Style Takes Effort
The other day, I read a Vogue article by Daisy Maldonado titled The Myth of Effortless Style—which I highly recommend. I was immediately hooked; if the title wasn’t intriguing enough, the content certainly delivered. Daisy begins by sharing how style rarely comes naturally to her and describes how a friend’s comment that her style was “trendy” felt like a punch to her stomach. It implied that her supposedly innate sense of taste wasn’t genuine. To look trendy, one must put in effort—something she thought she had always managed to conceal.
As a stylist and someone who has sought to cultivate personal style from a young age, I know how many times one must experiment—matching accessories with garments, coordinating colors, materials, and shapes, balancing trends with occasions, budgets, moods, and even the weather—to find an outfit that truly makes you feel beautiful, comfortable, and stylish.
For as long as fashion has existed, the term “effortless” has permeated the narrative—especially to describe how some celebrities or “fashion icons” exude confidence and style naturally. While some may have an innate sense of style, I would argue they’ve had certain advantages. Rest assured, they don’t just practice style incessantly—they also have help and accept nothing less than near perfection. In today’s era of 24/7 social media surveillance, it has also become paramount for celebrities to partner with brands for head-to-toe looks. But that is the opposite of the “effortless” ideal. You can only imagine the army of PR professionals, brand strategists, makeup artists, hairstylists, and assistants behind that image.
The paradox is enormous. We know celebrities and influencers (who strive to “sell” partner brands) work hard to look this way, yet “we” are still expected to look effortlessly stylish—as if we don’t care about what we’re wearing or, if we do care, we possess some “magic touch.” This expectation can be incredibly frustrating.
But what is effortless style?
I like to imagine it as being on holiday during summer: you have a healthy tan, wear a crisp white t-shirt and linen shorts, your hair glows, and you look radiant. Anyone seeing you would assume it’s simple and effortless. But that’s not true. You likely own the perfect t-shirt—clean and pressed—and the ideal shorts, which took ages to find. You’ve taken meticulous care of your hair to bounce perfectly with the breeze, and your skin is evenly tanned and moisturized.
I often see people trying hard to keep up with style and trends. They follow the “right” people on TikTok, curate Pinterest boards obsessively, and spend regularly on new items to feel stylish and on-trend—only to discover months later that the look is out of fashion or it simply doesn’t suit their body shape, style, or color palette.
This has alienated many from fashion entirely. It can feel defeating, as if style is out of reach—too time-consuming, expensive, or complicated.
I believe the opposite is true. Style is a continuous, absorbing pursuit, but it is achievable through effort, knowledge, and confidence.
From my experience, a well-curated style doesn’t mean spending a fortune, dressing head to toe in luxury brands, or copying trendy outfits. On the contrary, you can be stylish—whether bold or understated—with clever combinations, consistency, and neatness. This does wonders for your self-esteem and, equally importantly, your public image.
To cultivate a style that transcends trends and looks effortless, a few crucial steps can make all the difference. Here are some of my personal favorites:
1. Define your vision: Understand how you want to be perceived both professionally and personally.
2. Learn about quality, cut, and fit: These elements elevate any outfit.
3. Invest in staple pieces: Choose timeless, high-quality items from sophisticated brands.
4. Start minimal—less is more: A curated wardrobe is a stylish one.
5. Maintain a functional wardrobe: Ensure key pieces are always at hand for any occasion.
6. Embrace smart, elegant, and well-groomed looks: Simplicity paired with refinement is key.
7. Work with a professional stylist: A stylist can help you to find the best shapes and colours for you, guide you through wardrobe edits and help you discover missing pieces that complete your look.
I would love to help you begin your style journey. With effort and curation, you can achieve a look that is uniquely yours—effortless, confident, and unmistakably stylish.
I loved the tips, Andrea!