How to Look Cool

Co-authored by Elle Monus

Last Updated: August 28, 2024 References

We all know what cool looks like: it's confident, sleek, stylish, and authentic. Sometimes, it can feel as though becoming "cool" is totally impossible; like, some people are just born with it, while others aren't. But that couldn't be further from the truth! Anyone can become cool, and it's probably a lot easier than you'd think. We're walking you through everything you need below. So let's dive in!

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Adopting a Cool Look

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1
Choose classic pieces. Trendy pieces are great for the here and now, but investing in classic pieces means that your cool will never go out of style.^{[1]
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Research source} Make street-chic easily accessible by mixing and matching these timeless basics into your closet:
- White t-shirt
- Skinny jeans
- White button down
- Trench coat
- Sunglasses
- Boots
- Hats
- Statement jewelry
2
Wear some cool shades. Shades create a scaffolding effect to your features to add symmetry and attractiveness on your face.^{[2]
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Research source} It adds an air of mystery because it eliminates a person's ability to see your emotions through the windows of your soul. It's instant glamour and instant edge.
- Don't feel pressured to find the most expensive shades known to man, there are affordable shades in clothing stores that look equally as cool with half the price tag as bigger sunglasses brands.
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3
Accessorize with trendy pieces. Trendy can be cute if done right and cool if you don't take yourself too seriously. Choose small items that make large statements.
- Get a cool case for your iPhone that has designs on it.
- Wear stackable rings across each of your fingers.
- Wear a crossbody bag or an eccentric oversized clutch.
- Wear oversized earrings.
Sometimes simple is best and it's our complexities that stop us from achieving the ultimate cool. Avoid flashy prints. Incorporate things that work with the style you're going for and streamline your look to fit that aesthetic.
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Wear darker colors. There is a correlation between wearing dark clothing and appearing stylish. Wearing black and colors that are dark in hue like it, make you appear attractive, intelligent, and confident.^{[3]
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- On some days, wear all black to look instantly put together from head-to-toe.
- For a simple day time look, wear a black leather jacket, a black t-shirt, black jeans, black boots, shades, and a black hat – perfect all black ensemble.

Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: How Cool Am I?

“Am I cool?” It’s a question we all ask eventually, and it’s not always easy to judge for ourselves. Not to worry! With the help of this quiz, you can finally find out just how cool you really are, plus see how you stack up against your friends. Ready to know if you’re cool or not? Take this quiz to find out!

1 of 12

Your ideal Friday night involves…

Going to bed early. I need my full eight hours!

Eating ice cream and watching reality TV with my bestie.

Going to my friend’s art show, dancing, and good food.

Whatever I feel like. I always have invites and options to choose from.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Looking Cool by Being You

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1
Be yourself. It sounds simple enough, but it is so easy to get wrapped up in how-to advice and forget about how cool you are already just for existing. Every person is as unique and offers something different to the world which is a great and beautiful thing. “Cool” isn't so much an aesthetic as it is a vibe, granted there are things that assist that vibe physically, but a lot of the work happens within. While it is okay to find yourself, it's never okay to alter yourself just to fit the mold. Embrace what makes you different because that uniqueness is the key to looking cool. When you feel cool, you look cool.
- Go against the grain and like what you like, even if it is the road less traveled as far as interests go. If you are into gaming or anime conventions, but people rarely are, do your thing. If you enjoy staying in while others enjoy going out, do you. Don't force yourself to be a part of what everyone else is doing. Instead find ways to be outgoing while being true to your wants and interest. That just makes you cooler and more interesting.
Angelina Jolie, Actress & Humanitarian

