No style star seems to capture effortlessly cool quite like Alexa Chung: she's a fashion magician who manages to make even wellies seem fabulously chic (seriously — how does she do it?). Though Alexa's far from the only Brit on our fashion radar, her unique spin on current trends always leaves us wanting more, and we'd jump at the chance to raid her closet, even for the tiniest of accessories.
There might be a secret sauce, however, to nailing the "Alexa" look. In honor of the It girl's 33rd birthday, we put together a cheat sheet so you can get in on the fun, because what better way to celebrate her big day than by borrowing her style for yourself?
For the 2016 Met Gala, Alexa showed up in a sparkly Thakoon tux.
Sweatshirts may have a reputation of being cozy, but paired with a leather skirt, tights, and heels, the staple becomes edgier and more elevated.
Take your favorite white tee and style it under your dress for a unique yet trendy look.
For her Marks and Spencer collaboration event, Alexa opted for animal print, which made quite the statement when she wore it on the dance floor.
Denim shorts at Fashion Week? Alexa did it, rocking her trusty pair with a black jacket, a black top, and black booties for Noon by Noor's runway show.
Jeans and a tee? Meh — too simple for Alexa. She knew the item she was missing was a bright red jacket, which transformed her outfit into something fierce.
Overalls and Birkenstocks: no, this isn't a '90s editorial. By keeping the palette simple, Alexa's fresh spin on these older trends totally worked.
Swap a basic dress for a caped style like Alexa's Valentino number. The shape is an unexpected and fun twist.
Alexa's sleek leather skirt and loose top managed to show the perfect amount of skin. Her look felt ultrasexy without really giving anything away.
Alexa is not one to shy away from tomboy territory. Her button-down, shorts, and loafers worked because she kept the proportions just right.
Usually a party dress is best paired with a sexy pair of high heels, but in Alexa's world, boots are better. These black bad boys gave her look a totally unexpected spin.
Sometimes the best part of an outfit is in the details. A cool clutch like Alexa's fuzzy pink choice can be the element of a look that really stands out.
If you are wearing a full skirt, you can still play with volume on top too. A cropped style helps show off your waist.
A metallic coat? Yes, it may be a surprising choice, but this standout topper is what made Alexa's otherwise casual outfit feel effortlessly cool.
A sweater tied around the waist isn't just a look for Dad. Paired with cool cutoffs and a slouchy button-down, Alexa proved this look was made for fashion girls.
Don't be afraid to get down and dirty. Alexa managed to make wellies work by pairing them with skinny jeans, a luxe blazer, and a simple turtleneck. By dressing them up (without going too fancy), Alexa proved that you can look chic in any weather.
Stand out from the dress-and-heels crowd and channel Alexa's playful pairing by combining a feminine dress with sleek black booties.
A long dress can often feel too fancy, but Alexa worked an easy angle, adding edgy heels and keeping the rest relatively understated for a cool, boho-inspired vibe.
A fit-and-flare dress doesn't have to feel totally girlie. By staying away from over-the-top jewelry or luxurious toppers, Alexa made this frock feel more relaxed and added just a pair of lace-up heels for a little contrast.
Alexa's outfit seemed demure from the ankle up, but by adding cool-girl metallic accessories like these silver boots, she juxtaposed the vintage feel with a modern finish.