In the 2014 film Gone Girl, Amy Dunne described the term “cool girl” as a man’s “defining compliment.” But who says women have to be cool girls for men? In 2023, women are becoming cool girls for themselves, both through their on-the-go lifestyle and their effortlessly chic style. So, how do you achieve the cool girl aesthetic in your wardrobe?
With the maximalism of the ‘90s and 2000s being all the rage in 2022, it makes sense that 2023 will be all about simplifying the style inspiration from those two decades. The idea behind the cool girl aesthetic isn’t just to look cool, it’s to look effortlessly cool, like Kate Moss and Cindy Crawford circa 1992. Bella Hadid and Emma Chamberlain have become icons of this aesthetic already due to their alluring It Girl energy and natural, easy-breezy taste (like, they could make a trash bag look chic).
One key element of the cool girl aesthetic is something Chamberlain has made a million videos about: thrifting. Thrifting is all about finding staples you can wear a million different ways. Thrifting is a great way to find good quality pieces that won’t break the bank. They’re also often vintage pieces, and recycling’s good for the environment. Take Kendall Jenner, Lori Harvey, Kaia Gerber, and Winnie Harlow — celebs who epitomize the modernity of the ‘90s model-off-duty style. They put on jeans, a T-shirt, and a blazer and automatically look cool. In comparison to the year before it, 2023 will be all about the “less is more” approach to the ‘90s/2000s style.
However, most people aren’t celebrities with the means to achieve any desired look. So, how can you embrace the cool girl aesthetic in your own life? Here are some essential pieces that’ll help you achieve the look without much effort.
- Mini Skirts
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Whether it’s a pleated skirt or an A-line skirt, this is a must-have. While microskirts may be on trend, a regular mini would be a better investment, as mini skirts haven’t gone out of style completely since their popularization in the 1960s.
- Leather Jackets
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From a moto jacket to a blazer, leather (and vegan leather, of course) is a versatile material that can make your look go from drab to fab in the blink of an eye. A leather jacket also has the added benefit of making you feel like a badass just by putting it on.
- Chunky Jewelry
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No, not those chunky colorful rings that were popular in 2021. I’m talking about timeless silver or gold chain necklaces. Layered or worn singularly, they’re an easy way to simply spruce up your effortless look with some sophistication.
- Knee-High Boots
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While thigh-high boots may have been the “it” shoe back in 2019, it’s the knee-high boot that has truly stood the test of time. Use Margot Robbie’s iconic black and white Sharon Tate look in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood for inspiration for the chic go-go look.
- Cropped Graphic Tees
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Graphic Ts are a great way to show off your personality through clothing. What music or movies do you like? What causes are you passionate about? This aesthetic calls for a more cropped, fitted silhouette when it comes to T-shirts. Think a 2000s baby T.
- Black Sunglasses
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Black sunglasses only help with the allure of the cool girl aesthetic. Unlike most sunglasses, black sunglasses aren’t see-through no matter how close you are to the wearer, giving you the superpower of mysteriousness.
- Straight-leg High-Waisted Jeans
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These jeans are the most effortless-looking. They’re great for running errands or going out. They aren’t constrictive, so you can do almost anything in them. The high waist also works great for crop tops, especially graphic ones.
- Solid Color Tops
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These tops are basics and can serve as the foundation to any outfit. What’s important is finding the silhouette that you like best. Is it a tank top? A long sleeve top? A scoop neck? A turtleneck? A crop top? Try getting a black one and a white one. Once you have those, figure out your signature color palette. Do you lean more towards tans or grays? Reds or blues? Greens or purples? Neons or pastels? Then, you can have more fun playing with color.
- Black Belt
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A black belt is a simple way to elevate any outfit. This is also a great accessory to thrift. Belts come in a variety of thicknesses and hardwares, and you can choose from thousands of different buckles. It’s all about finding the right one for you. I recommend matching it to your jewelry color of choice.
- Black & White Sneakers
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If you can’t tell, black and white are the basic colors of the cool girl aesthetic. Sneakers are great for being comfortable while on the go. Having a more stylish pair in black and white means they can be paired with a bunch of different outfits.
