The phrase “it girl,” dates all the way back to the turn of the 20th century and in the modern age is more relevant now than ever, especially in fashion. Season by season new it girls make an `appearance and everyone is just dying to know what she’s wearing, how she does her hair, which accessories are her favorite, and even the cosmetics that are her go-to’s. She embodies the cultural spirit of the time and just has it. When people ask, what makes her special, the factor goes well beyond what words can capture. The saying, “every guy wants her, every girl wants to be her” refers to the halo of admiration that envelops the It Girl. She is not only recognized for her achievements whether it be on stage singing or acting on the big screen for instance but also for her social stance. She is not reclusive, but mysterious she has an intriguing presence that just invites you into her world but she’s at arms reach. She is rather graceful and imperial in her demeanor but still has a bright shining personality and enjoys all life has to offer- including fashion.
Fashion is not just a means of expression, it is a marker of societal change that tangibly captures eras in time, history, societal standards, and cultural moments. Now the it girl, she is THE moment, so her look lives on in the hearts and closets of many who strive to emulate and recreate this it factor. Since style tangibly captures a person psychologically speaking, by wearing it girl style you adopt those traits and embody it as well. It’s why designers love to dress it girls, why fans are so inspired by their style. It’s this unspoken bond. Which just begs the question, what exactly is it about an it girl’s style that makes it so noteworthy? And how can you channel your own it factor do you dress like one?
Really every it girl has their own style, think Rihanna, Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, Zendaya, You think model street style it girl Bella Hadid comes to mind, the quintessential french girl look will bring Brigette Bardot, and of course, high fashion will bring many others. But despite their differing looks through each generation of it girls, there is a common thread and that’s found in their closets. We will be analyzing what exactly is it girl style, a rundown of an it girl’s wardrobe for everyday or events, her styling techniques, and it girl energy in concept so how you can use this to bring out your own it factor in your style.
One of the major attractions is unquestionably her exquisite taste in clothing. It’s not just trendy it’s very worldly, a cocktail of a closet that you’d think just wouldn’t work but that somehow makes it all the more stylish. This also allowed for different essences of styles, cultures, and influences to intersect and be channeled into a wardrobe for cultivated unique look. The it girl look is worldwide, but If you think about they always have a very classic style with their own little twist on it. So the wardrobe we’re putting together is vivacious and intriguing without sacrificing grace or sophistication.
What’s so elevated about the it girl is that she always looks put-together, as if she were just born with a flair for style. An it girl’s fashion sense is usually what catches people’s eye at first because it not only clothes, but it showcases her beauty and conveys her personality. She isn’t wearing what everyone else is. If you don’t feel you’re there yet don’t worry it’s possible to become stylish without a natural knack for it, it’s like exercise. The more routine, the more natural and easier it comes to you. The it girl is self-aware and confident enough to wear the clothes that make her feel and look their best. If you are struggling with wearing your style confidently, I previously have done a video on this topic where I teach styling techniques and fashion psychology. Stylists have a role in enhancing the it girl’s image as well so never feel bad about needing a bit of assistance. For instance, Law Roach has created very iconic and enduring looks for Zendaya.
I compiled a mood board, if you look across it she is devastatingly chic. She is also current with fashion, yet she is not bound by it. It can’t be pinned down to a time or place, but there is this allure and refinement of a bygone era present in a very modern way. It is like the quote fashion says me too, but style says only me. That only me is such a key to the mindset to pull of the look. The it girls wardrobe isn’t about showing off her status though, but rather her refined sense of style that is rooted in who she is and what she loves about fashion. So the signature style does not change much from season to season. It’s more about a concept, that is the elusive it factor I’m going to focus on that can’t be pinned down, so let’s break down the wardrobe from every day to event wear.
The simplicity of certain editorial-worthy looks will astound you. You need to remain relevant, not trying too hard to keep up with fashion but just going with the flow of it. It’s more about delicacy, durability, adaptability, and elegance then for events ensembles are very opulent with purpose. This is because of the essentials, and that’s one of the keys to always looking put together without looking completely dated, instead capturing the moment. That way, the focus will be on you rather than your wardrobe. For example, a look from Dsquared² at Milan Fashion Week Spring 2007, it looks very contemporary. It’s not tied down to a time because of the garment construction and use of classic, everlasting motifs much like the it girl’s nature. This could be accessorized with trends of today and still look good. Also, notice the lack of blatant branding, it’s a form of easy elegance that is both natural and unforced with room for personality through styling.
On this note though, it’s better to go logo-free designer pieces unless the branding is a part of the design of the piece or very subtle. It has an if you know you know quality, it catches the eye from afar and draws you in up close. It gives a fashion insider feeling. Nothing to prove. You don’t really see it girls sporting a lot of branding without purpose or passion for the brand. Think of Lisa and Kaia who wear Celine.
They aren’t consciously going for an upscale appearance. Also, you do not need to wear designer to create the it girl look, any price point is fine just if you do wear a designer piece remember you want it to whisper not shout without a reason. Now I’ll walk you through the wardrobe must-haves and reasons for each piece because this wardrobe is one that has to keep up with the it girl’s fast-paced lifestyle. It does not have a distinctive visual identity but is one that fits every setting.
