Skip to content

Top Navigation

InStyle InStyle
  • News
    • All Fashion
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
    • Future Of Fashion
    • All Celebrity
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • All Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
    • All Hair
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
    • All Lifestyle
    • Astrology
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
    • Well Well Well
    • All Politics & Social Issues
    • Joe Biden
    • Jill Biden
    • Kamala Harris
    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
    • Career
  • Pop Culture and Entertainment
  • About InStyle

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore InStyle

InStyle InStyle
  • Explore

    Explore

    • If the Coastal Grandmother Trend Isn't for You, How About Its Alternative, Fancy Grandma?

      If the Coastal Grandmother Trend Isn't for You, How About Its Alternative, Fancy Grandma?

      It's just as comfy but a tad more exciting. Read More
    • It Seems Like Everyone Has False Lashes These Days — Here's Why

      It Seems Like Everyone Has False Lashes These Days — Here's Why

      There's a reason why they're trending. Read More
    • 8 Ways to Wear a Sheer Lace Dress, According to Stylists

      8 Ways to Wear a Sheer Lace Dress, According to Stylists

      The pros are weighing in on this trick, celeb-loved trend. Read More
  • News
  • Fashion

    Fashion

    See All Fashion
    This Easy Guide Is the Trick to Finding Your Signature Fashion Color

    This Easy Guide Is the Trick to Finding Your Signature Fashion Color

    It's all about your skin's undertones.
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
    • Future Of Fashion
  • Celebrity

    Celebrity

    See All Celebrity
    The Best Beauty Looks From The 2022 Met Gala Scream Gilded Age

    The Best Beauty Looks From The 2022 Met Gala Scream Gilded Age

    Big hair, tiaras, and gold lids — oh my!
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
  • Beauty

    Beauty

    See All Beauty
    The Dos and Don'ts of Mixing Skincare Ingredients

    The Dos and Don'ts of Mixing Skincare Ingredients

    Plus, when and how to use them.
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair

    Hair

    See All Hair
    How to Get the Wet Look Without Making Your Hair Feel Crunchy

    How to Get the Wet Look Without Making Your Hair Feel Crunchy

    It's really quite simple.
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    See All Lifestyle
    The One Nail Polish Color Your Zodiac Sign Should Wear for Taurus Season — and Why

    The One Nail Polish Color Your Zodiac Sign Should Wear for Taurus Season — and Why

    Leos should wear glitter, of course.
    • Astrology
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
    • Well Well Well
  • Politics & Social Issues

    Politics & Social Issues

    See All Politics & Social Issues
    50 Badass Change Makers

    50 Badass Change Makers

    The world may feel heavy at the start of 2022, but this list of change makers has us optimistic for brighter days to come.
    • Joe Biden
    • Jill Biden
    • Kamala Harris
    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
    • Career
  • Pop Culture and Entertainment
  • About InStyle

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Fashion
  3. 15 Lessons We Learned from Obsessing Over Zendaya's Fiercely Cool Style

15 Lessons We Learned from Obsessing Over Zendaya's Fiercely Cool Style

By Andrea Cheng Updated May 15, 2016 @ 10:00 am
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Lesson: Color-Block with Coordinates
Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Zendaya is so cool, she doesn't even really need a last name (it's Coleman, FYI), a privilege earned by only a very select group of people (among them: Cher, Rihanna, Beyonce, Adele, Oprah, and Madonna). That means, at just 19 years old, Zendaya has, quite literally, made a name for herself. And she did it through her musical talent, her formidable sense of style, and her responsibility to be the perfect role model—by shutting down the haters, taking a stance against bullying, speaking out against sexism and racism, and partnering up with do-good causes. 

Basically, Zendaya is an all-around awesome person. It's no wonder she runs in Queen Bey's circle (she made a cameo in her Lemonade visual album). Of course, that level of awesomeness would translate into a stellar fashion track record, featuring one incredibly strong look after another. Let's just say, there's a lot to learn here. The higher the fashion risk = the greater the pay off. And Zendaya is no stranger to taking a risk. From her penchant for tailored suit separates (some boldly saturated in surprising shades, others cut from unexpected fabrics) to edgy takes on girly dresses, find out how to sartorially channel Zendaya—and maybe shut down an Internet troll while you're at it.

Start Slideshow

1 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lesson: Master Monochromatism

Lesson: Master Monochromatism
Credit: Angela Weiss/Getty Images

Move over, Lupita Nyong'o, we found the next queen of monochrome—Zendaya struck bold in her fuchsia Christian Siriano suit separates and shirt. If a color as vibrant as fuchsia is just a touch too bright for your taste, try a softer, more approachable shade first, like dove gray or baby blue.

1 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lesson: Bring Foil Metallics Into Day

Lesson: Bring Foil Metallics Into Day
Credit: Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock

High-shine foil metallics in silver or gold are traditionally reserved for the evening. Take them into daytime territory with a slightly oversize, slouchy white button-down. Effortless, polished, and still glam.

2 of 15

3 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lesson: Embrace Volume

Lesson: Embrace Volume
Credit: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Crank up the drama with a ton of volume. Zendaya went with exaggerated wide-leg flares, courtesy of Rosie Assoulin, but balanced the sweeping silhouette with a fitted midriff-baring one-shoulder top.

