Victoria’s Secret Angel Martha Hunt Breaks Down Her Summer Style Strategy

When it comes to clothes, Martha Hunt doesn’t do complicated. Though she's regularly seen on the runway in all things glitzy and pink thanks to her status as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, Hunt prefers to keep her off-duty look comparatively pared-down. “My fashion strategy is to keep it simple,” shared Hunt via email from Los Angeles. “Not in a basic way, but by showing how simplicity can be beautiful and a statement in itself.” With that mission and a designer-filled wardrobe that steers clear of the usual suspects, she has been on a roll as of late. Whether wearing Thom Browne on the red carpet at the CFDA Awards last week, stepping out in slinky Jacquemus for Russell James’ book launch back in May, or keeping things unexpected with forays into vibrant Sies Marjan during fashion month, she doesn’t adhere to any of the model off-duty formulas.

Hunt's style icons range from classics like Brigitte Bardot to modern cool girls like Zoe Kravitz. “As cliché as it may be, I would definitely raid Kate Moss’s closet it I could,” adds Hunt. The North Carolina native takes a page from classic European beauties when it comes time for summer. “I think of Jane Birkin and a cool French girl on the Riviera," she says. "I like to try to dress very effortlessly sexy with really nice denim and a lacy bra poking out of my tank top. Lately I’ve been really into wearing sleepwear as outerwear, which is really great for flying—Victoria’s Secret has some really cute matching sets with fun prints.”

Hunt credits her years of modeling with giving her an insider’s perspective on dressing creatively. “My work has definitely impacted how I want to present myself day to day,” she says. “I’ve become more interested in fashion throughout the years because I’ve become inspired from what I see on set.” Her fellow angels have also played a role in her development. “[They’ve] led by example,” says Hunt. “In terms of how they’ve led their lives and worked so hard while taking such great care of themselves and having successful careers. The best advice I’ve received has probably been from Lily Aldridge, who has been a mentor to me. She’s always been there to support me; I can ask her questions about anything. It’s so important to have these girls to look up to and to aspire to be like.”

Hunt is currently exploring her bohemian side together with her stylist Emma Jade Morrison: floral-print dresses by Proenza Schouler, flowing blouses from Altuzarra, and a few pieces of vintage Ossie Clark. But even though her outfits are often displayed on Instagram, her closet still contains still contains a few surprises. “[I have] my whole box dedicated to Burning Man. It’s still very dusty,” she says. “I’ll never be able to get rid of all that dust!”