Men, Einstein or Sweats?

Everyday we endeavour to get that effortless look, to appear to have just thrown something on but still look fabulous. But its hard, when we are bound to dress codes and clothing rules; sadly and ironically, it can take much time and struggle. There is the classic no red with pink and the double denim rule is tricky to perfect. Then there are those harem type items that have their own how to wear rule book. Its exhausting!

But the main problem is facing far too much choice. Being offered cheap and accessible mass produced clothing has resulted in our wardrobes becoming full and incomprehensible. Its no wonder we fall back on our favorite reliable pieces, wearing them again and again. But what about the rest? I have many beautiful clothes that deserve to be worn yet are overshadowed by ease. Can we ever take the effort out of effortless?

Taking lead from the men in our life could be the way in. Possibly not by substituting for a thoughtless jean and t-shirt/check shirt ensemble but instead adopting the psychology behind their clothing decisions. There will be no umming and arring, just a simple 'pick up the first thing you see' and put it on. However, I found it too hard to become so easily negligent after years of thought, and after all I find it hard to agree that this version of 'effortlessness' is a good thing when men only strive to step out in Hollister and Abercrombie.
Alternatively, after reading a piece in Vogue not all is lost with men. Could Einstein have the answer to not only modern physics but fashion as well? He wore the same thing everyday without thought and with ease. We should make it like cartoon characters and have one signature outfit. One dress or a pair of trousers that look so good you would never want to wear anything else but. If only it could be this simple in our celebrity filled world where clothes are disposable and it is deplorable to be seen in any item more than once. As a person I find this unnecessary, as a student, it is impossible. Ah! So now I know what to blame for my piled Primark filled wardrobe in an attempt to always look fresh. But hold on there, we could be on the right track. Quality seems surely better than quantity, so buy less clothes but spend more on them. They will look so much better than Primark mush and you end up with less clothing in the wardrobe to search through.

What if we do overcome this preliminary wardrobe quandary; still, how do we overcome the working look of effortless? Body cons may make my legs look great but when walking up a steep hill, fidgeting my hands towards the ground to pull the fabric down every few steps hardly screams graceful woman. But if we did give in to comfort and ease rather than perceived fashion, we would all be happily walking around in sweats and baggy jumpers. Although an unrealistic fantasy, it holds some truth as my confidence is often stemmed from the simple comfort of jeans and a jumper.

So lets take a look at the queen of effortless. The Moss knows how to dress well and always does it simply, never looks too forced. She uses denim well - we should all have the perfect pair of skinnies and hot pants for the easy, thrown on look. You don't always have to brush your hair to make it look good and her love of clashing looks is so desirable. Though designers love to dress her, she doesn't always look on trend - "clothes go in and out of fashion, but that's not style. Style has to be classic," says the Moss herself. I say choose clothes that you love and make you look great. From this point onwards, I will never think when looking in the mirror, is this now? Only does this look nice?

Kate Moss with opposing tough Christopher Kane leathers with a delicate floaty blouse

Yet it is hard to stay away from trend when it does look good. Perhaps the new season minimalist feel holds the answer to our clothing qualms in the morning. A reduced palette of colours with simple shapes - where can you go wrong? My first purchase into ladylike elegance is the highly coveted Topshop camel cape, my compensatory purchase as I grudgingly welcome the colder months. Yes it may be the last thing you think about putting on, in that so it doesn't solve the first layer problem but it will elegantly slip over my chunky winter knits and jumpers. So ample it will smooth over any lumps or bumps while the light timeless camel hue works with anything. So effortlessly chic, I can fling it over my shoulders, leaving the sleeves loose, running out the door without a last glance in the mirror to face the freeze.

Topshop camel cape

After all this is the epitome of effortless. Knowing that you look good without needing that check in the mirror, or that trip to powder your nose. Only a slight pinch of energy is needed to choose clothes that you know suit and fit you well. And of course have fun with your clothes, even if designers want us to grow up so fast!