Fashion

Get Emma Watson's Chic Look In A Snap

by Tyler Atwood

To make your way through puberty unscathed is an accomplishment, but to do so in the public eye is a challenge on another plane completely. Emma Watson first graced the red carpet for the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone at the tender age of 11, when most other girls of her generation were attempting to simply navigate middle school and kick their glitter lip gloss addiction. Since her debut, however, Emma Watson's style has evolved into something noteworthy and provocative yet ladylike — a difficult balance to achieve even for those who aren't pursued by paparazzi on a daily basis.

Watson's mastery of personal style is an amalgamation of a number of factors, including her ability to befriend visionary designers and refrain from dipping into the territory of lewd and overtly gaudy gowns. In addition, Watson understands the power of a simple color palette, often selecting ensembles rendered in black, white, and beige so their artistic designs aren't lost in a sea of vibrant colors. Her ensembles are both edgy and classic at once, which is what makes them memorable in the best way possible.

Want to channel the screen siren's look IRL? Read on for how to master Emma Watson's unique style in 9 steps.

1. Rock A Red Lip

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Though she flirts with a nude lip on occasion, Watson adores a deep crimson gloss or matte lipstick. Brick, cherry, and burgundy are the actress's hues of choice. Swipe on a red lip to enliven any ensemble, however simple.

2. Embrace A Neutral Wardrobe Palette

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Though she does step out in oxblood, cerulean, and persimmon on occasion, Watson primarily sticks to shades of taupe, beige, black, white, and navy. The actress's subtle palette allows her to include unexpected design details such as heavy embroidery and avant-garde tailoring without appearing overwhelming in her taste — a lesson many style rookies could learn from.

3. Show Your Love For Eccentric Brits (Designers, That Is)

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Burberry Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey is one of Watson's many artistic contacts, and their friendship is oft-exhibited in Watson's choice of Burberry gowns, trenches, and trousers. However, Watson's patriotism also includes sporting designers like Erdem, Osman, and Peter Pilotto. Look for star-on-the-rise British designers to incorporate into your closet for a Watson-like wardrobe.

4. Experiment With Pattern And Fabric Mashups

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The Harry Potter alum enchants her audience with unexpected, daring fabric mashups like linen and silk or leather and lace. Selecting an outfit with a surprising fabric contrast is sheer Watson, and demonstrates a maverick streak to one's personal style.

5. Display Skin With Strategic Cutouts

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Instead of selecting Herve Leger bandage dresses or Rihanna-esque transparent designs, Watson often displays dashes of her skin in cutout designs. Those searching for an elegant yet fashion-forward manner of flaunting their assets will find cutouts are coquettish without appearing overly provocative.

6. Don't Shy Away From Shimmer

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Though Watson's wardrobe mainstays are simple pieces with an avant-garde twist, the Bling Ring star isn't afraid of glitter. On the rare occasions Watson selects a shimmering piece, the actress fully embraces its eccentricity and flamboyance. Try tossing on a beaded silk tank or an embellished, gilded mini skirt for a dose of Watson's style.

7. Combine Menswear With Ladylike Pieces For A Statement Look

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Androgyny forms a significant portion of Watson's wardrobe selections, yet each menswear piece she chooses is placed against an ultra-feminine item for contrast. Whether coupling a silken maxi skirt and menswear-style oxford shirt or a tuxedo with stiletto heels, Watson knows how to create a statement look.

8. Invest In Classic Pointy Toe Pumps (With A Twist)

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Though Watson only stands at five feet five inches tall, the actress appears much more elevated than her height thanks to shrewdly chosen pointy-toe pumps. Those hoping to grow a few inches and achieve Watson's signature look should run, not walk, to their local shoe boutique and snap up a pair of platform pointy-toe pumps, Watson's shoe of choice.

9. Snap Up A Pair Of Statement Earrings

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Instead of piling on a cluttered heap of audacious accessories, Watson often relies on one or two striking pieces — and statement earrings are her sartorial weapon of choice. To polish off a Watson-worthy ensemble, add a pair of ear cuffs or chandelier earrings that enhance, rather than overwhelm, your look.

Images: Getty Images(9)