3 of 15

Advertisement

4 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lesson: Lessen the Girliness

Lesson: Lessen the Girliness
Credit: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images

Got a too-girly dress? Zendaya gave her bow-adorned dress an edgy kick with killer open-toe cage booties.

4 of 15

5 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lesson: Sharpen Up Pastels

Lesson: Sharpen Up Pastels
Credit: Araya Diaz/WireImage

Sleek menswear separates instantly knocks down the sweetness factor that comes with pretty springtime pastels. But then Zendaya amped up the glam with a sexy silvery tank and mirrored pumps, which together, achieved a cool tonal effect.

5 of 15

6 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lesson: Do Stripe on Stripe

Lesson: Do Stripe on Stripe
Credit: Tommaso Boddi/WireImage

Stripes that all run in the same direction? Please. That's so elementary. Zendaya changed things up and mixed horizontal bands with vertical pleats, tying it all together with coordinated sandals that picked up one shade from the color scheme—scarlet red. 

6 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lesson: Remember the Greats

Lesson: Remember the Greats
Credit: Jordan Strauss/AP

The star paid homage to the legendary David Bowie with her 2016 Grammys look, but she did it in the chicest way possible. That means no over-the-top theatrics or obsenely costume-y elements. She took inspiration from his Thin White Duke persona and translated that into a sharp double-breasted blazer, a tailored pant, and a crisp shirt. 

7 of 15

8 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lesson: Give Sweats Some Street-Chic Appeal

Lesson: Give Sweats Some Street-Chic Appeal
Credit: Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Zendaya's take on athleisure: A fitted one-piece (versus sweat separates or a tracksuit), round '70s-inspired sunnies, layered necklaces, and cool camo kicks.

8 of 15

9 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lesson: Harden a Delicate Slip

Lesson: Harden a Delicate Slip
Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

With its lingerie roots, a slinky lace-trimmed dress can seem too delicate and too sexy at once. Counter it with a black leather jacket and suede over-the-knee boots.

9 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lesson: Experiment with Texture

Lesson: Experiment with Texture
Credit: Jesse Grant/Getty Images

The starlet jumped ahead to next season when she walked the red carpet in a slim velvet suit. She further pushed the envelope by styling her plushy separates with nothing but a gunmetal bralet and boots.

10 of 15

11 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lesson: Show Off a Statement Piece

Lesson: Show Off a Statement Piece
Credit: Amanda Edwards/WireImage

If you're like Zendaya and own a jaw-dropping pair of strappy sandals that buckle all the way up your thigh, then you best put them on display. She did it with a sheer black gown cut with a dangerously high slit.

11 of 15

12 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lesson: Break Up Too Much Denim

Lesson: Break Up Too Much Denim
Credit: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

We're all for doubling up on denim, but too much of the same fabric in the same wash can seem flat. Zendaya added dimension and interest with a leopard-print topper and sleek boots (her destroyed denim helped, too).

12 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lesson: Max Out on Matched Sets

Lesson: Max Out on Matched Sets
Credit: Jason LaVeris/WireImage

Be bold and play matchmaker with a coordinated set. Got evening plans? Find one that boasts a satiny pajama-y feel for an irresistibly alluring effect.

13 of 15

14 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lesson: Anchor with Black Accents

Lesson: Anchor with Black Accents
Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Zendaya played up the contrast from her pretty outlined graphic dress with a slew of black finishing touches, including a '90-inspired choker and bejeweled platform sandals.

14 of 15

15 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lesson: Color-Block with Coordinates

Lesson: Color-Block with Coordinates
Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Zendaya achieved a pretty neat color-blocking effect when she layered a tweed lemon-yellow jacket with a matching bralet, and then pitted them against optic white skinnies and pumps. Also cool: mixing a ladylike textile with a utilitarian fabric like denim. (Sidenote: Baring your midriff, completely optional.)

15 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Andrea Cheng

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 15 Lesson: Master Monochromatism
    2 of 15 Lesson: Bring Foil Metallics Into Day
    3 of 15 Lesson: Embrace Volume
    4 of 15 Lesson: Lessen the Girliness
    5 of 15 Lesson: Sharpen Up Pastels
    6 of 15 Lesson: Do Stripe on Stripe
    7 of 15 Lesson: Remember the Greats
    8 of 15 Lesson: Give Sweats Some Street-Chic Appeal
    9 of 15 Lesson: Harden a Delicate Slip
    10 of 15 Lesson: Experiment with Texture
    11 of 15 Lesson: Show Off a Statement Piece
    12 of 15 Lesson: Break Up Too Much Denim
    13 of 15 Lesson: Max Out on Matched Sets
    14 of 15 Lesson: Anchor with Black Accents
    15 of 15 Lesson: Color-Block with Coordinates

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    InStyle

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Accolades Licensing
    • Content Licensing

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithInStyle is part of the Meredith Beauty Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. InStyle may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright InStyle. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.instyle.com

    View image

    15 Lessons We Learned from Obsessing Over Zendaya's Fiercely Cool Style
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.