A cover girl, style star and bona fide icon who’s inimitable style has spawned countless replicas and viral fashion moments.
This year has seen Bella step into a league of her own.
From her viral Coperni Dress coup de théâtre to her distinct ‘weird girl’ aesthetic, Bella’s supermodel off-duty street style has not only been the poster girl for some of the most viral fashion moments of the year, but the pioneer.
Don’t believe us? We have proof.
As a walking archival vintage store, Bella’s aesthetic combines the worst of the noughties in the best way possible—think chunky, scratchy knits, calk skimming midi skirts and cropped, graphic baby tees.
A vanguard of the ‘dopamine dressing’ movement, Bella may be promoting the ethos of ‘dressing for yourself, however as the Bella bots on TikTok have proven they’re just dressing like her.
It’s this distinct approach to fashion that’s earned Bella the ‘power dresser of the year’ label by fashion e-commerce aggregator Lyst. As revealed in their annual fashion wrap up report, it’s Bella’s enviable ensembles “sparked a 1,900% increase in searches for similar pieces.”
“Leading the Y2K craze with her curated, 2000-inspired looks, the model inspired a new wave of fashion lovers to adopt and rework the aesthetic,” Lyst added.
As we’ve harked on about before, the return of Y2K in fashion, namely motorcycle jackets, chunky pendant necklaces, cargo skirts and even the reprise of Ugg boots are all styles that we can trace back to Bella.
Even some of Bella’s supermodel contemporaries like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber are taking style cues from the star, whether this be emulating her fan-favourite Adidas x Wales Bonner gazelles or sartorially referencing her penchant for leather outerwear.
There’s no doubting that Bella has popularised some of the most mainstream trends this year, and in honour of her newly minted ‘powerful dresser’ status, we’ve rounded up some of her best contributions to the style scene in 2022.
1. ADIDAS SNEAKERS
This is a style that Bella sported way back in February of 2021 (even more proof of her fashion expertise) and has been sporadically petition for ever since. However, it wasn’t until the Fall/Winter 2022 fashion month in February this year that Bella really showed us how versatile the Adidas sneaker could be. Whether it be the Samba, Gazelle or even a surprise Superstar outing, Bella became synonymous with the three-stripe footwear, making us equally obsessed with the footwear in her wake. Adidas sneakers were soon picked up by the celebrity style set and began it’s trickle down into our own closets. Lyst even ranked this shoe as the fifth hottest product of quarter three of 2022. For sneakerheads, this is one style you want to hang onto
2. CHUNKY PENDANT NECKLACES
From the runways of Saint Laurent to the Bottega Veneta look books, bold and chunky jewellery is the accessory trend du jour. Of course, Bella stans will know that she has been a long-time supporter of the chunky pendant necklace. It seems that when it comes to jewellery, Bella’s modus operandi is both ‘go big or go home’ and ‘the more the merrier’. We’re loving the saccharine heart necklace from cult-favourite Australian label With Jéan.
3. HEELS WITH SOCKS
We never thought we’d see the day a supermodel would make us lust over a courtroom approved high heel, but here we high. Back in August, Bella stepped out on a date with her boyfriend Marc Kalman pairing her style staples (chunky necklaces, a sporty jacket, baby t-shirt and thick skirt) with knee-high Nike socks and heels. This look is giving athleisure chic meets downtown party-girl realness and we’re here for it. Plus, if you don’t have a pair of knee high boots, Bella is showing you a runway-ready way to opt into the trend without picking up a pair yourself.
4. DENIM SKIRTS
A staple in the whimsigoth aesthetic, the daring denim skirt returned to the forefront of the cultural zeitgeist courtesy of this one blink-and-you’ll-miss-it street style moment from miss Bella. Now, it’s been picked up by the likes of Emily Ratajowski and Hailey Bieber and showing no sign of falling out of trend. Although the denim mini skirt is certainly the preferred style for the celebrity style set, we’re loving this Practical Magic-esque ensemble.
5. CARGO SKIRT
Thanks to our post-pandemic penchant for utilitarian style dressing, the cargo skirt was ripe for a comeback entering into 2022. Thankfully, Bella took it upon herself and did us all a favour by bringing this 90s style back into the cultural zeitgeist. Whether you’re opting for a gorpcore-approved nylon, lightweight cotton or thick woollen material this understated style is a supermodel off-duty is a wardrobe must-have.
6. PARACHUTE PANT
Likewise, the parachute pant is another instance of a simple utilitarian style becoming a mainstay in the supermodel off-duty wardrobe. Sported by both Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber, the low-rise and wide-leg trouser is the perfect running errands ensembles for you to have in your slouchy clothing arsenal.
7. PLATFORM UGG BOOTS
Bella single-handedly brought the UGG boots back with this one street style moment. Featuring micro shorts, a moto jacket and a pizza (as you do), this ensemble is just one instance of why Bella is worthy of the power dresser of the year title. As Lyst wrote, “Bella made the ultra mini platform UGG boots go viral on TikTok—and immediately sell out. In just 24 hours, searches for the style increased+152%”.
8. SPORTS JACKETS
This gorpcore meets utilitarian meets athleisure style is a mainstay in Bella’s wardrobe, and one that is soon-to-become a staple in ours. With academia elements and prep-inspired fusion, the sport inspired varisty jacket is the effortless way to style down an ensemble. Wear over for your one suit to become one step closer to achieving the Pilates princess aesthetic.
9. DOUBLE BELTS
We’ve harked on and on about the rise of the double belt, especially since Bella has worn this style multiple times. Given that Bella keeps opting for this style, we’re sure we’ll be seeing this one take over the streets soon enough.
10. MOTO JACKETS
A Bella Hadid-approved variation on the oversized leather jacket, the motorcycle jacket combines aviator elements with edgy motocross elements. What’s not to love?
11. VESTS
As Bella has cemented, whether it be the sweater avant basic wardrobe staple or a waistcoat, the vest is a classic yet contemporary style staple worthy of a place in your wardrobe.
Source : Elle
