She's the New Kid on the Block with the Fashionable Celebrity Set. Here's the Key to Her Cool, Casual Look!
I admit I’m a big fan of anything natural. People with interesting features, things that are unique only to them and the generations of their families, unusual tastes, you name it. When it comes to fashion, I think this is one of the reasons why we love street style – we’re seeing someone who has pulled an outfit together based on what they own and their pure, individual talent (versus having everything impeccably placed like a magazine ad). You can always tell the difference – an outfit that is derived from natural instincts and ability always includes what the wearer has to work with versus everything being absolutely perfect, giving the look an element that feels real and authentic.
Which is why it seems everybody's taking notice of Jessica Alba's way of dressing.
The actress has hit the scene in full force this past year, coming anew in the midst of overstyled, overprocessed pop tarts whose stylists claim never leave their homes without enlisting help to create a perfectly, impeccably pulled together look for them (including to run to the grocery or ATM). She looks as if she simply pulls on whatever she likes, mixing it in a way that feels both effortless and somehow, naturally chic. You get the vibe that she not only picks out her clothes but spearheads how she wears them, enlisting the likes of a stylist only when important, such as red carpet or events.
In turn, she radiates a sense of individualism and a look that says she’s put in an extra minute but didn’t obsess over it. Comfortable lounge pants when running around during the day, jeans and cute tops at night, with a heavy emphasis on basics. While she’s not always blazing the fashion trails in the latest trends, her eye for good, unique but wearable pieces and innate sense of style seem to be the key elements in why she’s attracting fashion’s attention.
Scoring Alba’s look is easy. She leans towards casual, easy basics, either non-descript (which she then pairs with a statement accessory) or with a subtle but noticeable twist - a band of color or simple detailing, etc. Her accessories are equally clean, often a single item that makes the outfit pop. While she leans heavily on baseball style hats and Juicy track pieces, her head’s in the right direction – she wears what she likes and that’s absolutely a plus when it comes to fashion.
Alba’s look is a fun and workable option for anybody who has a more casual lifestyle that requires comfort and function in addition to fashion, with the need for dressier outfits for going out, evening, etc.
The Key to Achieving This Look: - Invest in an array of basics, with some being very simple and some having a bit of detail or pop to them – i.e., pants with a contrast waistband, a nice thick sweater with a bit of detail, etc., as well as non-descript tanks, tees, cargos and denim.
- Think color! Alba is often photographed in a wide array of colorful pieces, from her royal blue Mike and Chris leather jacket to True Religion cords in lavender. She mixes these hues with neutral tones and again, clean, simple pieces.
- Look for simple accessories to add flair. Alba is often seen in a variety of baseball hats, but if this isn’t your forte, you can easily create the same element with another style (bucket, cloche, etc.). She also works with an array of scarves, which she pairs under jackets, with her hoodies, and tanks, or wears as headbands. She flip flops from either having a bit of a rugged (baseball hat) or feminine (print silk scarf) twist.
- Jewelry is usually limited to a single, understated fashion piece - number necklaces, cute pendants, etc. Alba rarely pairs multiple accessories in her outfits or overly layers – keep it limited to 1-2 items, such as a baseball hat with a pendant necklace.
- Her secret weapon is the trainer. She pairs them with jeans and long coats for a very chic but casual look, as well as with loungewear pieces. This is often a defining look for her – few celebrities in her set use this combination.
- For evening/events, Alba adheres to the same formula of effortless pieces that have a bit of character – a dress in a classic style with unique but very subtle detailing, a great pair of jeans with standout boots and a cute hat, etc.
- In terms of fit, she is rarely seen in overly slouchy items or anything that’s too tight or reveling.
- Remember to keep feminine elements in the mix. Alba is often seen in more rugged items but also works a more girly vibe in many of her outfits.
Who to Shop: - For her simple basics, look to brands like Juicy Couture, James Perse, James Jeans, etc. You can easily copy her look on a budget – just remember to keep things simple, and don’t forget to add in color!
- For statement basics, keep an eye out for pieces with a subtle twist – sweaters in thick, cozy knits, jackets with a bit of a print, etc., which can be found in virtually any store and by a wide variety of brands.
- Evening attire leans toward classic with a twist – look for time-honored shapes that have a bit of pop-detail, such as scalloping, flowing layers or unique elements.
Where to Shop: - Splurge – Mike and Chris, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Dior. True Religion corduroy and denim.
- Save – Juicy for hoodies and lounge pants, Seyechelles shoes, Splendid basics. Cargo pants and other items can come from virtually any brand based on budget.
Celebrities to Watch: - Stars that have a similar style to Alba include Teri Hatcher, occasionally Nicollette Sheridan, Amanda Bynes and at times, Gwen Stefani (though only in her casual style).
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