What is effortless style?
September 26th, 2008A current, polished, pulled together and appropriate look is a prerequisite for being stylish. But there is another more subtle requirement: your style must also seem effortless. If it is forced, impractical, fussy and unnatural, you risk being dubbed a fashion victim.
“Effortless style” is a contradiction in terms because looking stylish actually requires some effort. Style icons Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Moss and Helen Mirren spent years honing their personal style. They did not miraculously wake up one day and look effortlessly stylish.
Achieving a stylish appearance definitely gets easier with practice, especially if you have a set of efficient and effective wardrobe choices. But irrespective of how well put together you are, your sense of style is still something you will need to maintain. You need to think about it on an ongoing basis as fashion, your body and your lifestyle change.
So how does one achieve an “effortless” sense of style? Is it about a look, or is it wrapped up in an attitude? What makes you think that someone is “trying too hard”? I have my own thoughts, but I’d love to hear yours first.
September 26th, 2008 at 8:05 am
I’m still working on what effortless style means to ME. Sometimes I wear something that just feels costume-y to me….like the bow-front blouse I got a couple months ago. In the mirror, it looked fine but I spent the entire evening fussing with it. I am looking for clothing items that make me feel “fierce” but still appropriate. Having signature pieces that define your individuality are important
September 26th, 2008 at 8:16 am
I”m also still working on the style, let alone the effortless style. I like things that look flattering that I can put on and go, that I’m not ‘fixing’ all the time. I like comfort [contrary to what I thought while wearing sweats or pajamas, nice clothes can be comfie if they fit right]. I also like a bit of artistic flair without alot of quirkiness. I like clean lines, etc. and try not to dress younger than I am [even tho’ I look younger than I am.] Recently a gal at work said to me “you’re always so matchy matchy” [she’s a visual designer and dresses very hip/funkadelic…and 15 years my jr.]. It stung, considering how much effort I am now putting in to put an outfit together the night before.
Ah well, back to educating myself with your blog!
September 26th, 2008 at 8:18 am
I think that effortless style stems from knowing your body, who you are as a person, and what your lifestyle demands. For me personally, I am looking for a mixture of simple classics that flatter my body shape mixed with pieces that have a bit of an edge.
September 26th, 2008 at 8:25 am
This topic is very interesting to me. I love clothes and putting looks together, and some time it does take effort: asking you guys for advice here, searching up the right pieces, putting the photos up for opinions and so on. So I am aware of that.
What I get extremely annoyed about is when I hardly put any thought/effort into an outfit, and people still comment on how much work it must have been. My fall-back outfit when I’m stressed that I know looks good one me is some kind of wrap top over cami, dark boot cut jeans, wedges shoes and maybe a fitted a jacket if the weather requires it. I can almost do 10 versions of this in my closet with my eyes closed. But I still get plenty of comments such as “you work so hard on this” and ” you are so dressed up”, which really bothers me.
In my sub-casual environment looking nice is equated with putting a lot of though and effort into it. For me it takes as much effort to put on a pair of dark jeans and nice fitted knit top as it does to put on a a pair of tapered bleached jeans and old ratty t-shirt. But it does not come out that way, so I always look like the high maintenance one. Sigh…
On the other hand, I do need to put more thought when experimenting with new things, colors, etc. I wish I had Angie’s vast knowledge on this topic so I could figure out these things on my own. Than I would think of my style as truly effortless.
September 26th, 2008 at 8:35 am
I think it takes a mixture a things- the right clothes that suit your body, an attitude that you can take certain risks to pull things off (not anything drastic, but for example, my effortlessly stylish friend pulls off wearing what i’d call mismatched tanks and tees under things and it looks great). For me, I tend to stick to key basic pieces that I feel great in (which helps the attitude part) and then add and accesorize from there creating a look I feel comfortable and great in.
Great post, Angie!