Having a compelling personal style is about being authentically yourself. "I think we all know boldness when we see it. Nothing makes me smile more than when I see someone being fully themselves, with their own individual style and character, whatever that is."
2
Own who you are and appreciate it as individuality. Know that even the best people, as with anything, come with good and bad. There are parts of yourself that you won't like, aspects about your appearance that you wish to change, but instead of punishing yourself for your faults, own them and use them to your advantage. Embracing what makes you unique not only adds to reaffirming your overall sense of self, but it also adds to your confidence.
- Knowing not only who you are, but carrying intelligence in other areas of life: music, film, academics, sports adds a cool unique flair to your personality.
Be upbeat and optimistic. Draw people towards you with your sunny personality and award-winning smile. When you feel good about yourself, it usually bursts out of you and touches others around you, and the more positive and confident you are, the more like-minded individuals you'll find in your circle. Attracting those personalities naturally round out your cool vibe.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Looking Cool in Style

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1
Find a personal style. Choose a style icon whose look you connect with most and use them as style muse inspiration. Personal style aesthetics range from hipster to chic to glam to athletic, etc., and there are many combinations that stem from that. Is it the eclectic glam stylings of Rihanna or the effortlessly suave look of David Beckham?
- Make a board or collage that allows you to keep track of your inspirations. Write down outfit ideas you might have in a notebook to bookmark for later. This will allow you to keep track and stay true to your style goals.^{[4]
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- Clean your closet of anything that doesn't align the new look you're going for. Target items that you've only worn once and/or items you never wear and throw them in the trash. Starting new is often the best way to go when revamping your style.^{[5]
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Focus on items that will act as staples in your wardrobe, start and invest there, and then build around that. The great thing about style is it does not have to have a huge price tag in order to be considered great style, instead it's how you wear your look that truly sells an outfit.
3
Create a signature. They are important when signing documents, but they are also important when it comes to adding punctuation to a look and elevating it even further. Choose a signature piece that represents you most. This can be done in a multitude of different ways.
- If you are a hat connoisseur, incorporate hats into all of your looks. Either have a favorite that acts a mainstay, like a wide-brimmed hat, or interchange them depending on the day and outfit.
- If you are into beauty, have a signature lipstick, a bright red or a deep mauve, or a signature smoky eye with a thick cat eye that everyone knows you by.
- Be the guy or girl with the best frames and invest in different kinds of eyeglasses. Make nerdy chic work for you.
- Mix old and new pieces and higher-end and thrifted pieces together to enhance your style while inflecting personality into your style even more.
4
Invest in your shoe game. Are you into sneakers? Are you into heels? A lot can be told about a person by what they decide to wear on their feet. It not only gives cues about your style, but it also gives cues about you. Be on trend and wear shoes in an unexpected way.
- Pair sneakers or cross trainers with your favorite dress or a suit.
- Wear a pair of heels with athletic gear like sweat pants and a tank top.
- Crossover the popular winter shoe over-the-knee boots for a spring time outfit of short shorts and be on trend with the latest lampshading effect.^{[6]
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Hair has its own sense of style as well. Wear it however it feels most comfortable to wear it. It can be a lot of trial and error through different cuts, lengths, colors, and preferred ponytail holder positions – but it's worth the effort. Sometimes it is a stamp on its own and the more freedom you have with the way you style it, the more lasting of a memory you leave on people.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Looking Cool by Acting Cool

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Uptight is the opposite of cool. It projects fear, worry, concern, while cool is a state of being easy. You might have worries, but it's not in your eyes or in your smile. You are at ease with where you are in life and it's evident by how you navigate through life and your social circle. Be level-headed and present and coolness follows effortlessly.
Not needing to require validation from others is essential to looking cool. You can go places and make decisions without considering other people's opinions or allowing them to hold a great weight in their life influences. You seek validation from within yourself and it's obvious in the way you don't need or cling to people even if you are a sociable outgoing person.
Looking cool is about projecting cool. Walk with your shoulders back and head held high with grace and confidence being the goal with how you hold your posture. Shift your center of gravity and poise yourself to walk like a model. Always walk as if someone is taking your picture from a distance.^{[7]
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Research source} Great posture not only shows others your confidence and cool, but it also works wonders on how you perceive yourself as well.
4
Talk the talk. Speak knowingly on an array of subjects. Have a sense of humor about everything, laugh at your antics, and make jokes about other things. Don't take yourself too seriously. Be open to listening to people and their problems while being responsive and advising in their times of need. Allow people to use you as a confidant. You become more interesting the more you are interested in other people.
- Be genuine in your interactions with other people
- Listen actively by being present in the conversation versus thinking of what to say next
- Be interested and introspective in the questions you ask to get to know people
- Find commonalities
- Don't be afraid to offer new insight through your conversation
- Appreciate your qualities!

