Katie Greenberg Mixes Bold and Basic, Avoids Quincy Market

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Welcome to Into It, where, we chat with Boston's movers, shakers, and candlestick makers (okay, not really) about how style fits into their lives.

What makes Boston great? It's the plethora of interesting people doing interesting things. Though not always falling in the fashion realm, we think they deserve some notice. Today, we're talking to Katie Greenberg. As Director of Development for Boston's ICA, Greenberg knows a thing or two about making an impression. At 5'10" the brunette beauty spends her days with everyone from musicians to moguls and has never met a heel that she didn't like.—Justin Reis

1. Describe your style.
I would describe my style as classic, with a penchant for formal, defined shapes and unexpected accents. I favor neutral bases—simple shift dresses, pencil skirts, high-wasted denim, oxfords, waste-cinching belts, and masses of blazers. Lots of black, white and navy. For evening, though, I try to include unexpected prints and colors—an Ikat evening gown or neon green cocktail dress. I don't really wear a lot of knits and I always prefer to be a little overdressed.

Growing up in Florida, I spent the better part of my adolescence in bathing suits and cutoffs. College in North Carolina brought a taste for the sort of casual uniformity you find all over the [Atlantic Coast Conference]—think printed chinos, popped collars, sundresses and worn flip flops with everything. After moving to New York for graduate school, and then to Boston, I developed a love of really dressing for occasions, weather just a day in the office or an ICA Gala. And I never leave the house without a pair of very high heels (even though I'm 5'10'').

2. How does your work influence your style?
In my role at the ICA I have the privilege of working with really creative people—artists, curators, musicians, dancers, actors, and designers. Our audience and patron base tends to be young, dynamic, and interested in risk-taking. My typical day, though, also includes a fair amount of formal interaction with major financial institutions, foundation representatives, conservative collectors, etc. It's a range and it changes from moment to moment. What I wear on any given day needs to be appropriate in a variety of contexts.

I tend to stick to basic silhouettes with bold accessories. The ICA Store has an amazing selection of unique jewelry by local designers. My hair (thank you Mario Russo!) has also become a bit bolder during my time at the ICA. I arrived with long, straight and boring—I've since chopped it into a short bob and added bangs.

3. Where do you shop in Boston?
Club Monaco for basics, Saks for events and shoes, The Closet for secret steals, Zara for blazers, and Louis Boston for dream pieces and fragrances you can't find anywhere else in Boston.

4. Where do you not shop in Boston?
Quincy Market.

5. Describe Boston's fashion sense in three words.
Underestimated and evolving.

6. What's the one thing you can't live without?
My man, Onnie.

7. And the one you can't live with?
Cats. I'm allergic.

?8. What is your biggest indulgence?
Great food and wine.

?9. If you could only exist in one moment in time, what would it be?
The present!

10. And what would you be wearing?
Well—presently, I'm wearing a Jill Sander shell, Club Monaco pencil skirt, emerald-colored vintage beaded necklace and leopard print pumps.
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