FASHION SECRETS TO STEAL FROM STYLE ICON YARA SHAHIDI

At only 23 years old, actress and activist Yara Shahidi has taken the Hollywood scene by storm captivating us with her endearing roles on the screen I’m talking about Zoey Johnson on Black-ish and protagonist to its college spinoff Grown-ish. When it comes to Yara art truly does imitate life, just like her character Zoey has dazzled us every episode with her remarkable sense of style, Yara holds that torch in real life continuing to thrill us with breathtaking ensembles each time she steps out.

She manages to effortlessly give off cool girl vibes in everything she wears. In this article I’m here to sooth that closet envy by break down the style secrets this style icon has mastered that we too can incorporate into our own closets.

Yara is the style queen at versatility. Her style is as dynamic as the young star herself has proved to be we’ve seen her rock leather, satin, fringe, heavy fabric to more delicate and feminine looks. She can dress up and dress down like a pro. A lot of times we end up excessively buying the clothes that we easily gravitate to because of the comfort and safety we’ve come to associate with them like jeans only to end up standing in front of the closet frustrated about not having what to wear to a special occasion, date, an interview or just plain bored with what we have in our closet. Versatility is just the right antidote for that dreaded closet funk. Build your closet around having different type of pieces to choice from for different functions, occasions and seasons. Start out with the basics and closet staples. A well fitted pair of jeans, a wrap dress, a button down shirt, a pair of heels, a little black dress are some of those wardrobe staples we could all use. Next add pieces that venture out of that everyday uniform even if you know yourself to gravitate towards jeans and t-shirts, pants over dresses, or comfy sneakers over heels you’ll be glad to have something that fits that special occasion when it comes around. A wrap dress is one of those versatile garments that can be dressed down or up to be worn for various occasions.

Make a statement with the clothes that you wear

Far from being simply vapid and superficial as it’s often been dismissed to be, fashion has historically been powerful vehicle for social movements. Take the women of the Black Panther movement and their Afros. An activist and graduate of Harvard University with a major in African American studies, Yara has often donned pieces that make visual statements about social causes that are close to her heart like the Hstry t-shirt she wore to Glamour’s The Girl project in New York city night that read “RESPECT EXISTENCE OR EXPECT RESISTANCE.” paired with a red skirt and beige heels.

What is it that you want the world to know? Let your clothes do the talking.

Wear elevated classics.

Yara Shahidi might be a gen-z but she sure knows the value of classics. The whit button shirt, denim, you name it. However, Yara does classics with a twist by wearing these pieces crafted in an elevated way. Like a white buttoned down shirt with puffed sleeve and She knows how pair her classics with more modern-chic pieces. To find unique pieces embrace thrift-shopping this is wear you’ll find the kind of unique, one of a kind pieces that aren’t on the rails. Incorporate vintage pieces that will never go out of style, raid your mom’s closet, sweet talk your way into getting your hands on some r timeless pieces and style them in a refreshed modern way.

Be creative and playful with your outfits.

Fashion is a form of art. Treat your body like a converse to showcase your inner creativity through is your fashion sense. She has mastered pairing contrasting pieces together and Paradoxical plays with texture and fabric. Mash up of print .and she plays with geometry like a pro

She’s explorative and this is what keeps us hooked wondering what stunner she is going to be donning next. Be daring and show off your unique individuality by getting creative how you put together your outfits there’s an over saturation of expensive trends but rather than being a follower standout by styling your looks in interesting unique ways. Add some quirky elements to your looks .under wear as outer wear is an interesting unexpected way that instantly makes you look hipper and sure to make people take a double take when you walk by. Try wearing a bustier or a lace camisole atop a conservative long sleeved shirt, socks worn with pointed stilettos these are some of the things that will give your outfits character.

She does sultry tastefully.

She knows how show hints of skin without being overly risqué. Remember a little goes a long way. Give a little peek-a-boo and maintain some mystery, a corset paired up with boyfriend jeans, create allure with red lipstick, a sheer top, a pair of sizzling stilettos, lace. Sultry can be done in a subtle but undoubtedly alluring manner.

Draw inspiration for your outfits

At the 2019 met gala she explained that her look paid homage to dancer Josephine Barker. She’s also told magazine that her looks are often inspired by history which is something that she loves as a self confessed nerd. Look outside the conventional such as social media when it comes to style inspiration to have a more unique lens to look from when putting together outfits.

Embrace bold colour.

Black is elegant but if you really want to stand out you’ve got to add some colour to your closet and Yara Shahidi’s name is synonymous with bold colour outfits. Her love for eye-popping colours gives her outfit a youthful flair. She’s told Elle magazine “I love vibrant colours....they help me take up space, especially in grand settings that can be nerve-wracking as a young 20 year old.” Dress as the person you want to be and for how you want to be perceived. This means thinking about the intention behind your outfit. Ask yourself as your stand before your closet to select a look for the day, how do I want to feel today? Do you want to feel confident, powerful, feminine...?. Bright colors are also good as a pick me up for your mood on the days that you need one, wear a bright yellow, a sultry red number and watch how it brings a skip to your step.

Pay attention to detail.

Whatever she is wearing be it a red carpet gown or a t-shirt and jeans, Yara’s outfits are eye-catching for all the meticulous detail that goes into them. to achieve the same effect accessorize with unique finds like an embroidered purse, a bucket bag, this will give even a simple understated outfit like t-shirt and jeans or a little black dress that je ne sais quoi that Yara exudes. It helps to go for traditional shopping over online shopping when you want to be detail oriented with your buys. In a store you get to take a closer look to notice the details of buttons, the zip, the embroidery of a garment and so much more. This experience cannot be duplicated when shopping online. Detail should also go in how you wear your pieces, like wearing your t-shirt in half tuck to achieve a laid back look.

Yara Shahidi will be serving us her Iconic looks for years to come and we are religiously watching and taking notes.