Claudette Zepeda is an award-winning chef, a competitor on Bobby Flay’s The Line and the author of the cookbook Cooking the Borderlands. When she steps behind the stove she admits, “I’m in an apron and Blundstones, clothes that I can get dirty.” Yet the same woman also declares, “But I love dopamine dressing, and if the day allows it, I want to look girly, fun, and whimsical.” The juxtaposition of functional workwear and unapologetically playful pieces defines the seven-day style experiment she walks us through.
Everyday Kitchen Gear Meets Dopamine Dressing
On a typical service day Claudette reaches for a sturdy apron paired with her reliable Blundstone boots—items she describes as “clothes that I can get dirty.” To offset the utilitarian vibe she adds a Zara blazer and a bodysuit found on Amazon, finishing the look with a skirt and a pair of Sam Edelman boots sourced second-hand. The combination feels like a wearable mood-boost, a literal example of dopamine dressing where color, texture, and silhouette lift the spirit even in a humming kitchen.
Turning Mondays Into Special Occasions
When asked about her approach to “special-occasion” attire, Claudette quipped, “Someone once asked me, ‘How do you choose what to wear for special occasions?’ and I said, ‘Well, I’m the occasion.’” She deliberately chooses to wear her most celebratory garments on a Monday, subverting the notion that formal looks belong only to Fridays or weekends. That Monday outfit featured a sleek Zara blazer a matching necklace, a simple top from Amazon, and Steve Madden heels—all sourced from resale platforms to keep the cost low while staying fashion-forward.
Goth Heart, Pop of Color, and Mexican Influences
Claudette openly embraces a darker sensibility, confessing, “I also have a goth heart, for sure — there’s a little Wednesday Addams in me.” She ties this aesthetic to cultural traditions, noting, “Mexicans embrace death.” This perspective permits her to wear black confidently while still injecting surprise, such as a pair of candy-colored heels that punctuate a monochrome ensemble. The look is completed with cocktail-sized jewelry, a nod to the fact that “We have an entire mall in Guadalajara for cocktail jewelry,” illustrating how Mexican pop culture celebrates bold accessory moments.
Handcrafted Dress, Silver Boots, and a Touch of Cinema
One of the standout pieces in her wardrobe comes from her friend’s label, Ada & Edith. Claudette describes the dress as a creation by a close confidante, and pairs it with “silver boots” that recall the iconic thigh-high footwear from Pretty Woman. She recalls, “When I put on these boots, I feel so sexy, like I can take on the world.” The boots, purchased via Amazon, become a cinematic power symbol, transforming a simple dinner-party look into a statement of confidence.
Vision, Glasses, and Everyday Glam
Since the age of seventeen Claudette has relied on prescription glasses, yet she prefers affordable frames—typically around $30—found on sites like Zeelool. Even when she grabs tortillas from the local molino, her nails remain immaculate and her red lip bold, proving that “dressing to turn heads is a part of our culture.” In casual moments she layers a quirky shirt with “Mr. Snuffleupagus vibes,” matching it with a Zara jacket mom-sourced jeans, and a pair of Jessica Simpson-style boots, embodying a balance between seriousness and playful irreverence.
Through each outfit, Claudette Zepeda demonstrates that culinary mastery and sartorial expression are not mutually exclusive. Whether she is directing the photography for her cookbook or running a kitchen, she treats her body like a canvas, using fashion to amplify confidence, heritage, and personal myth.
