"We don’t know who needs to hear this, but effortless style is a myth. Hear us out: Even the simplest, most straightforward outfits require some amount of work. We’re not saying that looking chic and put together should be a full-time job, but the reality is, no one rolls out of bed looking polished and beautiful without any effort.
As much of a facade as effortless style may be, there’s no denying that what we have come to label as “effortless style” is exactly what we’re always striving for—we are forever channeling an understated yet head-turning vibe. When we think of effortless style, we think of our favorite style icons, unbothered in the eye of paparazzi, sweeping the streets of New York City looking elegant in an oversized white button-down that could be a $3,000 Dior blouse or—just as easily—a vintage Old Navy shirt from our dad’s closet.
Because we believe that great style doesn’t actually have to require too much effort, we’ve made it our mission to nail effortless style with as little exertion possible. These five style tips will help you nail chic, beautiful, and fashion-forward outfits without breaking a sweat:
1. Build and pull from a capsule wardrobe
We love capsule wardrobes for so many reasons. They help us save money, be more sustainable, streamline our closet-to-door time, and nail our own signature styles. While building a capsule wardrobe can take a bit of work and money on the front end, they’re our best-kept secret when it comes to making styling ourselves as painless as possible.
The idea of having a capsule wardrobe is to build up a timeless collection of versatile pieces that reflect your personal style. By limiting the number of items you own and being intentional with their purpose, you can avoid an overindulged, bursting-at-the-seams closet that makes your head spin every time you have to think about putting clothes on.
2. Buy one-piece outfits and matching sets
Dresses, jumpsuits, and matching sets are our best friends when it comes to throwing something on and feeling immediately stylish and polished. If putting together complicated, layered outfits isn’t your cup of tea, opt for options that do the work for you. Whether you find a maxi dress you love, a jumpsuit that gives off the ultimate cool-girl vibes, or a two-piece workout set that you can wear just about anywhere, you’ll look like your chicest self in no time flat.
3. Have go-to uniforms
If we curate a perfect outfit but no one sees it and it’s not photographed, did it really happen? Time after time, we find ourselves wearing what we deem to be the cutest outfit we’ve ever seen, but by the works of the universe, it doesn’t get much attention at all. Fear not, friends. There’s still time. Whenever we create an outfit that we love, we take mental notes (and sometimes, if we’re being extra, we’ll take a picture of it down to the details and add it to our “favorites” album on our phones).
In general, whenever you create an outfit you like, make note of it and have it ready to go for the next time you’re in a rush or a time when you can’t be bothered to put much effort into looking nice at all. If it works once, it’ll work again. Behold, one of the simplest style hacks in the game—an outfit uniform. It’s a look that worked for you once and one that you turn to again and again. It’s not outfit repeating, it’s a signature look. And that’s showbiz, baby.
T-shirt / jeans / leather jacket
4. Remember that less is more
When it comes to looking chic and refined, simplicity reigns supreme. Not only does keeping things simple save time and the hassle of matching far too many pieces, but it also ends up looking neater, cleaner, and more put together. Read: You can’t go wrong with a tucked-in white button-down, a pair of well-fitting jeans, mules, and a simple gold hoop situation. When in doubt, less is always more.
5. Invest in quality over quantity
While we love a good trend here and there, our favorite pieces to rely on in our wardrobes are the timeless investment pieces that give us the elegance only high-quality fabrics and tailored, well-fitting silhouettes can offer. Instead of buying a bunch of affordable cheap, “just alright” items that will clog up your closet, give you decision paralysis, and probably won’t last you too long, opt to save up and invest in pieces that you know you’ll always reach for and ones that will stand the test of time.
From now through July 31st, take $25 off your Madewell orders of $125 or more with the code TheEverygirl