Photo: Tre Thomas

You know how you watch Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, or Basketball Wives LA (don’t sit here and act like you don’t, I know you) and the actors are wearing bodycon dresses, Fashion Nova sets, and Ru Paul level makeup contouring at 10 AM? I hate that shit. It begs the question, why? I will admit that it has always been easier for me to dress up than to dress down. Maybe it’s my southern upbringing, or my shady ass grandmother, but I do not like to leave the house without looking put together; however, it’s beyond unnecessary to look like an Instagram model at all times. I personally do not enjoy looking like I’m trying to catch the attention of a local rapper, or reality star, but if that’s your thing then you wear that smokey eye and red lip at noon sis, but this post probably isn’t for you. If that’s not you, then follow me. There is a such thing as an effortless slay. It’s the happy medium betwixt dressy and casual, whereby you look polished but not pressed, and I promise it’s really easy.

Makeup

Photo: Tre Thomas

If you don’t believe in a full face of makeup, then don’t do one. At the very least groom your brows, add some mascara, and some manner of lip color.  This shouldn’t take you longer than 15 minutes to execute, and if it does you’re doing it wrong. Red is my go to power lip color. It feels like a shield of armor for me. On days where I need to be more toned down, I go for a pinkish nude. Go to Sephora, get some samples, and find your power color.  If you add just a little color to your lip, it really looks like you give a damn even if you’re wearing sweats.  If you like a full face all day everyday (like myself) for the love of God know that there is a difference between day time and night time makeup. An effortless look requires just that, less effort. Heavy contouring before the sun has set is a no. A bold eye, and a bold lip is a no. Go for neutrals, and add a pop of color with your lip if you need an extra boost.

The Statement Piece

Photo: Tre Thomas

I freaking love fur. Real or fake, I love it. It looks so luxurious, and sophisticated. I honestly think that you can add fur to a garbage bag, and I’ll be like “Hmmm I kinda like it for some reason.” Adding an accent piece is what creates the slay factor in a casual look. This can be a statement necklace, a fur stole, a metallic skirt, a fun outerwear piece, cool glasses, etc. You really just need one piece to make the look pop, because you’re going to balance the drama of that piece with toned down things. This outfit is basically jeans and a shirt. It’s the stole and the red lip that add the slay factor.

White T-Shirts

Photo: Tre Thomas

I cannot live without white shirts. I don’t think you can ever have enough of them, and they are my cop out every time I can’t think of a shirt to wear, which is often because shirts rarely fit the way I want them to. A white shirt can go with damn near anything, and it’s an easy way to make it look like you’re not trying very hard to pull a look off. The key is finding the fit and the neckline that agrees with you most. I’m wearing an American Apparel off the shoulder bodysuit here. Exposed shoulders was a major trend this past season, and it’s one that actually works for me, unlike those cropped flare jeans. Who the hell are those for? But I digress. If you are prone to spills, then white may not be your go to t-shirt color. A grey or black t-shirt will give you the same effect. Just keep it neutral. Remember, our goal here is to look cool and casual.

Shoes

Photo: Tre Thomas

You are not Mariah Carey, so no one expects for you to wear sky high stilettos all day everyday. If you can, then great! I; however, work in Manhattan and it’s not possible to wear the heels I want to wear during my commute. But wherever possible, I throw on as high a heel as I can stand (pun intended). Your shoes anchor your look, so a heel (even if it’s moderate) can tie everything together. It’s possible to do this with a sneaker as well, but it has to be a dope one, and it has to make sense with the rest of the look. Everything in fashion is about balance. You can balance out your statement necklace with a more casual shoe. Or if you’re going light on the accessories, then add a more dressy shoe (like I did here). Remember the strappy sandals I wore a few posts ago? Those were buy one get some ridiculous percentage off at Steve Madden this time last year, and this is the other pair.  Not sure if they have this exact one anymore, but there’s a similar style here.  One of my favorite jewelry designers Drew Ginsburg is a master at effortless edgy style. Scroll through her Instagram for some inspo.

All of these simple elements combine to give you a polished look that makes you look intentional and effortless on the day to day.