My Friend Asked Me What Items Achieve the Cool-Girl Aesthetic—I Said These 5

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(Image credit: @nitsanraiter)

Let’s face it. Many of us just want to look cool. But not cool in the way that looks like we woke up and did everything in our power to look cool but cool in the way that we just casually rolled out of bed exuding utter coolness. Now, I can’t say that I have quite mastered the art of exuding utter coolness, but I have used my eye for trends and all of my fashion resources, from TikTok to Vogue Runway, to figure out some items that can help me get that desired cool-girl aesthetic. I’m seeing tons of early adopters integrate five items into their wardrobes to up the coolness factor of their looks, and many of them are on the affordable side. Sporty speed sunnies, over-your-head headphones, lots of gold jewelry, knee-high boots, and tube tops (a Y2K staple). These items are so simple and easy to wear, and you may already have them in your closet.

Keep scrolling to see which cool-girl items are filling my cart and how I’m styling them.

Sporty Speed Sunglasses

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(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

These glasses just scream cool. They have a total Kim Kardashian vibe, as though you just landed on some exotic private island or you’re running from one super-cool New York event to another. I love how you can just throw these on with a white tank and loose pants, and you automatically look and feel cooler.

Over-the-Head Headphones

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(Image credit: @champangemani)

Move over, AirPods. I’m here for the nostalgic feel of the over-the-head headphones. They have a retro vibe that gives your outfit a bit of personality. I’m browsing for a pair as we speak.

Gold Jewelry

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(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

I may be a little biased when it comes to this item because I am fully obsessed with gold jewelry. I’ve just never really been a fan of silver and think gold looks the best against my skin and is the ultimate luxe metal. Add some layered necklaces, some cool rings, or simple hoops to any look to take things up a notch.

Knee-High Boots

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(Image credit: @hoskelsa)

A great pair of knee-high boots is a wardrobe essential. I know when we think of boots, our mind tends to go to fall/winter, but you can actually style them all year round. I recommend investing in a good pair of knee-high boots. They add a bit of allure to any look, and they scream cool.

Tube Tops

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(Image credit: @emmaleger )

Tube tops have been everywhere lately, and I’m not mad about it. This Y2K staple top is the new It-girl go-to basic. Style with a midi skirt, cargo pants, jeans, and a leather belt or virtually anything in your closet.

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Assistant Editor

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Grace has always been a lover of all things fashion and beauty. Upon receiving her first degree in visual communications from FIDM in Los Angeles, she moved to New York City and continued her education at LIM College, majoring in fashion media with a minor in society and culture. Grace has worked for PhotoBook magazine, Insider, and Harper's Bazaar. As a writer, Grace has had pieces published covering topics including racial justice, fashion, politics, and current events. During her free time, she loves wine tasting, creating content for her social media, spending time with friends, traveling to new places, and Pilates, and has a love for reality television, especially The Real Housewives. Grace is the person in your friend group everyone goes to for recommendations for the best place to grab drinks in NYC on a Friday night or the best hotels and restaurants to try when traveling to a new city. While fashion is her main love, she loves all things wellness and lifestyle as well. Her ideal sunday is brunching with friends then walking around furniture shopping and listening to a podcast. As the assistant shopping editor at Who What Wear, Grace loves finding the best buys out there for the WWW readers.