Style Lessons We Learned from Amal Clooney

Janurary 21, 2016 — Photo: NIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP/Getty Images

Frankly, Amal Clooney has it all—the beauty, the brains, the sartorial savvy, and well, George. Since cloning her superior genes is a near impossible feat, the very least we can do—short of creepily stalking her every move—is to take style cues from her on-point wardrobe. And since she's a professor, lawyer, activist, and all-around great human, you can bet said wardrobe is rife with serious workwear inspo.

The one thing to take away from her on-duty wardrobe is how amazingly diverse it is, proving that you can stray beyond an ordinary black suit and still be taken seriously. Forego safe, basic accessories in favor for colorful totes, or experiment with prints, like gingham and pinstripes—they're different enough, but not distracting.

Basically, there's a lot to learn from Clooney and her impeccable wardrobe. We listed out every lesson, so that you, too, can rule the world (err, workplace) like a boss.

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Cautiously Experiment with Trends

Even if you are on top of every trend, it's best not to experiment with every one in the workplace. When gingham print first reigned supreme, Clooney tried out the trend by wearing the pattern in safe neutrals and classic silhouettes.

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Be Bold in One Color

A color as loud as red should remain the focal point. Scale back on superfluous distractions with neutral accessories in structured shapes.

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Master Stripes Like a Pro

Opt out of an ordinary black suit and go for a pinstriped set—it adds interest without breaking any dress codes. Introduce contrast with a white layer underneath (a turtleneck in the winter; a flimsy blouse in the summer).

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Harden Too-Sweet Pastels

The street-style way to toughen up pastels is to throw on a black leather moto jacket. The office-friendly version of that? Cut-out pumps and a black no-nonsense tote.

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Play with Pops of Color

A color-blocked bag here or a floral pump there can really stand out against a blank canvas of sleek white separates—they won't compromise elegance nor sophistication, we promise.

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Modernize a Cardigan

Cardis get a bad rep for being dowdy. Modernize a fitted one by playing with contrast—pit a black cardigan against white pairings for a contempory-chic edge.

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Neutralize a Busy Print

Got a wild print? For more liberal workplaces (or Casual Friday), style the print with the safest color on the spectrum—black.

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Accessorize with Neutrals

In a sea of black suits, a pink tweed skirt set can seem alarmingly loud. Take the conservative route with accessories in neutral browns.

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Turn a Statement Coat into an Outfit

Spice up an otherwise bland outfit with a statement-making coat, like Clooney's gorgeous teal Burberry suede trench.

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Give Polka-Dots a Grown-Up Vibe

Polka-dots can sometimes read too twee. Take the adult approach with a fitted peplum-style blazer and sleek pencil skirt with classic black add-ons.

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Take the Tonal Approach

Put together your ensemble around one statement piece. In Clooney's case, it's her persimmon orange top. Soften the bold shade with colors from the same family, like peach and nude.

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Bring a Menswear-Inspired Edge

Style fluid, girly separates with a pair of chunky menswear-inspired brogues to strike an on-point balance.

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Reveal a Sliver of Ankle

For winter work wear, cold-proof your look, like Clooney, with a rich burgundy coat layered over a turtleneck, but select a cropped pair of trousers and patent Oxfords to reveal a slice of skin, which will help break up a bundled-up look.