Fashion month is in full swing, which means we’re all drowning in street style slide shows. From Vogue to Man Repeller, all our favorite online fashion digs are comin’ in hot with sartorial highlights from New York, London, Milan and Paris. And for good reason—it goes without saying that fashion girls have great style. I mean, it’s their job. But what about art girl style?
While style in the fashion world is all about the edge of the avant-garde, we’d argue that art girl style is more timeless. It’s less about turning heads through sheer shock factor and more about the subtle harmonizing of colors, shapes and silhouettes. You know, kind of like art.
And if you’re still doubting that art girl style is the best there is, here are 10 ‘Grams that prove our point.
We’re kicking off strong with this blood-red kimono moment with subtle matching lips. Unlike anything Kylie Jenner can sell you, Apolonia Sokol’s lips look vibrant and natural. A classic, understated yet stunning art girl style-meets-beauty moment.
California painter Paige Strabala is the only person on IG who makes me hate Valentine’s Day a little less. A fashion girl could totally rock a sexy Alice in Wonderland look, but could she make it look tasteful and elegant? Methinks not.
Natacha Paschal makes a strong case for matching your lips to your tee. This casual chic look, complete with rumpled French-girl hair, proves that less is always more. Art girls know that most days, all you need to look fabulous is some perfectly fitting jeans and a trusty white tee. And when it comes to accessories, think outside the box. A funky jelly bag and a matching San Pellegrino bottle go a long way. It’s all in the details, ladies.
Is anyone really surprised that the artist who painted Michelle Obama’s portrait has killer style? Amy Sherald may be the only person in this universe who can rock vertical stripes and cat-eye glasses at the same time.
Stop what you’re doing: yellow blazer alert! And… wait… could it be? A double blazer? With a turtleneck underneath?! It shouldn’t work, but it does. Match point for art girl style, courtesy of Kimberly Drew.
Another outfit that defies the laws of fashion physics. Emma Kohlmann makes fanny packs work, and not in the streetwear-y way that everyone and their Maltese is rocking these days. Would you believe that a green, one-shoulder bandage mini-dress, a black fanny pack, a white, wide-brimmed hat, orange socks and velvet animal print boots could look hotter than Paris Hilton circa 2001? You gotta see it to believe it, ladies.
I don’t know what’s more impressive, this outfit or the fact that Isa Beniston claims she’s managed to wear a version of it for a month straight. I mean, who owns 30 smiley face sweaters? Or 30 geometric sweaters? Or even 30 sweaters? Mind blown.
Art girl style is nothing if not DIY. Make friends with fashion girls and borrow their Chanel… or make friends with art girls like Fatima Nieto and borrow their homemade cellophane dresses. The choice is yours.
Or, if cellophane isn’t your thing, consider knits. This mermaid/Grim Reaper look by Olek could be just the thing for your next night out.
The great Indian painter Amrita Sher-Gil, famous for her scandalous depiction of women’s bodies, also happened to have spot-on style. Look up her work on your own time, but right now, let’s talk about her beauty look for a second. To begin with, you could slice an apple into perfect quarters with that center part. And stick those eyebrows on a pale pink background and they could be a Glossier ad.
Images via @apolonia_painter, @paigestrabala, @natachapaschal, @asherald, @museummammy, @meiow_mix, @gentlethrills, @timakkuma, @oleknyc, @jenniferhiggie
