What Makes Up The “cool girl”?
As I walked down the street today, sipping my oat milk latte, I couldn't help but notice the sea of … cool girls.
There’s something effortlessly chic about the Cool Girl of 2024. She’s the type who looks like she just woke up, threw on some random pieces from her wardrobe, and strolled out of the house looking like she stepped out of a fashion editorial. But let’s be real—cool is never that effortless, right? There's a secret recipe behind the Cool Girl’s seemingly effortless vibe, and I’m here to break it down.
So, what exactly is the 2024 Cool Girl recipe? Let’s start with the basics:
The Perfect Baggy Jean
Now let’s talk pants, specifically, the baggy jean. And when I say baggy, I don’t mean your dad’s ’90s denim revival. No, this is the perfectly tailored baggy jean that says, “Yes, I am cool, but I still have my life together.” It’s the kind of denim that casually grazes the top of a pair of designer sneakers or vintage loafers—whichever matches her mood that day.
Think "French girl casual" meets "I thrifted this and didn’t spend $400 on it," even though we all know she did. It’s chic, it’s slightly oversized, and it’s got just enough slouch to make you question if you should size up in your own jeans.
Links: 99 Baggy Wide Leg , Bella Low Rise Boyfriend Jean
The Designer Bag (That Doesn't Scream 'Designer')
Of course, every 2024 Cool Girl needs a designer bag. But here’s the twist: it’s never the one with logos plastered all over it. Oh no, the Cool Girl’s designer bag is understated, minimal, and exudes the kind of luxury that whispers instead of shouts. Maybe it’s a Bottega pouch or a The Row crossbody—just enough designer to feel luxe but still grounded in a “Who, me? I just threw this on” vibe.
Bonus points if she finds a way to make it look like she could toss her entire life in there but only carries lip balm and a phone. Cool Girl magic.
Links: Bottega Mini Wallace , Chloe The 99 , The Row Half Moon
Vintage Sunnies (The Tinier, the Better)
No Cool Girl ensemble is complete without the vintage sunglasses. The smaller they are, the cooler she is—like she’s channeling a '90s supermodel on her day off. Whether they’re actual vintage from a thrift store in Paris or a very convincing modern-day replica, they give off that “I wear these for the aesthetic, not the sun protection” energy. Think Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
Links: Le Specs ($75) , Prada ($475) , Oliver Peoples ($524)
Hair That Looks ‘Lived In’ (But Was Probably Coaxed By a Stylist)
And finally, no Cool Girl aesthetic is complete without that lived-in hair. You know, the kind that looks like she rolled out of bed and into a blowout without even trying. It’s tousled just enough like she spent a week in Montauk with salty air swirling around her but has never actually set foot on a beach. It’s an art form, really—effortless waves, a little volume at the crown, and maybe a claw clip because she’s so chill.
The secret? Probably three styling products and a really good hair dryer, but you didn’t hear it from me.
So, what makes the 2024 Cool Girl so cool?
It’s the art of balancing the right products, the perfect pieces, and the attitude of, “Oh, this old thing? I’ve had it forever.” The Rhode Peptide lip gloss shines, the baggy jeans hang in just the right way, and the vintage sunnies are worn with the precision of someone who’s read the fashion forecast and decided to ignore it because she’s already two steps ahead.
Cool Girl style is all about the appearance of spontaneity—while secretly curating every piece with precision. And let’s be honest, we love her for it.
There you have it—the 2024 Cool Girl aesthetic, decoded. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be over here trying to perfect that “I woke up like this” look... by setting six alarms, applying my Vaseline lip balm, and tossing on my perfect pair (ripped and incredibly unflattering) pair of baggy jeans.
