If there’s one thing I’m undeniably good at in life, it’s being lazy. There is nothing I love more than embracing my inner sloth. Not in the I don’t want to leave my bed or brush my teeth sense, but in the I want everything done in the quickest and easiest way possible sense. The less effort required in life the better I say, and when it comes to getting dressed, it’s no different.
Unless I’m dressing up for date night or going to a special event, there’s a pretty high chance I’ll be rocking ‘lazy girl chic’. A look that I define as minimum effort, maximum comfort but still Insta-worthy. “Minimal effort yet still insta-worthy?!” I hear you gasp. Yes, it may sound like an impossible feat, but when you’re a lazy girl, you can find a way to make absolutely anything possible if it means it’ll make life easier.
So, if you’re the kind of girl who re-wears the same sweatshirt and leggings combo day in, day out to ensure you don’t break a sweat looking for a different outfit to wear, then today’s your lucky day.
Here is my fool-proof lazy girl formula to looking chic, to help you exert as little brain power as possible when planning what to wear. You’re most welcome.
Rule 1: Co-ords are the holy grail
My number one non-negotiable rule when it comes to looking stylish when you’re feeling a little slob-like is that a co-ord should be your first port-of-call. Not only does it take away all the pressure of doing any mental fashion gymnastics to try and find a matching outfit, but it just instantly creates the façade of looking put together and effortlessly cool.
Whether you’re going for brunch with the girls, watching so much Netflix you’ve started to merge into the sofa, or you’re going into the office, a co-ord will have you looking as if you have your life together even if you don’t – a little white lie never hurt anyone.
Rule 2: Ankle socks over trainer socks
If you’re a leggings lover – and let’s be honest, if you’re a lazy girl like me then you most definitely will be – then a super-quick win for looking like you’ve put a bit of thought into your outfit is to pair your trainers and leggings with some cool ankle socks.
Instead of your old holey trainer socks that are giving high school P.E., get your hands on some Nike, Gymshark or Adanola ankle socks for a classic, sporty girl look, or get some pastel coloured ones like this Skinny Dip pair to inject some fun into your outfit.
Rule 3: Claw clips are an essential
We all know what a drama hair wash day is, it’s the ultimate lazy girl plight. So, 99% of the time it’s easier to just chuck our hair in a messy bun and go about our day resembling a bird’s nest.
However, if there’s one thing that Sofia Richie has taught us, it’s the power of the slicked bun. Good hairspray, a middle parting and a claw clip can hide a multitude of sins. The five-minute hairstyle should go down in the lazy girl hall of fame for its ability to turn you from looking like a hot mess to a put-together princess.
Rule 4: If in doubt, chuck on a cap
Following on from the blessing that is the claw clip, if for whatever reason the former just isn’t working for you, then a slogan cap should be your second option. There’s no everyday outfit that a good cap can’t make instantly more cool. Whether you need to hide some greasy roots, shade a morning-after-the-night-before face, or you just want to look like an off-duty model hiding from the paps, then a cap will answer all your prayers.
Rule 5: Always choose a structured bag
Whilst every man and his dog loves the Uniqlo bum bag and I can’t deny its universal appeal, when the rest of my outfit is more relaxed, I tend to go for a slightly more structured bag to make my overall outfit look a little more polished.
The timeless COS leather swing bag is the best of both worlds as it’s got the style of a bum bag whilst the structure makes it look more sophisticated. A little 90s style shoulder bag is also a great way elevate your outfit, and whilst a lazy girl should never have to carry more than her phone and a lipgloss, a tote bag is perfect if you have a few extra bits you need to get from A to B.
Rule 6: Hoop earrings are life
Hoop earrings should be worn with every outfit, whether you’re walking the dog or running a marathon and that is a hill I will die on. Ok, there may be some health and safety issues with the above statement but a gorgeous hoop is worth the risk.
The same goes for minimalistic necklaces or bracelets, accessorising even the most basic of outfits with some classic jewellery will make it look 10x chicer and more considered. The best part is if you go for dainty pieces, you can even sleep in them, so once your jewellery is on you won’t have to think about it ever again – what more could a lazy girl want?
Rule 7: Bombers are out, blazers are in
Instead of reaching for your nearest hoodie or bomber jacket every time you go to leave the house, there are three alternatives I like to go for instead. An oversized white or striped shirt, an oversized blazer or a trench coat. Each will add some structure and an air of sophistication to your outfit and look great paired with a lazy girl favourite combo – leggings and a sports bra.
Rule 8: Comfort is key
Last but not least, comfy underwear is essential to being a lazy girl, so it’s time to ditch the underwired bras and lacey thongs and trade them for something a little more comfortable. No, I’m not saying chuck out all your sexy lingerie – keep that for when you’re feeling anything but lazy. However, it’s time to invest in some underwear that feels like a second skin, and that you don’t want to rip off the minute you get back home. These are my favourites: