11 Ways to Look Stylish Without Trying Too Hard (or Spending Too Much)

How to look stylish is an elusive thing, as it's so personal. What makes one woman feel stylish might not feel organic to another, making her feel (and look) like she's trying too hard as a result. It's all about what you feel comfortable wearing when it comes to looking effortless, which is why we tasked ourselves with finding examples from the recent fashion month to help you achieve that goal. These fresh tricks are easy, subtle, and versatile (i.e., they can be tailored to fit your own personal aesthetic), but make a big impact when it comes to looking effortlessly stylish this season. And because being able to pay your rent is of utmost importance, we found wallet-friendly pieces to accompany each tip.

So if dressing like a girl who "gets it" (sartorially speaking) sounds more appealing to you than dressing like a girl who just wants to be trendy, keep scrolling to check out 11 ways to look stylish without looking like you tried too hard. 

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Wear white shoes.
(Image credit: Collage Vintage )

This was the biggest shoe trend during fashion month by a mile.

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Let your denim jacket fall off of your shoulder.
(Image credit: Style du Monde )

The latest way to style your jacket is hanging off of your shoulders. To make it more effortless, keep it subtle and just to one shoulder.

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Choose a "normal" graphic tee.
(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

A graphic tee with a recognizable logo feels more accessible and unexpected than a specific "fashion" tee that people who aren't in the know wouldn't get. 

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Wear the latest sunglass trend.
(Image credit: Collage Vintage )

Sunglasses are one of the first things people see (eye contact!), making them one fo the most impactful things you can wear. If you have a great pair of shades, there's no need to pile on the accessories. 

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Match everything.
(Image credit: Style du Monde)

From your outfit to your accessories! As you can see, it's an easy way to look polished.

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Put on a pair of big earrings.
(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Even the simplest outfits will look stylish with the addition of a pair of statement earrings—trust us.

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Button just the top one or two buttons of your jacket (or shirt).
(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Leaving things a little undone always looks cool.

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Wear stirrup pants over your shoes.
(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Yes, stirrup pants. They're back. Looping them over your shoes makes them look modern and fresh. 

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Pair raw-hemmed denim with loafers.
(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

This is the most stylish jeans-and-flats pairing around. It's cool, classic, and comfortable. 

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Wear a long jacket.
(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

A long jacket or coat is a simple way to add interest and a little drama to any look. 

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Belt a blazer to wear it as a top.
(Image credit: Style Du Monde)

Wrap one side of your blazer over the other, secure it with a wide belt, and voilà! You have a new, flattering top.

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Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.