Our New Girl Crush, Sarah Ruba, Raids Our Closet

Thanks to her musical background and stylish sensibilities, we thought Ruba would be an ideal candidate to assemble a post-modern rocker look--in other words: a pared-down, less literal take on the standard uniform of leather and studs-- in today’s Styled By instalment. Click through our slideshow to see her outfit, and be sure to shop her must-have picks too.

Album: “Too hard to choose, but I can name a few that have changed my life, like Marvin Gaye’s I Want You, Sade’s Promise, and TLC’s CrazySexyCool.”

TV Show: “Star Trek: The Next Generation!”

Snack: “Swedish fish.”

Book: “Anything by David Sedaris is a must-read.”

Ruba's beauty look? Easy and natural with cool-girl appeal.

Ruba went to work in our closet like a pro, sifting through dozens of clothes and accessories. Click to the next slide to see her final look.

Ruba punctuated a sleek, figure-hugging dress with intriguing, edgy accents. “I felt like a sexy Minnie Mouse in this dress! I loved the black and white minimalism with the ribbed texture,” she says. The spotted bag was a winner, too. “An ambiguous animal print in black and white? Yes, please!” she adds.

Shop Her Look:

A.L.C. Aldridge Dress ($495) in Loden/White

Isson Australia Poul Sunglasses ($490) in Black and Bone (888.343.8746)

Jerome Dreyfuss The Bobi Bag ($960) in Black and White Watersnake

Opening Ceremony Luxor Embellished Mules ($488, 212.219.2688)

Shebee Gem You Think You’re So Special Earrings ($400) in Grey

Beso Beso Iris Ring ($129)

Ruba was particularly taken with Opening Ceremony’s embellished mules. “These are the kind of shoe you're not sure if you can pull off--at least that's how I felt!” she says. “Then you realise not only do they go with a lot of different outfits, they make every look way more bitchin’!”

Litke’s boxy Cropped Button Down Shirt ($484, available by special order at [email protected] in late July) in Black Floral with White Flowers is a study in contrasts. “I love this cut with a girly print,” Ruba says.

Ruba gravitates towards edgy-luxe jewellery, such as Vita Fede’s Ultra Mini Double Cubo Ring ($125) in Silver (“it’s graphic and a little tough”), Puro Iosselliani’s Ring ($179, 713.961.7868) in Gold Plated Sterling Silver with Garnet (“dainty but modern”), Fallon’s Classique Biker Chain Cuff ($115), and Celia de Flers’ Large Wishbone Bangle ($110) in 18kt Yellow Gold Plated (“love the organic wishbone vibe”).

You could temper Topshop’s Ikat Print Shorts ($70) with a solid-hued top, but if you’re game for a bolder look, opt for Ruba’s suggestion: “These could be amazing with a clashing print on top and ankle-strap heels.”

Cool zip detailing makes J Brand’s Katrine Cropped Capris ($209) a stylish alternative to blue skinnies. “They’re not your average cigarette pant,” Ruba says.

A textured pair of ankle boots, like ASOS’ Archer Leather Ankle Boots ($94), “go with everything,” Ruba says. Plus, a stacked heel means they’re comfortable for a night of dancing.

Ruba describes Alexander Wang’s Crepe Cutaway Blazer ($695) as “a basic piece that is anything but basic!” We’re inclined to agree, thanks to the sharply tailored blazer’s cutout details.

Go for retro round shades this season, like Moscot’s “playful and classic” Carrington Sunglasses ($275) in Khaki.

Ruba loved Opening Ceremony’s prim yet punchy Scorpio Jacquard Polo Dress ($295, 212.219.2688). “Channeling Margot Tenenbaum is always a good look!” she says.

“Sometimes I can't resist something 100% feminine and 1000% sexy!” Ruba says, referring to Katie Gallagher’s Turin Cropped Tank ($688). We suggest styling this piece with denim cutoffs and a kimono-style bed jacket at your next music festival.

“There's a cool mix of eras going on with Cole Haan’s Chelsea T-Strap Sandals ($378) in Black Multi,” Ruba says. “You could wear it with socks and cropped trousers, or barefoot and with a dress. Versatile, but still interesting!”

The 2Bandits’ Bullet Earrings ($88) are small but statement-making, especially teamed with something unexpected, like a feminine cocktail dress.