One could argue that model-off-duty style started in the ’90s with the rise of the mega-supermodels like Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford, and they wouldn’t be wrong. But there’s also a strong argument that can be made for the 2000s and 2010s being the period that street style became a thing, and models really started dressing for the inevitable cameras.
Over the years, model-off-duty street style has evolved into such a thing that some models (especially the celeb-status ones with millions of social media followers) have stylists put together looks for them to go from show to show during fashion week. Others dress themselves, but across the board, it’s clear that models are becoming more and more adventurous with their off-duty style, and people are paying as much attention to it as they do the looks that come down the runways.
Prolific street style photographer Acielle of Style Du Monde said it best, telling me, “Shooting model street style has always been a favorite of mine. I feel like their style is usually a bit more edgy. It’s hard to pinpoint a general trend as they have such a wonderful individual style but maybe it became a bit more eclectic over the years.” In studying hundreds of street style images, I’ve found that models in the previous decade had somewhat of a uniform. Here at Who What Wear, we did plenty of stories about the pillars of a model’s wardrobe back in the day, and they all contained skinny jeans, leather moto jackets, and oversized handbags. These days, it’s much more difficult to pinpoint the model-off-duty “look”, as their style has become so unique and personal. But the best way to explain this is to just let you see it for yourself.
Below, I’ve compiled a variety of photos of models over the past decade that best display the way their off-duty style has evolved. And be sure to scroll through to the end for shopping inspired by models over the years.
When the model-off-duty hype first began, there was definitely a specific look (with some exceptions, of course). Skinny jeans, simple ankle boots, Converse sneakers, big bags, and leather or faux fur jackets are a few of the things we saw over and over. It’s worth noting that many of the top models during the 2010s were Victoria’s Secret Angels, who often wore coordinated outfits. Perhaps that contributed to the “look” many models at the time embraced.
When it came to models’ skinny jeans during the last decade, the stretchier, skinnier, and more distressed the better.
Low-rise skinny jeans and sneakers were a popular combination. (As was the front-tucked shirt styling).
Bigger-than-big bags, aviators, and suede ankle boots were in every model’s closet at the time.
In the 2010s, casual outfits often meant short shorts, graphic tees, and high tops, as evidenced by Jourdan Dunn and Karlie Kloss’s matchy-matchy outfits.
Liya Kebede’s outfit during fashion week is a perfect example of the quintessential model-off-duty outfit during the time.
Miranda Kerr was one of the leaders of model-off-duty style at the time, and often opted for slightly dressier outfits. This look is the perfect example, as she traded skinny jeans for skinny leather pants and a moto jacket for a long camel one.
Adriana Lima’s edgy take on model-off-duty style was displayed here, complete with two favorite accessories at the time: Isabel Marant wedge sneakers and a Balenciaga City bag.
In true 2010s supermodel form, Chanel Iman dressed the model-off-duty uniform up with a furry shawl and ultra-high Christian Louboutin boots.
With the rise of street style photography and social media over the years has become an even more acute interest in what models wear in the 2020s. (If I had a dollar for every celebrity model outfit story I’ve written for Who What Wear over the years, I’d have enough to buy several pairs of Converse sneakers.) Individuality when it comes to personal style triumphs more than ever these days, and the evolving model-off-duty aesthetic provides first-hand proof of this. We also see a lot more athleisure and ultra-casual looks these days, and more instances of models wearing one of their looks from the show they just walked out of the backstage door and into their waiting SUVs (Gigi and Bella Hadid do this often).
In recent years, it’s become common for the big models to wear a designer’s look outside of the show they just walked, as Gigi and Bella did here after Burberry.
Models during the 2020s often take the time to put together high-fashion, curated looks even when not at fashion week, as they know the paparazzi is always waiting.
Models wear jeans far less often than they did in previous decades.
Outerwear has become something that models use to make a statement and express their individuality.
Thinking outside the box and refusing to dress like everyone else makes model-off-duty style particularly fun to watch in recent years.
Casual, streetwear-inspired looks abound now, showing that models often choose to prioritize comfort, but without sacrificing style.
Choosing to have fun experimenting with their look and playing with statement-making accessories is commonplace among models as of late.
During the 2020s, photos of models wearing leggings and Ugg boots garner as much attention as their red carpet looks do, likely because these are the outfits they wear that are the most accessible.
The rise of gender-neutral clothing is apparent if you look at the street style of recent years.
Next up: Everyone is going to dress like 2010s off-duty models this year.
