Kat Barry is a real estate broker at Compass.
Number of years in real estate:
22 total; 12 in Chicago.
Describe your look:
Vibrant and eclectic — bohemian at heart, vintage-inspired and finished with a classic Parisian twist.
What do you consider a “fashion don’t”?
Wearing pajamas in public and sweatpants everywhere all the time. There is a time and a place. Otherwise, let’s get dressed.
What decade or time period had the best fashion, in your opinion?
1950s for classic clean lines and red lips. 1970s for its short skirts, crop tops, fringe and disco glitz.
What item of clothing gets you the most compliments?
Probably my berets. Most of them were my grandma’s and are vintage. I’ve also always worn lots of bold tights, and people definitely comment on those all the time too!
Who is your style icon?
I love unapologetic women who cultivate their own personal style and don’t conform to what society expects: Iris Apfel, Simone de Beauvoir, Frida Kahlo and Cyndi Lauper, Dolly Parton.
Where are your favorite clothing stores or brands?
My favorite places to shop in Chicago are Lost Girls Vintage and Felt. I like to support vegan designers, so most of my shoes and bags come from Immaculate Vegan, an online department store for ethical fashion. I also do a lot of shopping when I’m in Paris. You don’t have to pay tax on vintage there!
What fashion accessory do you feel naked without?
Rings and earrings — you’ll never see me without my jewelry.
What style has come back into fashion that you think shouldn’t have?
Jeans under dresses/skirts. I never understood it in the ’90s, and I don’t understand it now.
What is a fashion crime you have committed in the past?
Early 2000s fashion was kind of rough. I think I committed a lot of fashion crimes back then.
What’s the most expensive or meaningful accessory or piece of clothing you’ve ever acquired? Do you still have it?
My wedding ring. My husband and I had custom matching rings made by local designer Viviana Langhoff of Adornment and Theory. They’re absolutely gorgeous and celebrate our love for each other and the natural world around us.
What item in your closet do you wear the most?
A short, black dress I pair with different tights, shoes and accessories to create completely different looks. I have a short, black dress for every season.
Does your style reflect your personal brand? If so, how?
Absolutely. To me, style is a reflection of your personality, and my brand is that, too. I use my creativity in both real estate and fashion.
Outfit Details: Glasses: Ted Baker; vintage Escada: Lost Girls Vintage; lace bodysuit and black bracelet: Felt; earrings and rings: mix of vintage family heirloom and Adornment & Theory designs; fishnet tights: Swedish Stockings; shoes: Beyond Skin from Immaculate Vegan.