Most Stylish 2020 - Whitney Rife Becker

August 2020
Written By: 
Grand Strand Magazine Staff
Photographs by: 
Scott Smallin

For 2020, we are throwing it back and featuring some former Most Stylish favorites. With the beautiful Marina Inn as a backdrop, get ready to be wowed by these all-star looks!

Retrofête dress, Christian Louboutin shoes, Chanel bag, Anton Heunis earrings, Cartier bracelet.

Occupation: Social Media Influencer (@whitneynrife) and behind the blog Whitney Rife/Owner of The Retail Therapist Boutique

What words would you use to describe your style? Colorful on-trend pieces mixed with classic (sometimes fun) designer staples.

What do you want your style to say about who you are? I want my style to reflect the daily celebration of life, my dedication to empowering women and my lifelong love of fashion. I want my style to always reflect my personality. A little color, a little leopard, and a Louis Vuitton. Your style is your first impression!

Who inspires you and why? Iris Apfel. She once said "When the fun goes out of getting dressed, you might as well be dead." I love her confidence and so many things she has said! She is such an inspiration to women everywhere and shows that style has no age limit.

Favorite stores to shop: I love to shop at The Retail Therapist (duh--hehe), Revolve, Shopbop, Coplons, The Foxy Lady, Hope’s, Free People, Gwynn’s, Lulus, Socialite.

Who is someone fashionable you follow on social media and why? I love following Rachel Parcell, Camila Coelho, Caitlin Covington, Maria Vizuete, Kristin Cavallari and Emily Gemma on Instagram. From home decor to lifestyle and fashion, they are my favorite influencers and have been since I started blogging back in 2014. I admire the women they are, the fashionistas they are, the mothers they are and the boss babes they are!

If you could raid anyone's closet, who would it be? Fallon Carrington's from the show Dynasty, Olivia Palermo, Victoria Beckham's or Carrie Bradshaw's shoe and handbag closet, hehe!

Best style advice you've ever gotten: Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.

Are there any looks or pieces you once swore off that you now love? Biker shorts, graphic tees and high-waisted everything! RIP low-rise denim, we had a good run, hehe!

How has your style evolved since you first made the Most Stylish list? I was a college student with a love of fashion and no idea where my life was headed when I was first chosen to be in the Most Stylish edition. Since, I have started my own boutique, reached millions with my blog and social media, got married to the love of my life, became a mom to the most darling little boy, Bo, and continue to grow every day as a woman. For me, my style has "gotten better" with my age but it has also went from shopping at Forever 21 to shopping designer items I only had ever dreamed owning. Whether I am going on a date night with my husband, at the park with Bo, shopping with my mom or attending Fashion Week, my style has evolved, but I still have the same overall "style" and I still LOVE leopard!

Best memory from being Most Stylish: More than a memory, being Most Stylish gave me this awesome confidence that I “was on the right path” to do what I was meant to do! Seeing myself published for the first time was life-changing and a true honor I will always be grateful for. Thank you, Grand Strand Magazine! Here's to 2020!

A quote you live by: "Your smile is your logo, you personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after having an experience with you becomes your trademark."