Wanna be like Rachel?
The "girl next door" look is all about capturing that elusive balance between looking completely effortless and subtly put together. The olden days were full of these quintessential girls, including Jennifer Aniston, Doris Day, and Meg Ryan. With that in mind, here are 20 tips to make yourself this approachable and attractive archetype.
1. Embrace the Power of the Basic Tee
The white or thinly striped tee is probably the signature piece of all girl-next-door outfits. You want it to be cotton, soft and well-fitted. Tuck it into your jeans loosely for an effortlessly put-together look that’s casual enough for running errands.
2. Opt for "Lived-In" Denim
Pair your top with some straight-leg or boyfriend jeans that have some wear to them. Steer clear of overly ripped, cropped, or skinny styles; instead, simple mid-to-light wash jeans are your best bet. Comfort is key, and these jeans should fit you like a dream.
3. Master the Soft-Blurred Lip
Skip glossy black lipstick and sharp lip liners in favor of a stained, swept-off look. Apply a tinted lip balm or clear lip stain to the center of your lips, then use your finger to blend the color towards the edges of your mouth. It should give you a healthy pop of color.
4. Invest in Lightweight Knitwear
An oversized cardigan or neutral-colored crewneck knit sweater is the perfect way to dress down your outfit. Throw it over your shoulders as the weather starts to cool, or wear it over a sundress to keep things sweet and simple. Feel free to buy cashmere, alpaca, or any fuzzy knit material that catches your eye.
5. Let Your Natural Texture Shine
Whether your hair is curly or straight, enhance your natural texture instead of trying to change it. A little bit of sea salt spray or hair oil can help accentuate your natural texture. Finish off your look with a low ponytail kicked out to one side, or a messy bun with a few hairs framing your face.
6. Focus on a Dewy Complexion
Heavy makeup will only hide your friendly personality, so opt for a tinted moisturizer or skin tint instead of foundation. You want your skin to look dewy and glowing, so highlight the high points of your cheeks with a cream highlighter. Keep your makeup light to show off your beautiful freckles.
7. Choose Simple Footwear
Pair your cute outfit with a pair of white sneakers or sleek leather loafers. Not only will your feet be comfortable if you’re running errands, but you’ll stay cohesive and chic from head to toe. Steer clear of tall heels and thick soles to keep your outfit low-key.
8. Use Minimalist Jewelry
Opt for thin gold hoop earrings, a small pendant necklace, or a ballet-inspired ring. You want your jewelry to be something you can wear every day and forget you’re even wearing. Nothing should stand out too much; your jewelry should instead add a slight sparkle to your whole look.
9. Prioritize a Groomed Brow
Whether your brows are thick or thin, brush them through with a spoolie and fill in any sparse areas with a brow pencil. You want them to look slightly messy and feathered, not too sculpted. An occasional touch of brow gel will hold your hair in place without looking too stiff.
Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash
10. Incorporate Classic Patterns
Classic prints like gingham, polka dots, and small florals can add some flair to your wardrobe. Try a baby pink gingham top with jeans, or wear a simple sundress with a small floral pattern. Trends will come and go, but you’ll always feel young and classic in prints like these.
11. Keep Your Nails Neat and Neutral
Go for short and trimmed nails painted in nude pinks or milky whites. You can even keep your nails bare with just a clear topcoat. The goal is to keep your fingers clean and looking healthy without drawing too much attention to your nails. There’s no need for flashy nail art or long acrylics to feel glamorous.
12. Experiment with "No-Makeup" Mascara
Want to keep your lashes long and voluminous without looking overdone? Brown or black mascara labelled “no makeup” mascara is great for separating your lashes while giving your eyes a softer look. It helps your eyes stand out without looking like you slathered on tons of black eyeliner.
13. Add a Touch of Cream Blush
Dabbing a bit of rosy or peachy cream blush onto the apples of your cheeks gives you a subtle glow. Cream formulas tend to melt into the skin better than powders, creating a seamless finish that looks like a natural flush rather than a layer of product. You can even swipe a tiny bit onto the bridge of your nose for a sun-kissed effect.
Vince Mariel Conlu on Unsplash
14. Wear Clothes That Actually Fit
While the girl-next-door style is relaxed, that doesn't mean your clothes should be ill-fitting or sloppy. Finding a tailor to nip in a waistline or hem a pair of pants can make a world of difference in how expensive your casual outfits look. When your clothes fit your proportions correctly, you’ll feel more confident and carry yourself with effortless grace.
15. Carry a Practical Bag
A medium-sized leather tote bag or basic canvas crossbody bag is great for storing your daily essentials and freeing up your hands. You want a bag that looks well-worn and functional as opposed to something you would only take out on special occasions. Stay away from bags with flashy branding or hardware.
16. Don't Forget the SPF
Arguably, the best beauty tip of them all is to never go out without applying sunscreen. Sun damage is one of the quickest ways to give yourself an aged or uneven skin tone. Keeping your skin protected from sun damage will have you looking years younger.
BATCH by Wisconsin Hemp Scientific on Unsplash
17. Layer with a Denim Jacket
Denim jackets are classic for a reason; they go with everything! You can pair a denim jacket with shorts for an edgy vibe or wear it over a cute top and skirt for added texture. Not to mention, a denim jacket can cosplay as a thrifted shirt if you wear it long enough.
18. Keep Your Fragrance Light
Spritz on something subtle that smells like sunshine and daisies. You want a scent that’s subtly strong enough, so people notice you when you walk by. Linear perfumes that smell like freshly washed laundry, citrus, or mild florals are great options.
19. Smile with Confidence
Speaking of walking by, there’s one thing that makes you way more beautiful than any luminescent highlighter ever could. Friendliness. Smiling and making eye contact will make you more attractive to those around you.
20. Stay Consistent with Your Style
The beauty of this aesthetic is its reliability, so don't feel pressured to jump on every passing trend that comes your way. Feel free to bend the rules if there are certain silhouettes or colors you don’t care for. You’ll always be the crisper version of yourself when you wear what suits you best.
