taken from Style
December 2002

Li Lin's uncluttered style reflects her relaxed approach to life.

ontrary to popular belief, Li Lin insists she is not "high-maintenance". "I am very low maintenance but I am not cheap," she stresses. "There is a difference!"

Judging by the various labels ("Calvin Klein, DKNY, Song+Kelly21) that she lists as her favourites, we know what the difference is: Value. "I spend when it's necessary to spend but I never feel that I need to buy the latest branded bag or anything. You'll never see me with a bag that screams LV. I'm not a label whore."

For Li Lin, what sends her to the cash register are clothes that are functional and easy. "I totally dress for the weather. The hotter it is, the less I wear!" Which explains her garment of choice - the dress - mostly sleeveless. "Ever since I was a teenager, I've always liked dresses because they're so easy to wear, you just pull it on," says Li Lin. Her current no-fail dress: A spaghetti-strap printed jersey sundress that cost her a mere $30 from a shop in Tanglin Mall, which she now owns in three colours.

Her keen sense of what works for her body type also helps. Womanly cuts ("that's why I love Diane Von Furstenberg.") flatter her slim build while tube dresses show off her small shoulders. "I don't got for tight little jersey knit tube dresses. I like them well cut, with their own form."

FAVE DESIGNERS Calvin Klein ("not cK" she clarifies), Michael Kors, DKNY, Song+Kelly21. SIGNATURE STYLE Fuss-free, clean lines. "I buy pieces that I'm comfortable in. I actually don't place much emphasis on material goods. Looking good I part of my job but it's not what I wake up to in the mornings." FAVE ACCESSORIES A watch, earrings and necklace. "Right now, I would love a diamond tennis bracelet." SHOPPING STYLE "I am a discerning shopper, although I've had my moments of folly. I like value-for-money but I'm willing to spend, as long as I really like it."

And being a public figure where the most unexpected photo ops abound, it helps that Li Lin is not a shorts-and-tee person. "Not even at home - unless I'm cooking, maybe I'll usually be in an Indian cotton sundress or a singlet. I've never liked how I look in shorts and a tee. It looks sloppy on me. I think you have to have broad shoulders and gazelle-like legs to look good in that combi!"



LI LIN'S RULES

KNOW WHAT LOOKS GOOD ON YOU.
"Spaghetti straps or three-quarter length sleeves are good for me because of my small shoulders. Even before hipsters became such a big deal, I used to wear my pants low waisted." This also helps to visually elongate the torso.

BETWEEN STAYING COOL OR FASHION, I'LL PICK STAYING COOL.
"I'm not a fashion victim. I prefer to dance to my own tune than the drumbeats of others."

BETWEEN BRA OR NO BRA, I'LL PICK NO BRA.
"Bras and I aren't bosom buddies. It's the weather!" she laments (She does own bras - "I do like frilly, pretty underwear.")
(cont'd...)