Girl Of the Month: Jameela Jamil

As teenagers (the age when we really began to take note of fashion), if the TV was on, it's safe to bet that we were watching MTV. While we loved the renegade spirit of the network, the original shows like Daria, and the videos (oh, how we miss music videos!), we also adored the quirky VJs who provided the interviews and introductions. We were particularly drawn to the ladies, such as Kennedy and Downtown Julie Brown, for their irreverent senses of humor, totally relatable personalities, and amazingly offbeat outfits. And while American TV is a little light in the video-jockey department these days, we have long known that across the pond, the tradition is alive and well. Enter Jameela Jamil: the host of Britain's Freshly Squeezed and T4 presenter (a morning show and weekend programming on Britain's channel 4). Though she's got buckets of talent, it's her on-trend pastiche of grunge, glam, and retro style that really made us die-hard fans. Needless to say it's a stylish mix that we are totally wild about, so couldn't wait to spotlight her unique look in this month's installment of Girl of the Month!

Though there is plenty to love about Jamil's outfits (particularly the five standout ensembles we have gathered for you today), before we try to sum up her stunning style, let us first provide you with a little introduction to our favorite new face! Before being hired at the beginning of 2009 to be the co-host of the Freshly Squeezed morning show and the T4 weekend programming on Britain's Channel 4, this native Londoner was a model. Clearly more than a pretty face, Jamil's cheeky and self-deprecating humor, along with her natural on-screen persona, and her retro-glam fashion choices make watching her on the telly, as they say, simply mesmerizing. And while we are sure that there are loads of people who are ready to proclaim Jam-Jam "the next Alexa Chung," we don't think she stands in anyone's shadow (no matter how well-heeled it may be!). Our GOTM definitely does her own noteworthy thing, especially when one considers how at ease this long-legged Londoner is with unabashedly feminine frocks, figure-hugging pieces, and other styles that play up her bombshell appeal in a subtly sexy way.

For our first featured look, we wanted to provide a little flavor of Jamil's fancier fare. As a regular on the London party scene, today's GOTM has a penchant for body-con strapless or sweetheart dresses, which allow her to smartly play up her curves. For the London premiere of The Ugly Truth this spring, Jamil opted for one such dress, specifically D & G's Ruffle Dress ($2295, 212.965.8000) from the Italian fashion house's Cruise 09 Collection. The tight bodice and voluminous skirt are wildly flattering on her figure, yet you needn't reach for a designer piece to get a similar final result. Try Forever 21's Ruffle Panel Tube Dress ($20), which mimics the shape and embellishments of Jamil's choice, and would be perfect for your next cocktail party (or red-carpet premiere, whichever comes first!)

Though Jamil looks lovely in high-end designer duds, she can also achieve a chic ensemble with more high-street attire. At the launch event for The Nokia Skate Almighty rink this July, Jamil went for a decidedly less-dressy piece but got an equally put together final result. Her crisp white Zara Blazer adds a little masculine polish to her casual breton stripe top and jean shorts. This outfit proves that the boyfriend blazer is going to continue to be on-trend and a key fall piece, so make sure to check out Topshop's Shoulderpad Jacket ($190) for an updated strong-shouldered take on this ecru must-have. Just throw it over a pair of cut-offs, like Free People's Blank Denim Shorts ($68) and a nautical-inspired top like Heritage 81's Patsy Striped Tank ($10) and you'll be making fashionable waves in no time at all.

Of course, our GOTM is not opposed to taking some risks when it comes to her fashion choices; in fact, Jamil has stated that she loves to add a twist to simple styles. Our favorite way that she does this is by adding an unexpected accessory like a chic chapeau or colorful statement footwear. While attending the annual Mercury Prize ceremony earlier this summer, the Londoner mixed noir second-skin skirt and graphic top with a little leather moto jacket. She topped off the look with a bowler hat, which added an offbeat element to her more basic black ensemble. Make sure to try Topshop's Bowler Hat ($44) with American Apparel's Interlock Mini Skirt ($25) and ASOS's Studded Leather Biker Jacket ($202) to get a look-a-like rendition of Jamil's renegade red-carpet style. Another way to inject a little bit of interest to your favorite outfit is to slip into a pair of brightly hued booties or sandals. Seen at the New Look A/W 2009 party, Jamil was spotted in a pair of Topshop teal sandals; though her current pair is no longer available, try Topshop's Shout Suede Peep Toe Shoe ($135) for a cheery sole selection.

For our final ensemble, we wanted to highlight Jamil's go-to summer festival ensemble (as it makes us a bit nostalgic for the just ended summer!). While we are the first to admit that the crop-top trend is a bit frightening for us mere humans, we can all agree that Jamil pulls it off (not only because she has the body, but also, because it's appropriate that she is wearing it to attend this summer's V Festival, where she hobnobbed with many musical acts like The Gossip and Little Boots). We also like that without being too literal, her ensemble references 90s grunge in a way that looks modern and current. While her American Apparel Loose Crop Tee ($17) in Crème and her Levi's 501 Cutoff Shorts ($48) would look fresh on their own, we like how she mixed these two casual classics together with a pair of vintage Justin boots and a chunky metallic necklace. For a similarly substantial soled selection, try Topshop's Albert Fringe Lace-Up Boots ($112) with your favorite short and shirt ensemble to avoid the mud or getting your toes stepped on if you dare to venture into any mosh-pits.

Needless to say, Jamil's proverbial star is on the rise. We, of course, will stay tuned in to watch this lovely lady's well-appointed ascension into the pantheon of video jockeys whose personality and fashion sense rock as much as their jobs do!—KM