Basic tees — how do you make them go from desk to dinner?

Simply by adding makeup and a few well-chosen accessories.

Number one in Şeyma’s Basics Playlist: 
Jon Hopkins - Vessel (Four Tet Remix)

Biggest style myth you’ve spent your career trying to kill?

One myth I’ve never subscribed to is the idea that beauty can be defined by trends.

Basics on screen: if you had to pick a movie character who embodies “basic done right,” who would it be?

Julie Delpy in Before Sunrise

“Without basics I couldn’t give my eyes
a moment of rest.”