1. Start with Baggy Bottoms
The foundation of Hadid’s off-duty uniform is almost always a pair of loose, low-slung pants. This is where the model’s love for '90s and Y2K fashion truly shines. Forget skinny jeans; the goal here is volume and comfort. Think wide-leg trousers, baggy
dad jeans, or even a pair of utility cargo pants. The key is the silhouette: relaxed, pooling slightly at the ankle, and sitting comfortably on the hips. This creates a casual, nonchalant base that feels intentional rather than sloppy. The best part? This look thrives on vintage and secondhand finds. Scour your local thrift store for perfectly worn-in men's Levi’s or classic Dickies work pants. Brands like Madewell, Everlane, and even Old Navy have perfected the baggy-but-flattering jean, offering modern cuts that give you the look without endless searching.
2. Add a Tiny Top for Balance
Fashion is a game of proportions, and Bella Hadid is a grandmaster. The counterbalance to her voluminous pants is almost always a small, fitted top. This simple rule is the key to keeping the baggy silhouette from overwhelming your frame. Her go-to pieces include classic baby tees, simple cropped tank tops, '90s-style bandeaus, or even a shrunken vintage polo. This high-low mix (both in terms of volume and price) is what makes the outfit work. While the pants provide a strong, relaxed base, the tiny top introduces a clean, defined line that highlights your torso. This is the most affordable part of the equation. A pack of simple cotton tanks or a DIY-cropped t-shirt costs next to nothing but is absolutely essential to nailing the aesthetic. It’s a masterclass in making basics look like a deliberate style choice.
3. The Third Piece: An Intentional Jacket
While pants and a top make an outfit, the third piece is what makes it a *look*. For Hadid, this is often a piece of distinctive outerwear that adds personality and structure. A well-worn leather jacket is her most frequent choice, bringing a touch of rock-and-roll edge to the casual basics. But she also leans on oversized blazers (another great thrift store find) to add a polished, menswear-inspired feel, or functional workwear jackets that double down on the utilitarian vibe of cargo pants. This layer is crucial for transitioning a look from day to night and for giving it a sense of purpose. It tells the world you didn't just throw on clothes; you constructed an outfit. Focus on finding one great jacket—be it leather, denim, or a wool blazer—that you love. It’s an investment piece that doesn't have to be expensive, especially if you buy vintage.
4. Ground It with Comfortable, Chunky Footwear
You won’t find Bella teetering around the gallery floor in stilettos. Her art-viewing footwear is stylish, grounded, and, above all, comfortable. This is where her love for retro sneakers comes into play. She almost single-handedly brought back the Adidas Samba, but any low-profile, vintage-inspired trainer will do. Think classic Adidas Gazelles, Onitsuka Tigers, or a simple pair of black Converse. When she’s not in sneakers, she opts for chunky, substantial boots—think Dr. Martens or a similar combat or moto-style boot. This choice of footwear anchors the entire look, reinforcing the slightly grungy, '90s-inspired vibe and ensuring the voluminous pants don’t look like a mistake. The footwear is practical, adding to the overall sense of ease that defines her style.
5. Finish with Y2K-Inspired Accessories
Details matter, and Hadid’s accessory game is subtle but impactful. It’s less about a statement piece and more about a collection of small, era-specific touches. Skinny, rectangular sunglasses are a non-negotiable part of the uniform, immediately signaling a Y2K influence. A small shoulder bag, tucked neatly under the arm, is her preferred carryall—far more chic than a bulky tote. Jewelry is kept minimal and layered: a simple gold hoop, a delicate chain, or a few stacked rings. These accessories aren't meant to be flashy; they're the final touches that pull everything together into a cohesive theme. You can find excellent, affordable versions of these accessories everywhere from street vendors to online retailers like ASOS, making it an easy way to inject the Hadid formula into your existing wardrobe.
