Stories of Living
Stories of Living -
A Conversation with Anette Hjortesæter Nilsen.
There’s something compelling about a woman who moves between different worlds with ease. By day, Anette works full-time as a management assistant at Yara, structured, focused and deeply professional. In between meetings, commutes and dinners, she makes room for something more personal: sharing the outfits she loves and refining a style that feels entirely her own.
Her way of dressing isn’t about making a statement. It’s about feeling good in what she wears. Polished, but relaxed. Thoughtful, but never overdone. We spoke with Anette about balance, confidence, and building a wardrobe that works from morning meetings to evening plans, without it feeling complicated.
“I have always had an interest in clothing, bags, and fashion, but I have not worked in professions where I could fully express this interest.
I therefore started small by sharing photos on Instagram, initially focusing on bags and not much on myself. Over time, this gradually shifted toward photos of myself and outfits. In this way, I am able to cultivate my passion alongside my daily job.”
Style, confidence, and evolving taste
- How has your relationship with clothes changed over the years?
“I have learned that the pieces I choose to invest a little more money in are also the ones that stay in my wardrobe year after year, and they give me a special feeling, making me feel particularly confident and well dressed. Good basic pieces are a must. I am not as focused on fast fashion as I was when I was younger.”
- Many women speak about feeling more at ease with themselves in their forties. Do you recognize that?
“I can absolutely relate to that. I have never felt better or more confident in myself than I do now. I trust myself much more when choosing what to wear for social occasions, whereas before I would often message others to ask what they were planning to wear.”
Confidence, it seems, is the ultimate accessory.
“In my experience, classic, timeless pieces are easy to dress up or down and can be worn for many different occasions. If I am going straight from work to dinner, a quick change of shoes and bag can completely transform the outfit.”
The art of effortless dressing
- She follows what she calls an unwritten three-color rule.
“I rarely use many colors. For me, too many colors and too many accessories can quickly feel cluttered. Simplicity is often the best.”
- Your style feels calm and considered. What do you look for when investing in a piece?
“I always look for timeless and versatile pieces that are also comfortable. These are the kinds of pieces that make me feel at ease, and I believe that shows, giving me an extra sense of confidence when I wear them.”
On trends and staying true
- How do you navigate trends?
“I definitely keep up with trends, but since I prefer classic pieces, it is often the cut or silhouette that changes for me. We have recently been in a period dominated by oversized styles, whereas now we are starting to see more feminine pieces with a more defined waist.”
The power of the right pieces
- What role does confidence play in how an outfit works?
“My confidence definitely increases when I wear pieces that I feel comfortable in. Choosing such an outfit before a demanding day, like a job interview or a presentation, makes a big difference to performance, in my experience.”
- Do you have a daily uniform?
“A white shirt, trousers, and a blazer always work. It is often what I choose when I am short on ideas or pressed for time.”
The formula is simple, but simplicity, when done well, is never basic.
Inspiration beyond the wardrobe
What inspires you visually?
“I can be inspired by women of all ages, and I think we have many talented influencers in Norway. I am also greatly inspired by traveling. Paris and Rome are definitely cities that inspire me. The architecture and street style are my favorite things to observe as I walk through the streets of these cities.”
Architecture, proportion, movement, style lives in the details.
On meaningful collaborations
- How do you approach working with brands?
“I do not enter into collaborations at any cost, they need to be aligned with my personal style and be something I can genuinely stand behind. I want my followers to trust that what I share reflects my honest opinion.”
- "And the piece she returns to, again and again?"
“The Julie Shirt is definitely a favorite that I wear often with many different outfits, everything from jeans to a sequined skirt. The perfect white shirt is a must-have in every wardrobe.”
Looking ahead
“I find the winter season a bit too long and really look forward to spring, both in terms of fashion and the weather. I look forward to a lighter wardrobe and brighter days, it is the best time of the year. So many good things to look forward to.”
And perhaps that is the essence of her style: light, assured, and quietly optimistic.