Join the Discussion...

How to be effortlessly cool

22

WikiCapybaraFlyer168

Look, I know I’m not the coolest dude of all time. I think I’m funny, I’m pretty nice, and I’m not particularly bad looking, but I know I... Read More

WikiLlamaJammer724

I totally get what you’re saying! I remember thinking the same thing about the “cool” kids when I was in high school. They make it look eff... Read More

WikiCloudDiver157

I know you’re young and being cool in high school sounds really awesome, but it’s not really all it’s cracked up to be. In school, being co... Read More

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Expert Q&A

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Question

How do you develop a more likeable personality so people want to get to know you?

Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Elle Monus is an Image Consultant and the Co-Founder of True Image Group. With over 11 years of fashion industry experience, she specializes in holistic approaches to branding, size-inclusive image consulting, and personal styling. Additionally, Elle has had the opportunity to work on several New York Fashion Week shows and has been featured in multiple media outlets, such as Racked.

Elle Monus

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Likeability comes down to authenticity and openness. I’m not suggesting you should share your life story with every stranger. Try truly listening to others with empathy while reserving judgment even if they don’t align with you on every topic. You’ll find natural openings where you can be authentic in sharing your own experiences or thoughts. You may decide that some people don’t fit in your life and that’s perfectly okay. You will have learned something new, seen how others process information and created a connection that you can resource from. People need to feel seen and heard. If you give them a safe space to share that with you, they will usually come back to hear your thoughts on other topics.

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Question

What can you do to make cool new outfits from the clothes you already own?

Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Elle Monus is an Image Consultant and the Co-Founder of True Image Group. With over 11 years of fashion industry experience, she specializes in holistic approaches to branding, size-inclusive image consulting, and personal styling. Additionally, Elle has had the opportunity to work on several New York Fashion Week shows and has been featured in multiple media outlets, such as Racked.

Elle Monus

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Pull your clothes and toss anything that is too worn, too outdated or too small. Then make three piles of clothes: slightly off-trend items, trusty classics in good shape, and clothes you just don't know how to wear. We tend to get into the habit of wearing the same outfits over and over because it’s easy. Try pairing your trusty classics with the items you’re not sure how to wear. Tuck a bold printed top into a neutral pencil skirt and top it with a blazer so it’s just a hint of fun in an otherwise demure look.

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Question

How can I get people to be interested and want to be around me?

Community Answer

Be funny and a good listener. Be a good friend and compliment people. Be confident.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Rock your best hair by keeping it fuss-free and playing with styles. Hair is flexible — change things up with cuts, colors or accessories as the mood strikes.
Trendy fashion fades, but style is timeless. Build outfits around classic pieces you feel great in. Mixing vintage finds with modern basics makes any look cool.
Stay relaxed and engage others with humor and great conversation. Listen well and be genuinely interested. These traits give off irresistible positive energy.
Find icons that inspire your personal style. Curate images and jot down ideas to guide you as you hone your aesthetic. Then edit your closet accordingly.
Confidence and kindness attract others. Stay upbeat and true to your interests, even if unique. People appreciate those embracing their individuality.
Shoes make the outfit. Express yourself through unexpected shoe pairings that show your fashion sense, like glam heels with casual wear.

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