Ah, the “model off-duty”. It’s a term that has been used to describe a certain look: relaxed and laid back yet effortlessly stylish, making anyone look like they’re always camera-ready.
Though it’s certainly evolved through the years, it’s remained utterly fashionable, now mastered and represented by the likes of Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Emily Ratajkowski. Here’s how to emulate it:
Invest in high-quality basics
If you take a look at the aforementioned personalities’ paparazzi “street” photos, you’ll find that none of them are really wearing anything fancy. They stick to the very same basic pieces that you might wear while shopping for groceries or walking your dog. Still, they look incredibly put-together. What’s up with that?
They may choose simple clothing, but every piece they put on is high quality. This doesn’t mean that you should go out and start buying designer clothes, though. You’ll want to make thoughtful purchases instead, buying from reputable brands that make clothes that won’t fall apart on you after a few washes. It’s also a good idea to take good care of the pieces that you do buy.
You’ll also want to stick to classic styles instead of following the trends. Those come and go, but a basic white tee and straight-cut jeans will always be fashionable.
Add minimalist embellishments
One other thing that you might notice when you look at models in streetwear is that they use accessories sparingly, but impactfully. Whether it’s the jewelry that they wear or the handbag that they’re carrying, they choose to accessorize minimally, but with intention.
Honeycat Jewelry is a great place to score subtle and minimalist jewelry that can add a touch of sparkle to your off-duty model ensembles.
Their crossover hoops are an excellent starting point: they give you the look of wearing two pairs of earrings in one, and fit closely to the ear for a thoroughly modern look. You can pair these crossover hoops with other dainty accessories from the California-based brand’s catalog, such as a simple thin strand around your neck or a few rings stacked together on your fingers, for a fuss-free yet polished vibe.
When in doubt, go for a bold, gold hoop. Honeycat Jewelry’s crossover hoops go with everything and can be infinitely dressed up or down.
In addition to jewelry and handbags, one accessory that you should never leave home without is a pair of sunglasses. Choose frames that complement your face shape in a classic style.
Play around with proportions
Balance is key when you’re aiming to dress like a model on her day off. They often dress for comfort and function, but somehow always manage not to look sloppy or unkempt.
An easy way to do this is to be more mindful of your clothes’ size and cut and then pairing pieces to achieve balanced proportions. An easy way to do this is to keep opposites in mind: an oversized button-down shirt, for example, will look great with a pair of denim shorts or leggings; a close-fitting crop top or bralette will balance out a pair of joggers or any other baggy pair of pants. This provides depth to your ensembles while still maintaining a flattering silhouette.
