Fashion is all about balance. If you want to rock a bold lip color, chances are that you should go a little light on the eye makeup. Want something that shows a little more leg? Go more conservative on top to balance the top out! The idea of balance in style is what draws us so much to the concept of edgy-sweet looks, which are the perfect mean between overly rebellious and overly girly ensembles. Just by adding something structured to a flowing dress or a womanly detail to a skater-style outfit, you’ll have a perfectly coordinated costume without stressing about whether or not the accessories go together. Below, we’ve compiled a list of outfits that follow this pattern and have stood the test of time (or at least the past decade or so). Here are ten edgy-sweet outfit combos that’ll have you turning heads.
While the outfit below shows very little skin, it couldn’t be sassier or an ounce chicer! We are in love with the flattering cut of the dress, the way the studded booties show off just a bit of ankle, the boxy structure of the handbag (if only we could keep our that nice) and the distressed black leather jacket that hangs on the woman’s shoulders. Plus, while the outfit is completely black, it doesn’t look austere or spooky- the fade in the jacket, the studs in the shoes, and, of course, the white polka dots on the dress add a bit of daintiness to this look. Plus, the model’s chunky highlights add a bit of needed warmth (while not looking too artificial). Don’t have the cash to drop on highlights at the moment? Add a gold necklace, bracelet, or another accessory with a warmer shade to it to break up the coolness of the charcoal black.
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There’s no such thing as too many sweaters (or, if there is, we have yet to experience this dilemma). They’re comfy, they’re cozy, and they add a sweetness to any outfit without making the outfit look fragile. To take your favorite slouchy sweater to the next level, however, try adding a straight leather pencil skirt and some canvas shoes. This look goes equally well with ahead of perfect curls or with a bun you just tied moments before heading out the door. You can even throw on a jacket when it’s freezing outside or some nicer shoes for work and you’ll still look like a popular Instagram blogger.
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Graphic tees are never office appropriate- or so we thought, until stumbling across this brilliant combo! Simply by tucking in your favorite graphic tee shirt (granted it doesn’t have anything offensive on it) into a pair of slim jeans and adding a tailored, dark blazer on top, you’ll be ready for anything the day throws at you.
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We won’t lie- it takes a special kind of person to rock a maxi dress with a butterfly print (and this model is killing it), but adding a vintage denim jacket to any girly maxi dress (such as a floral print one) can add just the right amount of edge. To top the look off, get some aviators and heeled shoes (whether you prefer sandals or ankle boots). You’ll go from princess to cool girl in no time!
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Pleats have been making a huge comeback this past couple of years, and we adore them! For one thing, they’re flattering on almost every body type, for another, they’re low maintenance (no ironing), and lastly, they’re ultra-versatile! That same pleated skirt you may have worn for a wedding a few months back would look great with a classic pair of converse kicks and a structured jacket on top. Anyone for lunch at the farmer’s market?
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Miss Chloë Moretz is always a great example of the edgy-sweet style, and this particular look is one that anyone can recreate! All that’s required is a simple, demure dress (maybe a dark one with a hint of lace), preferably one that hits a bit past the knee. Then, add a plaid blazer that fits you well at the shoulders but is a little oversized at the waist. Not only will the blazer add a business-like element to your outfit, but its fit will add a bit of mystery and charm as well.
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The world of grown-up shirts (button-downs and blouses as opposed to tight tee-shirts) is quite a wonderful world indeed. When you’ve got a looser top like the one below, you can pair it with nearly anything, from jeans to skirts to linen shorts! A black blouse tucked into high-quality jeans with a pair of white Adidas (make sure to give them a quick once-over to check for stains) makes for an easy, gorgeous look that’ll have people crushing.
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Full-on ballerina skirts might not be for everyone, but tulle has come so much into fashion that we’re sure that there’ll be a fit that matches your style. And to keep the oh-so-lovely look from being overpoweringly cute, the modern moto jacket is here to save the day!
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Boyfriend: not necessary. Jeans: kinda necessary (at least for this look). We love the fit and strategic rips (just at the knee and no higher) in the jeans look below combined with the sweet shoes and button-down short-sleeved top. Who wouldn’t want to emulate such an effortless, fashion-forward outfit for themselves?
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This tip is a bit broader, but hear us out. Getting any sweet, understated piece in leopard print will add just the right amount of hutzpah while still keeping things elegant. Try out a leopard-print headscarf or a flowing skirt: you may just be wild about the result.
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