The post-couture wardrobe often speaks louder in its silence. Bella Hadid, an astute student of this sartorial language, trades runway opulence for a whimsically textured, almost nostalgic look that signals a quiet shift in celebrity fashion—one toward unbridled, personal expression.
The moment I saw the image from her girls’ trip to Cha Cha Matcha on August 23, 2025, it was clear. This wasn’t just an outfit; it was a statement. Hollywood’s perpetual game of one-upmanship seems, for a moment, to have been paused for something far more compelling: authenticity. Bella, with that discerning eye of hers, fused a playful American spirit with a certain effortless European charm. It’s an approach to dressing that says, “I am a walking work of art, but I’m also just here for a matcha.” And darling, isn’t that the very essence of chic?
The look is built on a foundation of delightful contradiction. Her top—the Princess Polly Chilli Halter Top—is a simple, vibrant red, its halter neck and twisted bust detail offering a clean, modern line. It’s a piece that could easily be a nod to the effortless ’90s glamour we’ve seen bubbling back to the surface. But then comes the pièce de résistance: the Jaded London Freda Gingham Swim Capri Trousers. These aren’t just trousers; they’re a playful, almost cheeky, juxtaposition of beachwear and street style. The red and white gingham is a pastoral print, but the swim fabric and capri cut give it an unexpected, modern edge. It’s a mix of a Sunday picnic in Provence and a daring Milanese street style moment, all in one.
This is where the look graduates from cute to clever. Her accessories are a study in polished nonchalance. She wears the Dear Frances Mesh Ballerina Flats, their sheer texture a whisper of elegance, a far cry from the chunky sneakers we’ve all grown tired of. They feel, dare I say, almost romantic—a glove for the foot. Her eyes are shielded by the sleek, oval-shaped DMY Studios Valentina Havana Sunglasses, which add a touch of timeless, cinematic glamour, a nod to Italian cinema, perhaps. The ensemble is completed with minimal jewelry: the delicate Wonderlust + Co Teardrop Dome Gold Stud Earrings and a gold chain around her neck. Her hair, in a simple, slicked-back bun, allows the full narrative of the look to unfold without distraction. “It’s a quiet rebellion,” a fellow critic whispered to me at a recent show. “The kind that makes you lean in closer, not back away.” When it comes to following the latest trends, this sort of effortless style is what separates the true icons from the rest of the pack, making it a topic of conversation on every celebrity list.
The Neo-Bohemian Edit: How to Get the Look
This is not a look to be copied, but rather, one to be understood and then, perhaps, interpreted. It’s about the spirit, not the exact pieces.
-
Embrace the Unexpected: Don’t be afraid to mix prints with unexpected fabrics. The gingham swim trousers are the secret weapon here. They are the playful counterpoint to the streamlined top.
-
The Footwear as a Statement: Ditch the predictable shoe. The mesh ballerina flat is a delicate rebellion, a fresh alternative to sneakers that still feels incredibly modern and comfortable. It’s a choice that speaks of a woman who values both aesthetics and ease.
-
Subtle Sophistication: Keep accessories minimal but impactful. One perfect pair of sunglasses, a simple earring—these are the details that elevate the entire story, turning a casual outfit into a compelling statement. This isn’t about volume; it’s about curated, personal choice.
-
Hair & Makeup: The slicked-back hair is key. It’s an editorial choice that brings a level of polish to a distinctly unpolished ensemble. It’s the final, authoritative period at the end of a perfectly composed sentence.
So, are we witnessing the dawn of a new, post-maximalist era where comfort and self-expression reign supreme? Or is it simply Bella Hadid, proving (once again) that the best style is the kind you don’t have to think about?