How to do “ Model off Duty”

The true way to rock the model-off-duty look is by making it look effortless. We’ve all seen paparazzi pictures of Hailey Bieber out and about in L.A., Bella Hadid in New York, or (my personal fave) Loli Bahia coming out backstage after walking a fashion show. These three girls all have very different styles—Loli leans into masculinity, often sporting men’s clothing; Hailey is a minimalist obsessed with blazers; and Bella has a closet mostly comprised of vintage pieces. No matter the vibe they choose to go for, the way they wear it is what truly matters.

Start With the Basics

The first step to nailing the model-off-duty look is starting with the basics. Always start with the basics. A nice pair of wide-leg Levi’s, a black leather jacket, and a white baby tee is the perfect foundation. Basics are essential for achieving that effortless, cool-girl vibe.

Curating a Unique Wardrobe

Once you have your basics, you can start building a wardrobe that feels authentic to you. We’ve all seen a pic of a model or celeb and wondered where they got a certain clothing item—websites like Star Style or Steal Her Style are great places to start, but my personal favorite sources are celebrity closet accounts on Instagram. These accounts track down exact items worn by stars, making it easier than ever to recreate their looks.

For the McBling Lovers

If you’re someone who loves the McBling aesthetic of the early 2000s, sites like Vinted, Depop, Etsy, and eBay will be your best friends. There’s a big misconception that shopping second-hand is expensive, but if you know the brands from that era by name, you’ll have no problem finding affordable and sustainable pieces. Some of my favorites include:

• The Limited

• Ann Taylor

• Custo Barcelona

• Cache

For the Timeless & Luxurious Look

Maybe you despise everything about McBling and want to opt for a more timeless, luxurious style. Look no further than brands like Phoebe Philo, The Row, and Aritzia. Although they may cost a pretty penny, they dominate the world of quiet luxury. And of course, these are brands that Hailey Bieber is often photographed wearing—she truly owns this style.

For the Masculine Streetwear Vibe

If masculine style is more your thing, you’ll want to opt for loose-fitting pieces. Dark-wash, wide-leg Levi’s or Calvin Klein jeans are great for casual bottoms that go with just about anything. For outerwear, Moncler and The North Face offer chic yet functional options. When it comes to tops, graphic baby tees from Urban Outfitters or Drew House apparel are the way to go. Lolli Bahia does this perfectly.

Final Thoughts

No matter which version of the model-off-duty look you go for, the key is to wear it with confidence. Fashion is about expression, so make it your own—whether you’re rocking vintage McBling, quiet luxury, or oversized streetwear.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about what you wear, but how you wear it.