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19 Practical Fashion Tips You Can Learn from Zooey Deschanel

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BU chapter.

Actress and singer Zooey Deschanel is literally the most flawless and adorable human being in the universe. Everyone loved her in (500) Days of Summer and her hit show New Girl is hilarious. Not only is she an incredibly successful and independent woman, she is so true to herself and her style. Here are some helpful tips to help you be just as wonderful as she is— in your own way of course! 

1. Never Leave Your House Looking or Feeling Less Than Amazing.

No matter where Zooey is or what she’s doing, she always looks put together and adorable, and she has confidence to boot. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to throw on a maxi dress and a jean jacket. 

2. Red, White, & Blue Aren’t Just for Patriotic Holidays.

Last year, Zooey turned her signature “Modical” (Mod+Nautical) style into the most adorable capsule clothing line with Tommy Hilfiger. Adorably named “to Tommy from Zooey,” this line makes it so easy to be inspired to wear red, white, and blue on any occasion. 

3. Bangs are One of the Most Versatile Haircuts.

As bangs are becoming more and more in style, women are becoming more afraid to take the risk of getting it all chopped off. A common misconception is that they aren’t versatile. However, as you can see on Zooey, you can wear them to the front, with an up-do, to the side, or they can even be pulled back completely. They add sass to any style.

4. Invest in a Great Dress.

Dresses are the easiest thing in the world to wear. You just throw one on and… poof! You’re instantly ready for your day! They can be worn casually with a denim jacket or cardigan, or with heels for a night out! Zooey always wears hers with cute matching flats or matching pumps.

5. Skirts & Tops are a Never-Fail Combo.

This is one of Zooey’s staple outfit combos on her hit show New Girl on Fox. They’re so easy to put together—just as easy as shorts and a top. You can wear skirts with tasteful crop tops, sweaters and tights, tees, or blouses. The choice is yours!

6. When Combining Colors, Go for a Light+Dark Look.

A really common color combo that Zooey goes for is a light/dark look. This means, if you’re wearing a light blue dress, wear a dark blue sweater, or vice versa. A red tank with a hot pink skirt—you get the idea. This is a really simple, sophisticated, and subtle way to do color blocking.

7. You Don’t Have to Give Up on Style When You’re Pregnant.

This tip is less for collegiettes and more for the moms who read this when my mom inevitably shares this on Facebook (hi mom). But in all seriousness do you see this woman? I mean, come on! She looks phenomenal. A lot of the time women tend to go for an “I give up” look when they’re pregnant, but you don’t have to! You’re radiant and you created a human being—flaunt your beautiful self!

8. Dresses are Always a Good Idea.

Look at those eyes—they’re telling you that you NEED a cute dress. Right now! Wear them whenever you want! Buy matching shoes for them! Wear a pop of color! Life is too short to look anything but elegant.

9. Glasses = Super Cute.

You need them, so why don’t you wear them? Glasses are no longer considered nerdy. Now they’re considered sexy and smart. Trade in your old frames for new, cuter ones next time you visit your eye doctor. If you have a square face, opt for rounder frames; and squarer frames for rounder faces.

10. Classy is Sexy.

When she did her shoot with Elle magazine in January last year, we saw a side of Zooey that nobody had really seen before. The shoot perfectly captured her edgy side, while still being sophisticated. This pic is a perfect representation of classy being sexy—she’s covered up but still looks bangin’.

11. Collared Blouses. Need I Say More?

Whether it’s a blouse with a collar, a button down under a sweater, or a sweater with a collar pattern on it, it’s adorable. You can look nautical, quirky, and studious. This is a great way to layer in the winter, too!

12. Did I Mention Dresses are Really Great?

OK, I’m done with the dresses thing. I promise. They’re really cute though. Look how happy she is wearing a cute dress!

13. You’re Never Too Old for Colored Tights.

Instead of wearing the hot pinks and bright purples of your childhood, go for navy, burgundy, or even mustard. Colored tights can add a ton of oomph to a previously bland outfit. Pair with a sweater dress like Zooey or a skirt in the winter.

14. Don’t Be Afraid of Color, In General.

Zooey is known for really great color combos when putting together her outfits. You can mimic her color ideas by pairing two pieces that are completely different colors, or putting together a monochromatic look with a bright color.

15. Modcloth has Really, Really Cute Dresses.

(This is the last dress one.) (I mean it this time.) Not only do they have amazing, one-of-a-kind dresses, Modcloth has really adorable clothes. They pride themselves on creating and finding top-notch vintage inspired clothes, accessories, and housewares for the “Modical” girl in you. Occasionally their stuff can get kind of pricey, but they always have a ton of items that are inexpensive and amazing.

16. Be Kind To Your Hair.

Zooey’s hair is probably the most iconic aspect of her style. Her bangs and thick curls are her signature, but healthy natural hair like that can only be achieved if you take care of it. Don’t overheat, don’t overcolor, and make sure you have days where you let your hair breathe.

17. Coats Can be Practical and Fashionable.

Your winter coat doesn’t have to be ridiculously puffy, or even a neutral color. Take a tip from Zooey and find a statement coat that makes you happy to go outside and warm enough to brave the freezing weather. 

18. A Smile is Your Best Accessory.

There is never a time where Zooey isn’t smiling. If you smile and have a positive outlook on life, you will not only be stylish, but magnetic as well.

19. Stay Weird.

Naturally, Zooey is the queen of weird. Her personality is wild and funny and outgoing. If you stay true to yourself and stay weird, there is no question you’ll be just as successful as the Queen of Quirk, Zooey Deschanel.

Zoe is a Senior at Boston University in the College of Communication, majoring in Public Relations and minoring in English and Psychology, and is the Campus Correspondent for her chapter. Originally from the Washington DC area, Zoe loves going to museums, concerts, and working at Baby Gap. In her free time, Zoe can be found crafting, watching Netflix, and scoping out the latest trends. Always catch her yelling enthusiastically about something, or making really corny jokes.
Writers of the Boston University chapter of Her Campus.