How To Achieve Effortless Style

All Hail the Cool Girl

You know them, you love them, you follow them on Instagram. The infamous “cool girls”. They are chic and look like they rolled out of bed looking that good. In reality, they are masters of the effortless look. They choose timeless looks, quality fabrics, and aren’t afraid to play around with textures and patterns. They’re conscious about their fashion and it shows. Let’s discuss how to achieve that look by covering the basics. 

Choose Timeless Silhouettes 

They’re tried and true. Timeless silhouettes live up to the name because they’ve stood the test of time. Examples include a freshly tailored suit, A-line and shift dresses, and straight-cut denim. They looked good on your grandmother and your mom and they’ll still look good in 50 years. From Jackie O and Princess Diana to modern day icons like Zendaya and Sophia Richie, what they share is that their styles are elegant and lasting. Don’t misunderstand - timeless doesn’t have to be boring or stiff. Be bold, be colorful, be yourself. Just remember to sprinkle in classic pieces. 

Fabric Matters 

Effortless style manifests itself best when you’re comfortable. Being comfortable means choosing fabrics that feel good. Higher quality fabrics will elevate your look and feel oh so good on your body.  When shopping, pay attention to fabric details. Higher price point doesn’t always mean better, so it’s important to educate yourself on how to spot quality items. Check the feel, structure, and seams of a piece. Choose items made from natural fabrics like wool, silks and linens. Select sustainably produced denims and leathers. When in doubt, go with your gut. If it feels cheap, chances are, it is. 

Play With Patterns 

Fashion is supposed to be fun! Taking risks and trying new and different looks is what sets you apart. Don’t be afraid to mix it up with patterns, textures and shapes. A few tips to making it work: 1) Balance patterns – mix small prints with larger ones. 2) Keep them complimentary – choose prints in the same tones or colors. 3) Make one print the star – play up your look with one fun pattern and let the others be supporting prints. Mixing prints or textures usually works well when the rest of your look is minimal or, at the very least, less bold than one feature piece. 

Shop Consciously 

Nothing is cooler than caring about the planet. Fast fashion is fast for a reason. It’s produced quickly to keep up with trends that come (and go) quickly. This results in lower quality pieces at cheaper price points. You get what you pay for and these items typically don’t last longer than a season or two before they need to be donated or tossed - either from not holding up well against regular wear and tear or being bumped from the trend cycles. Opt for brands that prioritize sustainability - that usually means smaller catalogs, higher quality pieces, and transparency around sourcing and production processes. 

Shop Small

Shopping at local businesses and smaller boutiques increases your chances of getting a unique piece. Large brands that mass produce fashion compete with one another and churn out the same or similar looking pieces. It’s usually easy to tell if a piece is mass produced or created locally. The clothing looks and feels higher quality and stands out against mainstream brands. Effortless style isn’t all effortless. A closet requires time, thought, and curation.