My ultimate it-girl: Alexa Chung

Graphic by Janet Xiong

I’m 21, trying to get into Jean-Luc Godard films, I’m beautiful without any makeup on my face and am manifesting going out with the lead singer of one of the best bands. 

Alexa Chung was all of these at one point. She’s thunderstorms. She’s knee socks. 

In the late 2000s, Alexa Chung rose to mainstream popularity for dating lead singer of the Arctic Monkeys, Alex Turner. She was the ultimate it-girl for many years with many people jealous of and inspired by her life. 

Alexa started her career as a model in the late 2000s and by the 2010s, and had turned into somewhat of a micro-celebrity. She was a style icon that inspired luxury handbags, designs and whatever she wore, everyone else wanted to wear. 

Here, I break down what I believe Alexa’s style formulas and aesthetics are or have been throughout the years. 

Rockstar Chic

Think lots of leather. Leather jackets, both biker and blazers, short or long, patent or smooth. Leather pants, shorts and skirts. Leather boots. Leather is an essential part of Alexa’s style and is incorporated in many different forms. 

Apart from leather, there are fur coats, silk camisoles or slips, little black dresses and studs. 

Don’t forget to add a smudged eye look to pull the formula together. 

Laid-back French

One staple Alexa Chung piece is a good pair of straight-leg denim. Pair it with button up shirts, collared blouses and plain knits. On top of that, a blazer or trench coat for an extra layer of warmth and added interest to the outfit. 

For shoes, a classic pair of Carel Paris Mary Jane’s, another closet staple that is essential to Alexa Chung’s style. 

Keep the makeup fresh-faced and the hair a bit tousled or messy with natural textures. 

English Countryside

It’s only right to start this style formula with the Barbour jacket. With this, wear cozy knits, the same straight-leg denim, rainboots and a silk scarf to complete the look. 

Alexa’s hair and makeup stay consistent through most of her style formulas, very little and somewhat undone makeup and hair. 

Mixing It All Up

While all of these style formulas are iconic to Alexa on their own, it might be even more iconic for Alexa to mix them together. 

Alexa is known for the juxtaposition of her outfits, pairing leather shorts with frilly blouses, Mary Janes with a simple t-shirt and more. 

Doing this can express the many different sides of yourself to people around you. You’re edgy, but also sweet, laid-back but put-together, really you’re just you. 

Although Alexa Chung’s influence has diminished over the years, she is still the ultimate it-girl for me that I constantly pull inspiration from. It’s not just from her style but also how she carries herself. If you also want to channel some Alexa Chung energy, try these style formulas.