Luann de Lesseps has lived several remarkable lives since The Real Housewives of New York first premiered on television screens in 2008. Over nearly two decades in the public eye, she has worn many hats—quite literally and figuratively. To name just a few of her memorable chapters: she was married to a real-life French count, famously taught a nation via song that money can’t buy you class, transformed herself into a full-fledged, touring cabaret star, and occasionally found herself tumbling into a bush or two along the way to reality TV history.
Through all of those distinct eras, highs, and lows, one single element has remained remarkably consistent: her unwavering commitment to glamour. As she so often reminds viewers and concertgoers alike, elegance is learned ("mah friends"), and her personal style has always mirrored that signature ethos. It is a blend of old-school Countess poise infused with a healthy, unapologetic dose of showgirl razzle-dazzle.
That lifelong commitment to high-style presentation was put to a rigorous test earlier this year when de Lesseps packed her bags to film Bravo’s Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th. The star-studded cast was given an exceptionally tight turnaround—just a week and a half—to prepare for a whirlwind, multi-city itinerary spanning Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Miami. The demanding schedule required outfits for every conceivable climate, mood, and heavily orchestrated theme party.
"That trip for me was one of the hardest ones I ever had to pack for," de Lesseps recalls of the chaotic wardrobe preparation. Despite the logistical nightmare of packing for multiple distinct climates and events on short notice, the experience delivered unforgettable moments. One major highlight of the excursion involved zipping into Kyle Richards’ famous White Party wearing dramatic angel wings to perform her hit track "Chic C’est La Vie," completing the theatrical look with a bold cape and boy shorts.
Naturally, traveling and living in close quarters with fellow reality television royalty comes with its requisite share of interpersonal ups and downs—after all, it is the Housewives franchise. Yet, beneath the inevitable dramatic flare-ups, genuine bonds were formed among the cast members. Sitting inside her sophisticated New York pied-à-terre, de Lesseps proudly points out an oxblood Saint Laurent clutch resting nearby, a thoughtful gift she received from co-star Lisa Barlow. "Baby gorgeous! I love that girl. She’s such a joy," de Lesseps says, reflecting warmly on her fellow castmate.
The television veteran is currently gearing up for another major return to the small screen, preparing to reunite with her original Real Housewives of New York crew in the upcoming series The Golden Life, which airs Tuesday nights on E!. Alongside her television commitments, she is hard at work readying herself for her next extensive cabaret tour, ensuring her schedule remains as packed and vibrant as ever.
However, away from the intense glare of television cameras and blinding stage lights, her everyday approach to fashion and personal presentation has noticeably evolved. Today, de Lesseps is just as content slipping into a pair of comfortable sneakers or walkable heels as she is stepping into a showstopping, sequin-encrusted Jovani dress—a designer label that has effectively evolved into its very own recurring character within the broader Luann de Lesseps universe. Beyond her wardrobe choices, she continues to swear by an affordable $38 beauty staple that she believes every Upper East Side gal should keep in her arsenal. She also maintains a reliable go-to fashion piece that instantly makes her feel like the most confident woman in the room, proving that looking and feeling incredible does not require a tiny hemline.
To celebrate the premiere of The Golden Life and the launch of her upcoming cabaret tour, de Lesseps recently sat down for an in-depth conversation discussing her signature hats, her practical philosophy on why she always buys two of everything she genuinely loves, the wellness principles she refuses to compromise on, and much more.
Reflecting on her current aesthetic during the discussion, de Lesseps describes her style lately in three simple words: casual, chic, and effortless. When asked about the biggest shift in her wardrobe preferences over recent years, she points directly to a newfound sense of personal autonomy in fashion. She emphasizes that she now dresses entirely for herself rather than to please others, prioritizing genuine comfort above all else. No longer willing to suffer for fashion, she notes that heels must be practical enough to walk around in comfortably, reinforcing that true ease is the ultimate luxury.
