For every day we spend perfecting the art of looking insouciantly—but not embarrassingly—scruffy, we like to invest equal amounts of time thinking about how to smarten up our act and be a little more, you know, ladylike. We're not talking about strings of pearls, sky-high heels at all times and aging skirt suits, but rather cracking the code of feeling pulled together in something as simple as a blazer and jeans (that combination is back on the fashion radar, by the way).
There are certain girls who have this kind of ability practically engrained in their DNA, but being chic isn't genetically coded, it's something you can achieve by paying attention. So, if you're in the market to up your fashion game now or in the future, we'd recommend taking some pointers from the following women. They're the ones who always appear to be nothing short of impeccable in every Instagram snap or blog post. The types who wouldn't be caught in joggers unless they're silk, from Chloé and worn with stilettos.
Scroll down to see the most sophisticated girls we follow on Instagram, then keep going to shop our chosen super-chic buys…
Avenue32.com's founder, Roberta Benteler, always strikes the perfect balance between adventurous and super glossy. Yes, she's great at picking up on hot new labels (like the Macgraw lace top and blue velvet Rejina Pyo skirt pictured here) but with her slicked-back hair, red lipstick, high heels and glamorous sunglasss, these bold new pieces are suitably tamed into a sophisticated realm.
Key Buy: A Smart Skirt
This Russian fashion expert knows just how to dress a classic item up. See this suede trench coat for starters: With a neat but unusual little bag (thank Loewe for that), statement kitten heels and cocktail earrings for day, this versatile piece of outerwear looks anything but boring.
Key Buy: A Pair of Neutral-but-Statement Earrings
Photographer, blogger and fashion consultant Tamu even looks good in her extensive wardrobe of athletic gear, so it's no wonder her skills translate well to those tricky trends like pajama dressing. Here she ups the ante by wearing the silky two-piece with extra-slick slip-on mules, a natty handbag and—most important—that infectious smile.
Key Buy: Chic Slip-Ons
We're more than a bit obsessed with illustrator Jenny Walton right now. With her furry coats and vintage-style clip-on earrings, much of her wardrobe looks like it's been lifted from a glamorous 1950s duchess, but with the flash of a modern ankle boot or an OTT twinkle of a metallic pleated skirt, she brings old-fashioned glamour into the here and now.
Key Buy: A Retro Fur Coat
Blogger and creative Shini Park of Park and Cube is the kind of girl who could tempt even the most arch outrageous stylers to consider being a minimalist. She makes it interesting with asymmetric hemlines, noticeably alternative accessories and luxe fabrics.
Key Buy: Wide-Leg Trousers
Whenever we feel like channeling our inner Upper East Sider, style blogger Blair Eadie and her blog, Atlantic Pacific, is always our first stop. She's perfectly prim without ever being twee and knows just how to include a wildcard trend into her existing closet—take this band jacket as a good example.
Key Buy: Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Blogger Peony Lim brings together the most classic sensibilities of French and British style into one gorgeous mêlée: So the foundations of this look are very Parisian, but add in her selection of standout accessories and you can see where the eclectic London vibes start to reveal themselves.
Key Buy: A Detailed Black Bag
If any girl could give Carrie Bradshaw a run for her money in 2016, it's Jenny Bernheim of Margo and Me. This American cutie is never knowingly underdressed, can twirl in a frock like no other and is more than capable of wearing the sweetest ensembles without look saccharine.
Key Buy: A Super-Pretty Frock
What fashion advice are you looking for right now? Let us know in the comments box below…
