ELSE WOMAN: WHITNEY OLSCHWANGER
In our continuing series, we’re celebrating creative, empowered women who embody ELSE's modern spirit and style.
ELSE WOMAN: WHITNEY OLSCHWANGER
In our continuing series, we’re celebrating creative, empowered women who embody ELSE's modern spirit and style.
We believe love in all its forms should be honored year round, not just on Valentine’s Day.
And what's more important than self-love? In that spirit, we asked Los Angeles-based stylist Whitney Olschwanger what self-care means to her, and how she folds it into her daily life and personal style. Read on for her insightful responses—plus a visual meditation on what makes her feel centered, sexy, and empowered, employing all her favorite ELSE pieces from our 2025 collection.
We believe love in all its forms should be honored year round, not just on Valentine’s Day.
And what's more important than self-love? In that spirit, we asked Los Angeles-based stylist Whitney Olschwanger what self-care means to her, and how she folds it into her daily life and personal style. Read on for her insightful responses—plus a visual meditation on what makes her feel centered, sexy, and empowered, employing all her favorite ELSE pieces from our 2025 collection.
What does self-care look like in your life?
"Self-care to me is most importantly about finding a sense of balance. I love going to 4–5 hot yoga classes a week, spending time in the sauna, and walking around in the neighborhood listening to music and clearing my head. I also love to do face masks and go to bed early :). I probably shouldn't say this, but letting the sun hit my face on my patio is also a huge form of gratitude and self-care for me."
What does self-care look like in your life?
"Self-care to me is most importantly about finding a sense of balance. I love going to 4–5 hot yoga classes a week, spending time in the sauna, and walking around in the neighborhood listening to music and clearing my head. I also love to do face masks and go to bed early :). I probably shouldn't say this, but letting the sun hit my face on my patio is also a huge form of gratitude and self-care for me."
What's your ideal Valentine's Day?
"I guess this depends on whether I'm single or in a relationship. This year I will likely spend it with some girlfriends at a fun and casual dinner. I love candy and have recently discovered these cotton candy Redbird mints, so those will probably be given out to everyone in the week leading up to V-Day!"
What's your ideal Valentine's Day?
"I guess this depends on whether I'm single or in a relationship. This year I will likely spend it with some girlfriends at a fun and casual dinner. I love candy and have recently discovered these cotton candy Redbird mints, so those will probably be given out to everyone in the week leading up to V-Day!"
How do you approach dressing for yourself?
"I base how I dress on how I feel and what I'm doing for the day. The weather also plays a large role in how I dress. Since I have been back in Los Angeles, it has been raining a lot so I feel like I'm continuing my London/Paris wardrobe of tans, grey and black. I always check out my outfit in my full-length mirror before leaving the house and make sure I feel good before I walk out the door. When I'm seeing clients I always wear black and it's usually a black jumpsuit—this allows me to look clean and simple without having too many distractions for the client while I'm in the appointment. "
How do you approach dressing for yourself?
"I base how I dress on how I feel and what I'm doing for the day. The weather also plays a large role in how I dress. Since I have been back in Los Angeles, it has been raining a lot so I feel like I'm continuing my London/Paris wardrobe of tans, grey and black. I always check out my outfit in my full-length mirror before leaving the house and make sure I feel good before I walk out the door. When I'm seeing clients I always wear black and it's usually a black jumpsuit—this allows me to look clean and simple without having too many distractions for the client while I'm in the appointment. "
How does your work as a stylist influence your style?
"I think the biggest influence is that I am constantly seeing new things, especially after living in Europe the majority of last year. And of course, I am influenced by all of the pieces I see during Fashion Week. When brands are showing at market, I make decisions for both my clients and myself as far as the key items to bring into my wardrobe. Sometimes I need to remind myself that I shop for a living for clients, and can't incorporate everything I'm getting for clients into my own wardrobe (sadly!)."
How does your work as a stylist influence your style?
"I think the biggest influence is that I am constantly seeing new things, especially after living in Europe the majority of last year. And of course, I am influenced by all of the pieces I see during Fashion Week. When brands are showing at market, I make decisions for both my clients and myself as far as the key items to bring into my wardrobe. Sometimes I need to remind myself that I shop for a living for clients, and can't incorporate everything I'm getting for clients into my own wardrobe (sadly!)."
What is your favorite place to travel and why?
“I just recently went to Marrakesh—for creative inspiration, cool new pieces and sourcing, it was beyond incredible. I can't wait to go back with empty suitcases. Another place I love is Lake Como; I stay in an Airbnb in Cernobbio every summer. ”
What is your favorite place to travel and why?
“I just recently went to Marrakesh—for creative inspiration, cool new pieces and sourcing, it was beyond incredible. I can't wait to go back with empty suitcases. Another place I love is Lake Como; I stay in an Airbnb in Cernobbio every summer. ”
What do you look for in lingerie for yourself?
“I was an athlete growing up so when it comes to lingerie, I look for very comfortable elements that are on the sportier side with a slight hint of femininity. When I discovered the Nano collection from Else I was absolutely hooked, and the Nano fabric is all I ever want to wear since discovering it.”
What do you look for in lingerie for yourself?
“I was an athlete growing up so when it comes to lingerie, I look for very comfortable elements that are on the sportier side with a slight hint of femininity. When I discovered the Nano collection from Else I was absolutely hooked, and the Nano fabric is all I ever want to wear since discovering it.”
What makes ELSE so special to you?
“I love that ELSE is designed by a woman for women to feel loved, sexy and comfortable. I have been able to use my pieces from ELSE when I've traveled around the world and they make for perfect underpinnings and layering items. The way the pieces feel sexy and pretty at the same time really makes me feel great wearing them.”
What makes ELSE so special to you?
“I love that ELSE is designed by a woman for women to feel loved, sexy and comfortable. I have been able to use my pieces from ELSE when I've traveled around the world and they make for perfect underpinnings and layering items. The way the pieces feel sexy and pretty at the same time really makes me feel great wearing them.”