Sometimes Cool Girl Aesthetic makes me sad. Because, you know, I’m a millennial. I’m not a girl. Most of the time, people don’t want to be called a girl. For the most part, girls are universally underrated and underestimated – and just generally not taken seriously enough. This is dumb. When I was a girl, I knew – knew in my bones – what I wanted and went after it. I had so many passions. And I felt and I LIVED.
I miss being a girl, and today, I very much want to be a cool girl. And it’s been a while since anyone called me one. I’m a woman. Ma’am, if you will. Still not taken seriously, just older. I know, despite its moniker, Cool Girl Aesthetic isn’t just for for the young. It ubiquitously defines a person who is never out of style – always effortlessly put together. They could grab anything from their wardrobe (probably something leopard from Ganni), throw it on, and look chic.
But I want to spread the message far and wide that we shouldn’t be ashamed of adopting the Cool Girl Aesthetic as ma’ams. Because there are some sleek brands delivering some exceptional cool girl looks for women who want to get that aspirational, effortlessly chic khaite/The Row look but for less money.
Read on for the three brands I am currently bookmarking, and check out my favorite pieces that are sitting oh so patiently in my shopping carts.
Source Unknown
For women in their 30s and 40s seeking chic sophistication at a reasonable price point, Source Unknown is a gem worth exploring. Imagine the allure of luxury labels like The Frankie Shop, Paloma Wool, and Nanushka, but with price tags that won’t break the bank. Source Unknown redefines wardrobe essentials with its collection of versatile staples. From well-tailored blazers to effortlessly chic dresses, each piece is designed to elevate your everyday style. Mix and match with ease, knowing that Source Unknown has your back with pieces that seamlessly transition from day to night.
More than anyone, this brand gets that the hourglass shape is IT right now or at least it gets that I love it and it’s so flattering. Another thing I’m loving? Brushed alpaca. Get me a big brushed alpaca cardigan or turtleneck right now, please, so I can live in it forever. But but a brushed alpaca skirt, also? Brilliant. I’m loving their flattering Bustier jersey tee, khaite inspired brown suede coat. Their drop shoulder top will look great with a wide leg pleated pant and chunky shoe. And this sweater dress is the ultimate perfect piece to throw on when you don’t feel like trying but want to look put together.
Toit Volant
I’ve posted before about brands women over 40 should shop, and Toit Volant, while of course for everyone, shamefully got left off the list.
Instagram told me that I would like their darling Eve Luca Dress, and Instagram was right. Toit Volant touts itself as contemporary and affordable high-end apparel (hello! that’s my whole thing!). It’s Los Angeles-based designer, Alnea Farahbella says, “her goal is to create powerful clothing that is built to last, crafted with quality and sustainability in mind.” I personally love all of the flattering ruching detail that allows for the covered up looks to still give sexy.
And I am pretty into this limited edition (get it while you can!) Beaumount “Pheonix Rising” fully fashion knitwear sweater. It practically screams, “You will get compliments every 5 seconds, if you wear this.” Because they are quality pieces, the fits are exquisite and ones you will treasure. Check out some of my faves below.
Saint Art
Saint Art is a pretty new label that I recently discovered (ehem, Instagram told me) in the last year. In my head I’ve defined it as “approachable streetwear,” but I was pleasantly suprised to learn that is is also sustainable. It uses dead-stock fabrics and a fast fashion-inspired design cycle.
You can achieve a uniform look pretty easily with their drops. I think this monochromatic satin charmeuse cami and trousers look is the ideal cool girl date look. I appreciate the use of color and fabric, and that the label’s shearling coats have found a way to do something unique from the basic just-add-shearling-to-lapels-and-cuffs and be done with it offering that is everywhere. And don’t sleep on the pinstripe this winter and spring. It will be everywhere. The looks are comfortable and fashion-forward, which is the ultimate cool girl objective IMO.
