In the event that looking like a cool-girl was anywhere on your annual bucket list, here's your warning to flag and bookmark this page immediately. And while that term can mean different things for different people, there are some trends within a fashion context that are just cool without debate (extremely large earrings and gauzy ruffles being two of them.) This particular archetype of fashion people is often the first to hop on emerging trends, helping to shape what becomes popular months or even years from now. Even if you don't plan on following the aesthetic, it's still useful to keep tabs from a trend forecasting perspective.
You'll notice that many of the key items noted here include lots of statement pieces that instantly draw peoples' gaze. And as a cool-girl, dabbling in the controversial and flamboyant is just part of the job description. Below, keep reading to discover the 5 key items on every cool person's shopping list for spring.
Gauzy Ruffles
It's not just you—the ruffle revolution is here. Gauzy, cascading ruffles are seemingly everywhere, and you can thank Vietnam-based label Fanci Club. Its sheer and ruffled dresses became an It-item of the the year, spanning a series of iterations and other designer takes. The most important point is that they aren't the typical princess ruffles that are rough and rigid—this look is soft and cheeky in an early aughts type of way, but with a hint of edge.
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Transparent Sunglasses
Another item to rise from the 2000s fashion graveyard, transparent lenses are apart of this season's cool-girl starter pack. It essentially piggybacks off the recent revival of Cartier frames within the hip-hop community, where the $1,000 rimless frames are touted as a fashion holy grail. This is one trend that maybe easier to source vintage, but brands and designers are bringing them back in response to the growing demand.
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Point Toe Heeled Mules
In a full circle moment, yes point-toe heels are back too, and it's emerging as the spring shoe of choice for cool girls everywhere. And there's a defined way to style them: with long (and often baggy denim), with the toes just peaking out from under them. But if you're devoted to a dress season, they're also great styled with a cute midi dress.
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"Naked" Pieces
Flesh-exposing pieces have certainly hit an apex (they were a major trend last season), and it's been throughly absorbed by fashion enthusiasts not afraid to take risks. Wearing something completely see-through won't be everyone's cup of tea, but apart of the cool girl is venturing out into the controversial. For a more modest approach, try layering a tank underneath a sheer shirt—it still feels interesting, without baring your undergarments.
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Big, Big, Earrings
We're time traveling back to the 80s—large earrings have been co-opted by the style set recently, which means its only a matter of time before everyone else gets in on it, too. It's impossible to ignore Bottega Veneta's influence here—the massive teardrop earrings from its fall-winter 2022 collection are one of the most-wanted accessories of the season). Saint Laurent's gold baubles are another entry to the cool-girl shopping list, but gems and vibrant lacquer pieces are also welcomed into the fold.
Up next: The Spring 2023 Starter Pack: 8 Things You'll Want to Wear Immediately