September 26th, 2008 at 8:36 am
I don’t think I really believe in “effortless” style. In fact, the more effortless a person appears, the more effort they probably put into their look. Being fussy and impractical is not good, but I don’t see it as being the opposite of effortless–it just means you’re not hiding it as well.
September 26th, 2008 at 8:39 am
It’s hard to pin down. Style looks effortless when you wear the clothes. It looks forced when the clothes wear you. This means different looks for different people.
September 26th, 2008 at 8:42 am
A person can definitely be unstylish and effortless. I wonder is it possible to be stylish and effort-ful? My point is that it seems to me that style and effort are inseparable both in requiring effort to be stylish and appearing effortless in your style.
Marlene brings up a good point that personal comfort is key for effortlessness. Maybe another component of effortlessness is that personal quality of style– that what you are wearing is so *you.* Another element is confidence.
September 26th, 2008 at 8:49 am
I think effortless style has a lot to do with a person’s attitude and confidence. I definitely feel when I was thinner (because I have gained some weight in the last few years) that I was confident in my appearance. I never thought I had the nicest clothes as opposed to other friends that I knew spent loads of money - but I could “pull it off”. Whether I was wearing white fitted shirt and jeans, black pants and a nice shirt/blouse, a dress, etc. It was my attitude, walking tall, feeling good about whatever I was wearing. My hair was always neat and stylish, not much makeup, always a smile, clothes wrinkle-free, shoes in good shape and I’ve always accessorized in some way. For year, friends told me I always look great! If you feel good, I think you look good.
Yep, attitude is everything in my humble opinion.
I also agree with what Wendy says.
I think when people are trying too hard is when they don’t look comfortable (no smile) when they are always complaining about how they feel or how their feet feel in their shoes.
September 26th, 2008 at 8:55 am
I think style is taking care of yourself first. My hair is updated and kept daily. My nails also. I’m physically healthy inside and out. I’m polished before I adorn my body with clothes. My clothes are pressed and clean. I feel confident in what ever I wear. I have days I’m more confident when I wear a new outfit. It does take time and effort to keep ones appearance up. It’s so well worth, I have respect for myself and from others.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Very interesting topic. I agree with everyone regarding the comfort and attitude. To me ‘effortless’ style is the final outcome not the actual process.. If I think of someone having effortless style.. the first thing I notice about them is not their clothes but their personality..through their style. It is the total effect of their clothes, polish and confidence. Also I think of sophisticated as effortless..and the best examples of those are the highly stylish ladies you mention above Angie..my personal style favorite being Jennifer Aniston who looks effortless and chic whether she is wearing jeans and a T or an evening gown.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:39 am
quite possibly, effortless style has to do with how comfortable you feel in your own skin - the clothes, i think, are secondary. you may be the most fashionable woman around, but if you are not comfortable with who you are than no amount of fashion will make you look effortless. I have found what works for me, and what i’m comfortable with. i am lucky that i look good in jeans and simple tops ( aka the Jennifer Aniston) because bows, frills and the like make me fussy and uncomfortable. So, people comment on how ‘put together’ i look, when really, i happen to be blessed with a body that does well with simple clothing. Therefore, it must look effortless. BUT i say ‘look’ because i do make an effort to look good every day. Angie, you always look amazing in the most effortless way! But, that is your gift and it is magical.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Effortless style is achieved when you are able to choose pieces, from what fashion offers us, that work for you and your lifestyle. It is looking great and making it look natural. It is wearing clothes that feels like a second skin.
People look like they are trying too hard when they don’t look like they are happy in their clothes or are fussing too much with them. Insecurity and following too many fashion trends (esp. those that don’t go with your body type), add to the mix.
September 26th, 2008 at 11:18 am
I agree with Munequita. To me, it has a lot to do with how much it seems like someone is focused on what they are wearing. On myself, I like streamlined clothing with a unique piece of jewelry or detailing, and basic, classic colours. I always feel put together in dark denim, a black top with detail, silver jewelry, ballet flats, and a trench and scarf. When I wear that, I feel effortless because I really don’t have to pay attention to my clothes to know I look good. If someone can do this with a flowy bohemian style, I think it also looks effortless. But when I wear clothes that I always have to be adjusting and toying with, I feel frumpy no matter how on trend I am.
