The Style Files: The effort in effortless cool!

I think quite a few of us put an awful lot of effort into looking effortlessly thrown together and though you’re not supposed to admit it, I’ll own up to it. The look inside my head (whether achieved or not) is a cross between Emanuelle Alt, French Vogue editor and any with enough insouciant polish to sit front row at Burbery Prorsum.

It is not without complication! With trial and error over countless years, possibly ongoing depending on whom you speak to, has lead me to the understanding that achieving effortless-cool – i.e. looking carelessly chic through careful crafting– involves purchasing those indispensable wardrobe building blocks. The key pieces that will form the basis of an everyday uniform.  Deciding on those building blocks is tough and often problematic!

There are some women to whom effortless cool is an art form,  they can often be found in faded boyfriend or ripped-jeans, the perfect white shirt, and the of the moment Subtle, stealth handbag and espadrilles– you know who you are! Infuriatingly cool and very inspirational.

Celebrities like Olivia Palermo, Emanuelle Alt and Miroslava Duma are some of the women to look to for effortless cool inspiration. These women are the heroines of fashion week in their standout uniform of good-looking jeans, brilliantly cut day-dresses, fabulous-fitting trousers, well chosen fashion flats and fine selection of handbags.

What you probably wouldn’t find in their wardrobes would read like this:

Two and a half -inch heels - Never do anything in halves. Lots of logos - Unless you’re a billboard this is just tacky! Nylon, polyester, viscose and vinyl will make you sweaty, smelly and shiny. Sweatpants. No man should ever see you out of the gym in those. Blingy jeans with embroidery. They belong to Bollywood not you.

After style stalking these women, I think I’ve got it shop with longevity in mind and build a wardrobe based on beautiful, useful and classic key pieces. Aim for a style that is low-key but with attitude. Throw in the occasional quirky item, but know what to do with it. No more impulse shopping. No more outfit drama, just effortless cool!