She isn’t just a pretty face, but a multifaceted person with talents and style to match each and every occasion whether it be a fashion show after a party, shopping with friends, or jet setting for work. It’s a traditional versatile foundation, but then you put your own signature spin on it.
First off is the classic high heel that can pair with practically anything in your closet so your look is always elevated both literally and figuratively, but also a pair of ballet flats to throw into your bag just in case while you’re out, a gorgeous overcoat to finish off any look, loafers to sport on the go, the timeless button down for every day, the perfect fit of denim that can go from day to night, a sleek pair of trousers for comfort without a sacrifice of style, leather jackets for layering, the classic little black dress that can be dressed up or down, a skirt that flatters the legs, sheer tights for warmth or coverage, a headband to add an accent that highlights your beauty in seconds, a cashmere or knit sweater to be slung over the shoulders, a blazer to dress up a daytime look, sunglasses for flair as well as function, and of course a gorgeous bag for versatility as well as the essentials.
They’re great as easy-to-throw-together ensemble staples when accessorized properly for every day. It’s always high quality, suitable for the event, and draws attention without flaunting. Event wear often is where she goes all out, dramatic cuts, sequins, furs, and feathers. Whether it be a mini or slinky dress, suit and tie she always makes a showstopping statement. When people think of the event they think of her look. They know how to make an appearance and their wardrobe contributes to culture. She simply owns the room without trying because she is the cultural moment and is defining the look of the era through her appearance.
So the timeless, luxe, and classical brilliance is provided by the clothing, the accessories are where you really get to place your stamp on the style. This could mean amping up a look, it’s clear that it girls embrace glamor with sophistication, accessorizing with equally iconic and unique accessories. The point is to display taste with your accessories, and your personality. Different essences of your lifestyle. For example, Wonyoung is a Miu Miu ambassador. I’ve seen her look described as elegant and expensive, but if you look at Miu Miu pieces they are young and playful. Miu Miu is like the little sister of the sophisticated Prada look so she is a good fit. Often the pieces of her look are actually classic styles, but the Miu Miu accessories such as a hairclip, belt, or socks play up her personality.
This would be the way to infuse different essences like the equestrian element for example. When you buy from a renowned fashion house, you’re investing in more than just a pair of shoes or a handbag. You’re adopting heritage. High fashion and leather goods have had an enduring platonic love throughout history. Hermès and Gucci, two fashion powerhouses, both got their start selling leather products like handbags and belts, but they also made saddles and harnesses. That could be through a high fashion interpretation of equestrian style such as the Hermes Jumping Boots for example. It won’t look like a costume this way, but lifestyle wear.
The perfect way to carry that iconic magnitude is to look at the origin of the piece and bring this legacy into your look. Look at your lifestyle and interpret it through fashion by stylizing it. Accessories include both dainty and statement pieces depending on the event and the it girl’s style. Notice though how they all never depend on accessories to make the look, but make the look more dynamic. She’s not wearing the trends, she’s too busy setting them. As I said each it girl has a classic look that’s very her. Even if a trend is in they will typically disregard it unless it speaks to them. So if you love a trend wear it, but always make it you. You can take advantage of the trend cycle to have it serve you rather than have the trend cycle dress you.
When properly harnessed, fashion can be a force that encourages and supports expression, dialogue, and development so if you are to wear the latest and greatest do it in a way where you harness the piece to amp up your signature style. For Lily Rose Depp, a modern day it girl with a penchant for ’90s model street style staples, and for Parisienne elegance in her eventwear looks. she is the face of Chanel so of course she sports Chanel as a signature and keeps up with the latest trends of the fashion house in her own way. She respects heritage and is here styled with the classic tweed or this archetypal Chanel dress paying tribute to Coco Chanel’s strides in design but nonetheless, she has her own twist to the story. This is her classic silhouette that is tried and true. We see this repetition of her codes of dress, we see her signature style remain in tact. She carries on the story with the season’s collection.
The last point here is energy. The allure of an it girl doesn’t stop at the surface. Style and fashion are much more than clothes. We think of her effortlessness, poise, and ever-so-coveted je ne sais quoi. As Marc Jacobs once said, Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them. It’s a way of being, a frame of mind, and a lifestyle that stems from a few simple guidelines, a refined sense of style honed through time, an intimate familiarity with and acceptance of his or her unique beauty, a well-rounded skillset catered to his or her field, and a sense of harmony with her multifaceted and fulfilling lifestyle. In a previous video, I did an analysis on the supermodel it factor, with specifically Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell’s it factors and how they carry themselves if you’re interested in specific examples of it girl behavior that makes them so stylish because no one does power in presence better than the supermodels.
Don’t overthink it and act a part, just allow your personality to shine through. Don’t try to hide behind your clothes or make them the center of attention. This could be in how you carry yourself or in how you treat others. You could be wearing the shortest mini dress, but carrying yourself well and being polite simply creates an elegant aura that elevates that intrigue. It gives this you never know where she’s going and what she will do next nature to you. Ultimately, the clothes you choose to wear should highlight the brilliant, interesting, amusing, and insightful woman or man that you are.