It has a lot to do with what YOU are comfortable in and how well it all fits you. Then you can wear something amazing, own it, and almost forget you’re wearing it while you focus on the world around you. THAT looks effortless.
September 26th, 2008 at 11:32 am
A very interesting question. I think an effortless style consists of the fit, the color, the proportion, the hair style, the makeup, the accessories and the harmony among all of the above pieces, another important thing is that they need to be worn appropriately for the occasion.
I think it’s really a tall order to appear effortless and it’s very hard to own it without any efforts.
September 26th, 2008 at 11:32 am
I don’t think the words “effortless” and “style” really go together. Being stylish does take effort. However, looking effortlessly stylish seems to be based on confidence and knowing what looks great on you. Like Mirah said, I think effortless style is a destination, and I’m still trying to get there.
September 26th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Another great topic, Angie. I don’t really have anything to add to what has been said so well. Anyone who is overly aware of their look when they are out in public is probably trying too hard. Effortless style is still a destination for me too. This site is such a help and confidence booster!
September 26th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
I really like Kelly’s point about you wearing the clothes vs. the clothes wearing you. I’ve had a few days in my life where I felt “dressed up” in the sense of being in a “costume” and that surely didn’t portray effortless style, quite the contrary, I was trying too hard.
I think to have effortless style, you need to 1) feel good about yourself, and 2) know yourself really well in terms of what flatters you and what doesn’t. If both of these are met, then it should be relatively easy (not effortless, but not high effort, either) to pull an outfit together.
I do think that there is difference, though, between it being low-effort for you vs. it looking low-effort to others. Tanya’s post is one point of evidence for it. Tanya knows herself and feels good about herself and in her outfits, so it is indeed effort-less style. But others only think of the effort it would take *them* to pull that outfit together and so they perceive it as high effort.
September 26th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
One thing that hasn’t really been mentioned yet is makeup — to me, nothing screams effortful more loudly than wearing a lot of makeup during the day. I know makeup isn’t Angie’s area of expertise, but I remember really liking the few posts she’s done on the topic. Just a little makeup — a bit of concealer, blush, some lip color that’s not too heavy, and maybe mascara — goes a long way.
September 26th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
This is a great question, and I honestly don’t know. As a “mood dresser” I am all over the map and I don’t necessarily have a single “look” - I’m chameleon-like throughout the week - though I do pay attention to fit and what flatters my shape best.
I will say that I own clothes now that in the past I would’ve worn and felt completely uncomfortable in. This includes jeans, the Paris jacket, those stuart weiss flats, the furla bag…. sheesh… most of it!!! I would’ve been fussing and feeling insecure and worried I was trying to hard or dressing *too* nicely or just not wanting to wear clothes that make people look at me when I walk into the room.
What’s changed… my attitude. I have definetly become a lot more comfortable in my own skin since I hit my 40s. I think that’s a middle-aged thing, and it has been an evolving process of self-acceptance. You hit an age when you have to accept the reality that this is what you get… there’s only so much you can do to change your body… it’s not going to get any better either (grey hair, wrinkles) so you might as well just learn to love what you’ve got.
But I will add that being brave enough to post my photos in the forum - and having so many people give me such positive feedback - has helped me come a long way too! You all help me see myself through a more rose-colored lens than I would give myself. (We are always our own harshest critiques - I’m sure Jennifer Anniston is too).
Thank you - and group hug now!!!
September 26th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
As far as I’m concerned this is the heart of the matter. A wonderful topic and all the comments are interesting. I think you have to BELIEVE in what you’re wearing. I do think there’s effort involved in selecting the individual pieces in the store,having them altered and maintaining them- that isn’t effortless but the effortless piece is in the belief and freedom you feel you wear the items, how you combine them as you are dressing then when you go out the door: not another thought! You’re perfectly presented and happy with yourself. I notice Angie mentioned all well put together women who are probably styled. Can you think of any present day women who are not style and are effortless in their appearance?
