THE UNINTENTINAL STYLE ICON STARTER PACK UNVEILED

Photo: lo lindo on Unsplash

So, there are two types of people in this world.

First, the ones who have a military-style operation going before they leave the house, like they have outfit planning, they go through their favourite hats, have jewellery trials, three mirror selfies in different lighting, basically something like Cher from Clueless.

But then there’s the other type. The ones who throw something on, grab their bag, and somehow look like they just strolled off the set of a French film. Yep, you know the type.

When it comes to these people, they’re not chasing trends, they’re not thinking about “outfit formulas,” and they’re definitely not fussing over whether the bag matches the shoes.

Instead, they just exist, looking like an editorial shoot in motion, and the rest of us are left wondering how they do it.

Now, both are absolutely amazing, and yeah, both are or absolutely can be style-icons. 

And yeah, there’s absolutely no witchcraft involved in any of this. Rather, it’s more of a vibe; it’s how to pick it up. And if you want that vibe, here’s the cheat sheet.

It Starts with the “Off-Duty” Energy

Okay, so what exactly does this part even mean? Well, off-duty doesn’t mean off-style. It’s that “Oh, this old thing?” energy, where you know it’s not old at all, but the delivery is so casual that people believe it.

Basically, it’s the kind of energy that makes it look like you pulled your outfit together in thirty seconds while sipping coffee.

Now, this is exactly what you want to go for, and yes, there’s plenty of great examples of style icons you can look into as well.

Like, think Jane Birkin with her basket bag. Or maybe someone like Alexa Chung in something that somehow feels thrifted, tailored, and slightly rumpled all at once.

But both of these amazing women look undone in the best possible way, and that’s what makes it interesting.

Essentially, too perfect, and you look like you’re trying to sell perfume in a department store ad. So, a little imperfection? Well, that’s where the magic happens.

Then there’s the Effortless Mix

So it was technically already mentioned, but of course, this needs a deeper dive. So, the unintentional style icon is basically a master at clashing without clashing.

Okay, so what does this even mean? Well, it’s the silk skirt with battered Converse. The tailored coat with joggers.

The gold hoops with a hoodie. Everything about it says, “I dress for myself, but thanks for noticing.”

Sometimes you see this in Sex and the City, where there is a clash, but it’s not a heavy clash, so that alone instantly makes it look gorgeous. Yeah, that’s basically what you want.

But overall, it’s that one weird piece you wouldn’t expect to work, but it’s the reason people stare. But nothing screams fashion quite like wearing something in a way no one else thought to.

There’s the Signature Comfort

You will never find these people in shoes that they can’t walk in or trousers that make it impossible to sit.

But of course, comfort is part of the allure. And it’s not “Sunday loungewear” comfort, honestly, it’s the lived-in scarf, the perfectly worn leather jacket, the jumper that somehow got softer over time.

Just generally speaking, that ease is magnetic. People can tell when you’re comfortable, and it makes them want to be you, or at least raid your wardrobe.

The Repeat Offenders

Nowadays, people know about sustainability and how fashion has greatly hurt the environment, but 20, 30, 40, and 50 years ago (and probably longer than that), people didn’t know or understand any of this.

So, for some people, outfit repeating just wasn’t a thing, and yeah, the paparazzi would shun celebrities for having the gall to do it, too.

Oh, and of course, fashion magazines would try and guilt even the average person from outfit repeating too. But thankfully, that whole idea is long gone and finally dead.

But with all of that said, real-life style icons repeat outfits like it’s a personality trait. The internet might push the “wear once for the photo” mentality, but in reality, the best-dressed people have pieces they reach for constantly.

But really, it’s not laziness; instead, you can think of it like a uniform. If you are head over heels in love with a shirt dress and a certain pair of boots that go with it beautifully, there’s nothing in the world that should stop you from wearing that outfit. 

The Happy Accidents

From the great words of Bob Ross, yes, sometimes there are happy accidents that happen in art, and yes, your outfit, well, fashion in general is art.

So yeah, there’s the piece that just… works. Every time. Like, maybe it started as a quick throw-on for errands, then somehow became your go-to for brunch, then started showing up in holiday snaps. It’s the friend you didn’t expect to love but now can’t live without.

There’s the Unpolished Details

Now, you definitely need to remember this one: perfection is overrated. So yeah, the unintentional style icon doesn’t panic if one cuff is rolled higher than the other.

If hair falls out of place, so be it. If the necklace tangles a little, it just adds character.

Basically, it’s this relaxed approach that makes the outfit look better in photos than something styled to within an inch of its life. Those tiny “flaws” make it real, and real is always more magnetic than overproduced.

The Real-Life Factor

Now, this one is last, but definitely not least! So, this isn’t style for show.

These are outfits that survive an actual day, coffee runs, unexpected rain, and climbing onto a bus with your hands full.

It’s a style that moves, bends, and lives with you. You can tell because nothing feels staged, and that is basically what makes it look so iconic.

Again, just like Carrie from Sex and the City.