Some people shop—others hunt. Jenny Walton has always been a hunter, the kind of vintage collector who remembers not only what she bought, but where she found it, what she was wearing when she discovered it, and, most importantly, why it meant something. In her debut book, Jenny Sais Quoi (out April 29), Walton invites readers into that deeply personal process. The book is part scrapbook, part sketchbook, part style manifesto—though she is quick to note that “this book is in no way a guide.”
Walton didn’t just write the book; she illustrated it, photographed it, and assembled it like a visual diary of her life. Loose, expressive ink drawings sit beside still lifes of cherished objects. Flea market finds are arranged like tiny stage sets, and candid snapshots of her life in Milan are collaged with artistic freedom. Even the cover—playfully designed in a trompe-l’oeil style with hand-drawn lettering—feels charmingly Beaton-esque, as if it were sketched in the margins of a particularly chic notebook. The overall effect is intimate rather than polished, tactile rather than glossy—a fashion book that refreshingly feels handmade.
Instead of laying down rules, Walton gives her readers permission. “A wardrobe that is a true reflection of its owner cannot be bought overnight,” she writes. She frames style not as something to acquire, but as something to uncover—slowly, instinctively, and often irrationally. It is, in her words, a journey into “the messy, magical world of self-expression.”
To celebrate Vogue’s Vintage Week (and with our Vogue Vintage Market sale approaching), Walton is doing what she does best: looking back. Here, she highlights a selection of pieces that have defined her wardrobe—and, in many ways, her outlook on life. There’s a long-sought dress from the Marc Jacobs Spring 2008 collection, discovered during a late-night scroll on a resale site; a circle skirt adorned with hay, given extra flair with a crinoline; and a silk Hermès scarf worn in countless ways. These aren’t just clothes to her—they’re companions, objects filled with memory, patience, and a touch of happy chance.
This might be my favorite dress of all time, simply because of how long I waited for it. I first saw it on Style.com when it walked the Marc Jacobs runway in September 2007. I was a freshman studying fashion design at Parsons, and Marc Jacobs was my obsession. I never dreamed I could own this dress (Look 41, to be exact), let alone anything from this collection. However, two years ago—15 years after it debuted—I was scrolling a resale site late at night and stumbled upon someone selling it from Rouen, France. I paid 100 euros for it (I already had the matching backward heels). “Spring 2008 Marc Jacobs” remains one of my most searched terms.
This is an incredible vintage circle skirt featuring horses made out of hay. It’s from one of my favorite shops, the very aptly named VintageVavavoom. I paired it with an old Prada sweater and let the floor of the Galleria in Milan do the rest of the talking. I also added a vintage crinoline under the skirt to give it that extra oomph.
By far my favorite vintage Hermès scarf is this one, “Fleurs de Fuchsia.” Last summer, I challenged myself to discover as many ways as possible to wear a silk scarf, and the 90 cm (35.4 inch) Hermès scarf is perfect. I realized I could tie it around this Sophie Buhai blue lapis necklace to create the perfect summer top, and thread it through this silver Miu Miu brooch to wear as a scarf in the fall.
There is no more iconic print than the Prada lipstick print from Spring 2000. The pleated version was famously worn by Charlotte on Sex and the City, and because of its fame and iconic status, nothing makes me happier than wearing it to the post office on an average weekday.
This is a favorite outfit of mine, simply because I’ve realized I’m a huge fan of any color pale…This pink sweater from the 1950s and this orange silk skirt could be considered part of the “sherbet family.” I bought the skirt several years ago at the Dries Van Noten store in Paris after a glass of wine at lunch between fashion shows—and I have no regrets.
I absolutely adore this vintage gold dress, though I know very little about its origin. I was on my way from New York to Milan for fashion week when I found it on Etsy and became completely spellbound—those 3D flowers along the dropped waistline! I messaged the seller, Forever Again, who happened to live in Brooklyn, so I popped into his home on the way to the airport and scooped it up. A few days later, I wore it to the Prada show in Milan. As they say, when you know, you know—and I knew with this one.
This is a gorgeous 1960s vintage daisy-printed jacket from Emanuel Ungaro. It’s one of my favorite pieces because of that absolutely delicious mango color—not to mention how well it color-palettes in my book next to those big blocks of jellied meat from Peck in Milan. I imagined a current-day sciura wearing a jacket like this in the 1960s, so I thought it only fitting to include it after my essay “Sciuramente,” which is all about my love for the Milanese sciure and her overflowing sense of style.
I adore this old pair of feathered flats from Prada. I found them on a resale site, and some days, even with no intent of actually wearing them, I enjoy leaving them out on the floor of my Milan apartment just to watch them interact with that gorgeous pink terrazzo. What can I say—I’m a sucker for color-palette-ing (and a good Italian floor).
Mark your calendars: The Vogue Vintage Market is back for round two. With thanks to eBay, there will be an impeccable curation of vintage and pre-loved pieces ready to find a new home in your wardrobe. If you haven’t already, now is the time to secure your tickets—simply RSVP and make a donation here.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Jenny Waltons Vintage Style New Book
General Beginner Questions
Q Who is Jenny Walton
A Jenny Walton is a wellknown fashion illustrator stylist and influencer celebrated for her distinctive elegant personal style that heavily incorporates vintage and thrifted pieces
Q What is her new book about
A Her new book details her personal style journey showcasing the specific vintage pieces that have become her signature and explaining how they have shaped her aesthetic over the years
Q Im new to vintage fashion Where should I start
A According to Jennys philosophy start small with accessories or one statement piece Focus on quality fabrics and silhouettes that you feel comfortable in rather than chasing a specific decade
Q What are the benefits of wearing vintage
A The main benefits include expressing unique personal style promoting sustainability by giving clothes a second life often finding higherquality construction and fabrics than modern fast fashion and discovering oneofakind pieces
Style Philosophy Questions
Q What are the vintage pieces that defined her style
A While the book will detail her full collection Jenny is famously known for pieces like 1940s and 1950s silk blouses full midi skirts custommade coats inspired by vintage shapes statement earrings and classic feminine pumps
Q How does she mix vintage with modern clothing
A She often uses vintage items as the foundation or focal point of an outfit and pairs them with simple modern basics like a plain tshirt jeans or contemporary trousers This keeps the look fresh and wearable not costumelike
Q What is her top tip for developing a personal style with vintage
A Focus on silhouette and fit above all else Learn what shapes flatter your body and make you feel confident then seek out those silhouettes from any era
Practical Advanced Questions
Q Where does she find her vintage pieces
A She sources from a mix of thrift stores estate sales specialized vintage dealers and online platforms The key is consistent curious hunting rather than expecting to find a perfect item on the first try