How to Achieve Effortless Style
Effortless style is a highly coveted look that strikes the perfect balance between polished elegance and minimal effort. It can seem like an elusive combination but there are some simple things to keep in mind that will help you achieve this look.
While there is still room for personal flair, effortless style is about combining classic cuts and key colours to ensure you can throw on any combination of pieces and look incredibly chic. Quality and cleanliness are also important and can be the difference between nailing this style.
One of the quickest ways to achieve effortless style is through a combination of key pieces. Here are the top tips and items to have in your wardrobe that can be combined to give you that perfect effortless look.
1. COLOURS
The key colours and tones synonymous with effortless style are White, Black, Neutral tones, Blues & Cool Reds. The idea is to stick to a combination 2-3 of these at most and only include 1 pattern. Any combination of these will look elegant and stylish no matter what the current trends.
2. WHITE SHIRT
A crisp white top is the basis of any good effortless look. It can be a white Tee or Button Shirt. The key is to avoid big logos or pints and keep the cut classic. While over size can work they key is generally to make sure your clothes fit well. Not too tight and not too loose. Tucking the Tee is also preferable whether it be a full tuck or the more relaxed French tuck.
3. SIMPLE GOLD JEWELLERY
Simple gold jewellery instantly elevates an outfit. The fact that you took a second to slip on a ring or put some earrings in makes you instantly look like you have your shit slightly more together. Keep accessories minimal and classic for the effortless look. You can definitely layer and stack jewellery but make sure pieces are simple and delicate.
4. BLUE JEANS
Straight cut blue jeans are essential in an effortless wardrobe. The key to finding the perfect pair means avoiding all trends. That means NO RIPS or unfinished seams. Classic cuts are also essential. No flares, baggy jeans, skinny jeans or any other variation. Mid Rise & Straight leg are your best bet with Mom jeans being acceptable. Your blue wash can be light or dark and you can vary based on the season too. The better quality the better the look.
5. CLASSIC DESIGNER BAGS
If you invest in any piece for your effortless wardrobe make it a beautiful bag. Keep to the timeless designs and the colour palate described above. Don’t go oversize or mini stick to that standard mid range with a cloth or long strap. The idea with effortless is to look stylish yet relaxed so a bag you can throw over your shoulder or body is the go. I do love a red bag or show with an effortless look. That little pop of colour gives the whole things a lift.
6. BLAZERS
A good Blazer is another essential piece in the effortless wardrobe. It takes an average jeans and T shirt look to instant style. Again stick to the classic colour but you can lay with size and fit. Don’t forget the clever blazer sleeve hack for the relaxed scrunched sleeve look. Simple put a hair tie over each sleeve at the forearm, push the sleeves up and hide the tie amongst the fabric.
7. LEATHER JACKET
A good quality leather jacket is a great blazer alternative if that’s more your style. Opt for one that is well fitted with minimal embellishments. Cropped jackets that still highlight the waist are a great option.
8. TIMELESS TRENCH
These are a winter essential in particular. Classic cuts in plain colours will work with any outfit and make for a great layering piece. Trench coats are timeless and never got out of style.
9. HEELS
High Heels are another great way to elevate an outfit. Other than the literal elevation they also make a simple look feel more polished. Again stick to simple colours and classic styles for guaranteed success but you can be more adventurous here. Textured fabrics like snake skin or satin or the addition of buckles, boys and bling can definitely work if you’re feeling confident. . A nude or red stiletto pump is a personal fave.
10. TAILORED TROUSERS
Tailored trousers are a fabulous item that every wardrobe should have but especially someone wanting some effortless options. You have options for cuts. Wide leg and high waisted, Capri or Cigarette pants and straighten pants, full length or cropped are all perfect investment items.
11. CLASSIC CUTS
By classic buts we mean those timeless fits that haven’t really altered from decade to decade. If you look at a piece and think that looks 70s or that looks 90s, then it’s probably not classic. Having said that anything that could be 1950s is essentially what classic is based on. If you’re still struggling to pin point classic, its simple clothes that fit well. Not too tight and not too loose.
12. BALLET FLATS
The thing about effortless style is that it should look polished but not over done. While you can get away with a white sneaker, the classic ballet flat really does the job perfectly. Make sure you opt for decent quality as ballet flats can show wear and tear easily and that won’t give you the polished look you’re after. Similar to high heels this is an area where you can stray from the traditional colours but there is nothing like nude, tan, navy or red to really complete the look.
