How to Embrace and Style the Messy Look

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Embracing the messy look in fashion is all about striking the balance between effortlessness and intention. This trend, which leans heavily into a relaxed and carefree vibe, allows women to express themselves without the constraints of polished or overly curated outfits. Here’s how you can master the art of looking stylishly undone, while still keeping it chic and on-trend.

Relaxed, Oversized Pieces

One of the foundations of the messy look is oversized clothing that exudes comfort and casual ease. Here’s how to style them:

Oversized Sweaters and Shirts: Pair an oversized sweater or button-down shirt with skinny jeans or leggings to balance out proportions. Let the sleeves drape loosely and opt for half-tucking the shirt for an effortlessly cool vibe.

Wide-Leg Trousers or Boyfriend Jeans: Go for wide-leg trousers or boyfriend jeans, allowing them to bunch slightly at the ankle. Pair with fitted tops or crop tops to maintain a flattering silhouette.

Layering with Intentional Disarray

Layering plays a crucial role in the messy look, but it’s important to ensure the layers look deliberately mismatched rather than sloppy.

Mixed Textures: Combine different textures, like pairing a soft cashmere sweater over a slip dress, or layering a denim jacket over a silk blouse. The contrast creates visual interest while maintaining a laid-back feel.

Visible Underlayers: Let your underlayers peek out beneath your main outfit. Think of a long-sleeved top under a slip dress or a flannel shirt tied around your waist over distressed jeans.

Distressed and Frayed Details

Nothing says “stylishly messy” like distressed or frayed fabrics.

Distressed Denim: A staple in the messy look, distressed jeans or denim shorts can be styled with a loose graphic tee or a flowy blouse. Ripped knees, frayed hems, and slouchy fits create that lived-in, effortless aesthetic.

Raw Hem Edges: Look for jackets, skirts, and pants with raw hems that give off an undone and carefree vibe.

Intentionally Untidy Tucking and Rolling

The way you tuck or roll your clothes can significantly enhance the messy look.

Half-Tucked Shirts: Instead of a perfect tuck, only tuck in one side of your shirt or blouse. This gives the impression of a “just threw this on” attitude.

Rolled-Up Sleeves and Pants: Roll up your sleeves messily, allowing a little asymmetry. Similarly, cuff the bottoms of your jeans haphazardly to showcase ankle boots or sneakers.

Effortlessly Slouched Outerwear

Outerwear in the messy look should never feel stiff or perfectly fitted.

Slouchy Coats: Go for oversized blazers, trench coats, or duster jackets with a slouchy, relaxed fit. Drape them over your shoulders without fully putting them on for an effortlessly cool feel.

Unstructured Blazers: Choose blazers that are oversized and slightly oversized. They can be paired with more fitted pieces to keep the look intentional rather than sloppy.

Accessorize with Carefree Vibes

Accessories for the messy look should follow the “less is more” approach, with a focus on items that appear effortlessly thrown together.

Messy Hair and Loose Buns: Complement your outfit with a messy bun or loose, wavy hair. Think of styles that seem undone but are stylish in their simplicity.

Minimalist Jewelry: Opt for dainty, minimalist pieces that enhance the casual nature of the look. Midi rings, thin necklaces, or layered bracelets work well to add a touch of sophistication.

Casual Footwear: Sneakers, loafers, or even chunky sandals complete the relaxed vibe. Look for shoes that are comfortable and can be worn with a variety of outfits.

Neutral and Muted Color Palettes

A messy look thrives on neutral, muted colors that reflect a laid-back attitude.

Earthy Tones: Opt for colors like beige, olive, navy, and grey. These tones keep the look subtle and avoid the overly bold statements that could shift the focus away from the messy styling.

Monochrome Layers: Wearing the same color in different shades or textures can create an effortless but put-together appearance. For example, layering various shades of grey in different fabrics (like denim, cotton, and knit) creates depth while keeping things cohesive.

Here are some product recommendations to help you achieve the perfect messy look in style:

Lucky Brand Oversized Tunic $27.99