How to Dress like a Model Off-Duty

How do fashionistas always look put together, even when they’re wearing a t-shirt and sweatpants? This effortlessly chic vibe is more attainable than it seems. The “model off-duty” vibe describes the streetwear style of popular models and celebs like Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Kaia Gerber who look like they’ve just walked off the set of a photoshoot. Hailey Bieber is another quintessential streetwear fashionista who has been inspiring a sophisticated yet trendy style that’s blown up in popularity. These women are following suit on the original trendsetters like Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Cindy Crawford – streetwear fashion icons who have championed the way for current casual style. If you want to rock the streets like your very own runway, here are 7 easy tips to master this trending model off-duty look.

1. Start with high-quality wardrobe basics.

You’ll notice that some of the most fashionable celebrities aren’t wearing ultra-trendy pieces. Rather, the foundational pieces are high-quality wardrobe basics that can transition seamlessly from season to season and from decade to decade. This includes go-to styles like t-shirts and jeans, suit jackets, and oversized hoodies. The key here is to create a wardrobe that focuses on quality basics that look, feel, and fit well. With the right quality basics, you’ll always look polished, no matter what you throw together. So, what are some model off-duty basics that will always be in style? 

A white tee (short or long sleeve) can go with anything in your closet.

Crisp, clean sneakers can make suited outfits look more casual while serving a practical yet stylish purpose.  

An oversized blazer or XL men’s shirt is the perfect way to balance out any outfit. Parisian style has been rocking oversized pieces for years thanks to this modern yet classic vibe.

The little black dress can go from an elegant gala to a girls’ night in with just a few tweaks. Find a high-quality LBD that flatters your body and suits your style, and it will instantly become the most important garment you’ll ever own. 

Bermuda denim shorts are a forever classic, the perfect blend of short-shorts and Capris. Off-duty models are often seen rocking denim Bermudas because it gives the cool, casual vibe of denim shorts while having a more polished and put-together vibe.

A good leather jacket is and forever will be a wardrobe staple. We’re seeing a lot of celebrities rocking cropped leather jackets to elongate the legs or oversized leather jackets to add a slimming look. But any leather jacket – including faux leather – will last you for years.

Tailored pieces, like tailored suit sets, are now taking the place of WFH loungewear. These pieces make it easy to throw together a matching outfit that emphasizes a polished silhouette.  

2. Focus on trendy details and accessories.

Why do some people look “messy” in a t-shirt and jeans, while others look purposeful and refined? There are two key differences: quality and accessories. Higher-quality pieces will fit better, which means they’ll create a more flattering silhouette. But beyond quality, it all boils down to those details. The finishing touches on an outfit can take it from casual to chic in an instant. Some model-esque finishing touches that always do the trick include…

A bold red lip can tie together any outfit. Plus, studies show that lipstick can make you feel more powerful, confident, and happy.

A go-to black belt with a metal buckle will help define and accentuate your waist. This is especially useful to cinch oversized pieces and add dimension to your outfit.

Sunglasses are a girl’s best friend. Seriously, the right pair of sunglasses will make you look and feel fierce. That’s why you’ll always see a pair of shades with that off-duty model aesthetic.

Medium gold hoops are so trendy right now, but they’re also a timeless style that women have been wearing for literally thousands of years. Learn the history of gold hoops here, if you’re curious.

A trendy handbag will make even the most classic, simple outfits trendy. For example, you could wear a plain white tee with jeans, but it will instantly give Y2K vibes if you add a baguette bag.

Even tube socks are a trendy addition. Notice how this plain black outfit feels totally on-trend, thanks to the heavy lifting of those tube socks.

3. Play around with proportions.

One of the main differentiating factors of a model off-duty look is the use of size and cut. You’ll notice a lot of trendy streetwear involves oversized jackets or pants paired with tighter tops or skirts. Learning how to play with oversized pieces like blazers, jackets, and blouses will give your outfits that slight edge. It can take some time to get used to dressing in oversized pieces, but once you find out the right proportions for your body, it will open up a world of outfit options for you.

The key to rocking oversized pieces is pairing the oversized garment with tighter or more structured pieces that still show off your body’s natural silhouette. This will give your outfit depth while maintaining a flattering silhouette. Notice how in this picture Hailey has loose sweatpants and an oversized leather jacket, but she pairs it with a tighter white tee and a little strip of skin to still bring emphasis to her waist. Plus, the addition of sunglasses, sneakers, a gold chain, and a coffee make this a complete look. (Yes, coffee is an accessory)

Learn how to wear oversizing pieces with Her Style Code.

4. Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles.

What makes “cool” girls so cool is that they’re not afraid to play around with different styles and trends to find what really suits them. One of the hottest recent trends is pairing athleisure elements with structured clothes, like a hoodie underneath a suit jacket. Another popular vibe is pairing grunge elements with girly elements. When done right, pairing two conflicting styles creates a balanced look that’s absolutely striking.

5. Invest in two-piece sets.

Make your life easy by purchasing two-piece sets. These are already matching, so you have a go-to outfit that just requires just a little accessorizing.

These could be suit sets, loungewear sets…

Or even a dress with matching outerwear.

6. Focus on cool outerwear.

If all else fails, just throw on a cool jacket. Outerwear can transform and balance an outfit. The right trench coat, fur jacket, leather piece, or puffer will completely change the way your outfit works. So, if you want to always look effortlessly cool, especially for winter 2022, invest in a high-quality jacket that you love and can wear with everything.

One of the easiest “cool girl” outerwear pieces is leather, which we talked about earlier in this article. Leather is versatile and forever iconic, and it’s become the hero of the model wardrobe.

Oversized jackets that are structured, similar to a blazer, are also really trendy and sleek.

Ultimately, choose an outerwear style that suits you. It doesn’t have to be typically “trendy,” as long as you wear the piece purposefully.

7. Rock your style like it’s nobody’s business.

Some of these model off-duty outfits seem at first glance like they shouldn’t work. A hoodie under a blazer? It sounds absurd. But streetwear is all about confidence. Models know how to work a runway, and it’s time you bring that same level of confidence to your everyday fashion. If you rock your own sense of style, no one and nothing will be able to hold you back. So, whether you like a more minimalist style, a maximalist vibe, or something never-before-seen in the fashion world, never forget to add the finishing touch of confidence!

Follow us on Instagram @currentboutique to see more trendy and timeless style inspiration.

Photo sources:

• Model off duty: https://withliana.com/how-to-dress-like-a-model-off-duty/
• White tee: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/785526360022972010/?nic_v3=1a46A7tDG
• Sneakers: https://rockmystyle.co.uk/leggings-hit-or-miss/#foobox-1/11/trainers.jpg
• Blazer: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/26458716550064668/?nic_v3=1a46A7tDG
• LBD: https://www.thecoolhour.com/2021/07/summer-date-night-looks/
• Denim shorts: https://www.meagansmoda.com/2020/07/22/the-most-flattering-way-to-wear-denim-bermuda-shorts-outfit-ideas/
• Leather jacket: https://witanddelight.com/2017/10/4-fall-shoes-wont-able-stop-wearing/
• Tailored set: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1138495980774428586/?nic_v3=1a46A7tDG
• Red lip: https://www.hellofashionblog.com/2014/11/sale-leather-moto.html
• Black belt: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/435371489039893850/?nic_v3=1a46A7tDG
• Sunglasses: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/7881368090633665/?nic_v3=1a46A7tDG
• Medium gold hoops: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/211174968620470/?nic_v3=1a46A7tDG
• Handbag: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/293719206951492229/?nic_v3=1a46A7tDG
• Tube socks: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/661888476500564639/?nic_v3=1a46A7tDG
• Oversized 1: https://g3fashion.com/blog/fashion/womens-oversized-clothing/
• Oversized 2: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/661888476501309325/?nic_v3=1a46A7tDG
• Mix and match styles: https://stylelikeshelby.com/hailey-biebers-style-on-a-budget/
• Matching set: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/583427326741979043/?nic_v3=1a46A7tDG
• Loungewear set: https://www.brooklynblonde.com/2020/02/weekend-notes-oscar-sunday-the-t-swift-documentary-the-nuface
• Dress set: https://www.vogue.com/article/hailey-baldwin-glen-plaid-dressing-milan-fashion-week-celebrity-street-style
• Outerwear: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/753297475182076990/?nic_v3=1a46A7tDG
• Leather outerwear: https://footwearnews.com/2020/fashion/celebrity-style/hailey-baldwin-the-row-chunky-boots-coffee-1202940991/
• Blazer outerwear: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/51439620735281217/?nic_v3=1a46A7tDG 
• Outerwear style: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2284570/Make-free-Victorias-Secret-supermodel-Behati-Prinsloo-flashes-toned-tummy-hailing-cab.html