September 26th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
One thing that I don’t think anyone has mentioned yet is the importance of only allowing items into your closet that fit your figure and your lifestyle, that you are comfortable wearing, and that are in good condition. I have gotten rid of close to 50% of the clothes in my closet over the last few months and putting an outfit together is now so much easier.
September 26th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I think the effortless part comes with confidence. It’s why some people can wear really over the top pieces and look natural, and someone can wear the same thing and look silly. It’s about owning your look and feeling confident in that ownership.
September 26th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
I definitely agree with many of the ladies here; I think most of “effortless style” comes from being comfortable and confident. It’s almost 100% attitude in my eyes. For example, there are some girls walking around the street wearing nothing but a tank top, jeans and flip flops, but somehow they seem way more put together than the girl in the heels, the mini skirt, and all the makeup. Being “done up” is the opposite of effortlessness, and it really shows unless you own it (and I mean OWN it!).
It’s like Chanel said, “Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress.”
September 26th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
As I face an impending birthday, I have realized a few things about style.
First, you have to really and truly accept and love the body you have right now or you’ll never nail you personal style. Not the body you had before kids. Not the body you had in your early 20s. This body you are in right now. It’s beautiful and can be made more so with the right clothes.
Second, never, ever, buy anything if you don’t truly love it. The kind of love where you think endlessly about all the outfits you can put together with said piece. The kind of love where every time you wear it you’ll hope you run into old boyfriends.
Third, keep a list in your pocketbook of the things you are looking for. When a salesperson asks you if you need help….pull out the list. Describe what you’re looking for. The sales people love an organized shopper and will be more than willing to help you out.
September 26th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I think it comes down to high quality basics (cosmetics, hair and clothing.) Not overdone and consistent from day to day.
September 26th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
I worried about this for years, wanting to look effortlessly stylish and slim (which I’m not), but thinking I carried the influence of school uniform in most of what I wore - what Kristers’ unhelpful colleague called “matchy matchy”. In the past month, two friends have commented on my wardrobe, one to call it conservative, and the other to call it exotic. Que? I’ve settled for what I like and think suits me, and when in doubt about a purchase, I ask myself, “Would Audrey have worn it?” And I try to always to look at least neat (in the old sense) when I go out - yes it takes some effort but it’s good to go out feeling reasonably confident rather than harassed about looking a bit daggy. I love to read Angie’s blog and everyone’s comments - so much fun and so helpful.
September 27th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
So Angie, I keep checking back to see what you have to say about what makes someone’s style effortless….
September 27th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
This is an interesting topic. I am curious to hear what Angie has to say.
September 27th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Very thought provoking post!
I can tell you what it isn’t:
Always expensive. I have a good friend who shops excusively at Ross, TJMaxx, and Junior League and other thrift/discount stores. She always looks contemporary and so stylish.
She’s a professional in the medical field, so she relies on looking spot on when meeting clients.
It’s definitely not a rut or a permanence. None of the fashion icons I can think of ever held fast to one look, but evolved it.
It’s surely not slavishly following the trends. I think Audrey Hepburn looked her least stylish in “How to Steal a Million”. Far too much Givenchy. It overshadowed her and the character in the movie. Perhaps that’s my own cringing over the fashion. It definitely didn’t add to the style of her character.
To me effortless style is about editing. Knowing the right pieces to put together, when, how, and even the why of it. Perhaps the metaphor is like writing.
Today’s “strong style” icons represent, to me, something more along the lines of “strong stylists” than a real style unto themselves. Much of it looks like it took so much effort. Especially the Olson Twins. Wow. How did they rise to the top of style icons? Risk taking? Jumping on the Bullet Train of bleeding edge trends? That just promotes rampant consumerism.
I also think it’s harder today since the churnover of style and trends can really increase the difference in style. So, to me, style is not chasing a trend.
