10 Ways to Channel Blake Lively’s Style

(Reuters)

There’s no denying Lively is a statuesque siren, but you don’t need to take out your highest heels for a similar look. The key to this star’s coveted style is wearing outfits that accentuate and flaunt her best features. Whether you have lean legs, gorgeous arms, or a tiny waist, show off your favorite body parts with pieces designed to celebrate them. “Anyone can copy an outfit from Pinterest, but truly understanding your body type and personality will take any outfit from copycat to runway status,” says Nicole Busch, personality stylist from Share Some Style. “Blake understands her body. She has amazing legs and she showcases them with short skirts and high hemlines. Blake also plays up her piercing blue eyes by adding matching accessories with complementary colors.” READ: 12 Fashion Tips For Looking Thinner (Reuters)

Fashion is meant to be fun, and this actress knows how to play up her shape with bold, jeweled-hued colors on the red carpet.  Who says you have to match when it comes to fashion? Known as a style rule-breaker, Lively mixes and matches different colors to stand out from any crowd. Forget shopping for what’s trendy and instead, wear the colors you feel bring out the best in your features.  “One of the things I like most about Blake Lively’s style is that she isn’t matchy-matchy,” says model and fashion expert Jaimie Hilfiger. “Many times you will see her wearing a bold-colored dress with a completely different bold-colored shoe. She knows how to mix colors and what looks best on her. What makes her stand out in Hollywood is her no-fear approach to taking chances with fashion.” PHOTOS: 10 Ways To Wear Summer's Hottest Color (Reuters)

Forget scoring the perfect clutch or stand-out earrings. Lively’s signature look is her touchable hair that’s always in perfect beach waves. Stylists say this is one hairstyle that’s flattering to nearly anyone and can make any outfit stand out even more because of its sexy, relaxed styling, which works for day or night. “She relishes those tresses,” says Wood. “It’s like a summer breeze follows her around–and who doesn’t like that. Mimic it with styling products that allow flexibility. Don’t clump hair together.” Even if you prefer a ballet bun or fishtail braid, two of Lively’s other hairstyles, Wood says it’s a must for your locks to have a boost of shine, enhancing your hair color. READ: Six Ways To Fight Hair Frizz (Reuters)

Lively is one of many Hollywood stars rocking the peplum, a fashion style that creates the illusion of curves and a tiny waist. And who wouldn’t want to hide a pesky pooch effortlessly? While the peplum look works for everyone, channel this actress by going for a skirt, which allows more room for creativity in wearing a variety of topes and accessories. Pair it with stilettos to further elongate your shape. READ: How To Wear A Peplum (Reuters)

What do Lively and fellow blonde Taylor Swift have in common? They’re both fans of the glamorous old Hollywood look, where they channel classic bombshells with ‘50s dresses that specifically hug the body. When it comes to channeling your inner modern-day screen siren, look for pieces that amp up the sparkle with shiny metallics, as well as those that are form-fitting to accentuate your body. “Blake is the modern-day Hollywood actress,” says Busch. “Her style is a mixture of old Hollywood, a little bohemian, and a whole lot of vixen. Have these three elements in mind when getting Blake’s style: sexy, girlie, and old Hollywood.” While you could stock up on vintage pieces at a thrift store, you can also shop for affordable retro-inspired clothes at retailers like ModCloth.com and H&M, among others. READ: 10 Any-Age Style Lessons From Taylor Swift (Reuters)

Smiling may not sound like useful fashion advice, but seriously, it’s rare to see Lively not giving one of her famous mega-watt grins at any event. And in the era of Instagram and selfies, you want to give good face for any candid moment. Practice your best poses in front of a mirror, understand which side suits your features best, and don’t be afraid to smile for the cameras, especially when wearing a new outfit. “Of course Blake has the perfect body, but her positive attitude and beautiful smile always show confidence and light up any red carpet,” says Hilfiger. “She smiles on camera like she’s happy,” adds Wood. “Perhaps this is because she swears by no exercise and a diet of chocolate. I’d be happy, too!” READ: 7 Superfoods To Whiten Your Smile (Reuters)

“Blake's makeup is never over the top,” says Wood. “She may stray into a bold red for a more intensely colored outfit, or smoke the eye makeup for an evening event. But she knows that a subtly bright, healthy glow works best with her overall essence and color palette. In fact, the bright eyes and the soft lip allow for a more rosy cheek that can stand out in a crowd.” (Reuters)

One of Lively’s best tricks? Revealing her curves in a non-Kardashain way (no major low cuts or excessive cleavage to be found here). “I like a waistline, a nip almost right under the boobs, because I want the lines of the clothes to make a journey around my curves, rather than travel straight up my body,” Lively told Lucky Magazine. “She does opt for form-fitting over revealing,” says Wood. “She might show some cleavage here, or a long leg there. But the focus is her overall shape. And adding some shine definitely shows off the curves.” When it comes to incorporating metallics and other sparkling accessories to enhance curves, Wood recommends placing reflective fabrics or embellishments only on the areas where you want to lead the eye, also known as where the fit is just right. (Reuters)

Did you know Lively is an avid accessories collector? She also revealed just that in the September 2013 issue of Lucky Magazine. She recommends making a collection out of your own favorite accessories so you’ll always have something to enhance your personal style. In Lively’s case, she collects scarves, plastic bangles, cocktail rings, flea market finds, and Christian Louboutin shoes to make her look even taller for any occasion. (Reuters)

What makes Lively look like a golden girl no matter what she wears? Her flawless skin. Sun-kissed features naturally looks toned, but we don’t recommend stepping outdoors without slathering on the sunscreen to protect against damaging run rays. For a gorgeous glow without looking like you stepped out of "Jersey Shore," choose a bronzer that's not too dark or strong. Remember, subtle is what you're going for. And if you must wear makeup, specifically foundation, make sure it’s one shade warmer than your own skin tone. Of course, looking California chic is the goal, so consider skipping the too-heavy foundation altogether. READ: How To Avoid The Biggest Self-Tanner Mistakes (Reuters)