What IS style?
Editing. Subtlety. What works for your body, lifestyle, and expression of your self.
Effortless? Well, to me that means it’s a habit. Your mind’s eye can easily find the perfect items.
That’s what it is to me.
September 28th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Wow! Thanks for the articulate voices ladies. I’m much impressed. My two cents is on the way so stay tuned.
September 28th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I think an effortless style means having a look that is pleasing to the eyes, without excessive jewellry or over the top mix and match. For example, if you are wearing conspicuous earrings then maybe you should tone down the size of your necklace pendant, or if you are wearing wide leg pants then you should wear a fitted shirt on top.
September 30th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
I became very interested in effortless style when I was in my 20s (in my 30s now). I began to notice that some women looked good even though they looked comfortable, and they didn’t seem to be obsessed with clothes or how they looked, even though they had a look that looked fashionable. Right then I decided I wanted to have it, this effortless style. For me it meant equal parts of being comfortable, having clothes that flattered my body type and of course, wearing items that appropriately suited the occasion I was dressing for. The last part of that equation is what I really focus on (and also confuses the heck out of my husband) because it’s what really tips the scale in favor of effortless fashion. In my eyes, you can have a great, comfortable outfit but if it is not trendy when it should be, or classic (say, at a wedding for instance) when it should be, or casual when it should be, than it is just a fashion blubber. And now, in my 30s, I’ve had people approach me to ask me for fashion advice because they want my “style.” So I’ve been somewhat successful and always try to remember when I had the breakthrough in my 20s. And I have a fairly limited budget so it’s sometimes a challenge! This is a great topic, I enjoyed reading the responses.
September 30th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
What a fabulous topic and loads of great replies!
Effortless and style definitely do go together because style is about self expression and you simply can not have it unless you are happy with yourself and who you are. In that regard, once you are happy in your own skin (as many have already said) then style becomes effortless.
Try hards are those who look like they despirately want to please…please others and not themselves…running around in circles because they ’simply must have it’. Focused outward instead of inward, concerned more about what others think than what they think…sounds exhaustive and it is…and it shows.
It’s a bit like the cook who can whip up a meal from whatever she has and makes it look so easy. It’s easy because of a few simple reasons:
* She loves to cook - so it’s not a chor (most of the time)
* Her pantry and fridge have trusted basics from which she knows she can make a meal out of quickly and easily…so she doesn’t panic when she has to feed 10 instead of 4. Basics like tinned tomatoes, pasta, rice, preserved lemons, olives, anchovies, chilli…based on her taste and what she loves to eat!
* She uses recipes as a guide…adding her own ingredients to create what she feels like eating/serving up to others. She doesn’t rush out to the store to buy that one missing ingredient, simply substitutes it for something similar.
So….it may look effortless, but she understands enough about what she likes to eat and feed others and keeps the basics of those flavours at the ready.
Effortless style is like that for me….it’s all in the preparation. Spend 80% of your time on defining you, and 20% on freshening it up with what’s in fashion.
Here’s how:
*Figure out the best ‘cuts’ for your body shape - trousers are the hardest and once you’ve found them…buy 3 in different colours (black, white, beige, blue). If the colour options aren’t there, go to the tailor and have them made!
* Colour…find out what works on you. People will tell you or go and see a colourist if you want the quick fix.
*Once you’ve spent your time on this then get your wardrobe basics together. These will be from your ‘best cuts’ found above. T-shirts, tops, trouser, jacket, dress and skirt.
* Add fashion flavour to your basics to give it that ‘contemporary’ edge….accessories are indespensible for this.
Is that effortless style….YES in putting it on….NO if you consider the ‘ground work’ that goes into to it.
But…if you enjoy it….it’s not a chor and is absolutely effortless!
Anita.
xx
October 1st, 2008 at 7:54 am
[…] thought that Friday’s blog post on effortless style elicited some very eloquent, insightful comments. Here is my take on the matter, together with some […]