The Best Style Secrets We Can Learn From Angelina Jolie

During a 2019 interview with Harper's Bazaar, Angelina Jolie admitted, "I think we all know boldness when we see it. Nothing makes me smile more than when I see someone being fully themselves, with their own individual style and character, whatever that is." If there is one thing that Jolie has taught us through the years, it is that being bold and embracing your own unique style never fails.

In 2001, during the premiere of "Tomb Raider," Jolie made her red-carpet appearance in an edgy yet casual 'fit complete with leather pants and a cropped top. Two decades down the line, Jolie appeared in a Valentino skirt during the UK premiere of "The Eternals," matching it with an unlikely white shirt and blazer. And although Jolie did not step onto the 2024 Oscar's red carpet, her style did — the iconic actor made her debut as a fashion designer and created the stunning dress worn by writer and journalist Suleika Jaouad. Of course, true to her Angelina ways, the dress could not be considered anything but bold thanks to the black artwork on the skirt's long train.

These moments show that Jolie is not afraid to break fashion rules and will not think twice before appearing in a Morticia Adams-esque long-sleeved black Marc Bouwer dress to the Oscars or a sleek tuxedo to a movie premiere. Her striking olive-green dress by Max Azria at the 2008 "Kung Fu Panda" premiere, while pregnant with twins Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline, also demonstrates that you can embrace your own style no matter what stage of life you're in. 

We can learn a refreshing style secret from Angelina Jolie's appearance at the 2018 BAFTAs in London — and it's hair-related. Even a simple bun can be ultra-sexy when the rest of your ensemble is striking. This seems to align with Coco Chanel's famous quote: "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off." Piling on too many attention-drawing details, including an extreme hairstyle, can overcrowd your look.

So, follow Jolie's example instead. If you are dressed in your favorite little black dress (or little red dress, which is the new LBD) don't take away from its glamour by striving for a complicated and fancy hairstyle. A simple, sleek bun or ponytail can perfectly complement your outerwear without crying for attention. If you want to upgrade your LBD with some of the best accessorizing tips, then do it the Jolie way — a pair of elegant and timeless chandelier earrings can bring the whole look together if you're keeping the hair minimal.

When it comes to our makeup, the less-is-more look is in, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your glow to look stunning. Take a cue from Angelina Jolie and follow another of her best style secrets: A minimal look can leave a greater impact than an overdone look. Unlike other — equally alluring — A-listers who follow a full makeup routine of contouring, eyeshadows, blush, lipstick, and such, Jolie always looks impeccable opting for a natural look most of the time. She is not one to overdo her makeup; her signature is the sharpest cat-eye eyeliner and a simple mascara.

If you want to follow her style, keep your makeup as simple as possible. But note that we are not recommending you ditch your skincare routine. The reason Jolie can pull off the natural look is that her skin appears to be flawless without layers and layers of foundation and concealer. Clean, vibrant skin is always in and ensures that less makeup is enough to complete your look. Find the best products for your skin's needs and follow the best face-washing route depending on your skin type.

Candid snapshots of Angelina Jolie in the streets of Los Angeles and New York are nothing new. Even though her style fluctuates from dresses to suit pants, there seems to be one staple in her stylish outings: the big tote bag. Although the oversized tote bag was fall 2023's most practical handbag trend, Jolie segued her favorite bags with her into 2024. In her typical fearless style, the "Maleficent" star dictates her own fashion choices, oftentimes breaking the rules. And her tote bag is one she is willing to carry with her no matter what the dernier cri trends say.

So, if you too have an oversized tote bag that you absolutely adore, dare to wear it. Organic shapes are the 2024 handbag trend, but nothing can stop you from going big if you back up your accessories with confidence. Besides, why would you want to carry around a mini bag that laughs right in the face of practicality? 

In April 2024, Angelina Jolie was spotted attending "The Outsiders" Broadway premiere with daughter Vivienne. The actor — who is a co-producer of the show — wore an elegant gold dress and draped a rust-colored cape over her shoulders. Her understated looks were complemented with chunky earrings for a put-together fabulous result.

Jolie knows how to balance things; when her clothes are subtle, she ups the wow factor with memorable jewelry and vice versa. Of course, in doing so, she also embraced the XXL jewelry that is on trend for 2024. During the Spring/Summer 2024 Schiaparelli fashion show, bold, chunky jewelry stole the limelight, and ushered us into an era far away from minimalism and the quiet luxury aesthetic of previous seasons.

If you are a fashion aficionado embracing the latest trends, then we are willing to bet that your jewelry box is already filled to the brim with XXL statement pieces. However, do take a cue from Jolie: When you go big on your accessories, you need to cool down with your outfit. Opt for monochrome clothes and stay clear from multi-colored, patterned, and floral ensembles. Your clothes and jewelry need to complement each other, not compete for our attention. So, say yes to chunky jewelry, but be careful what you match it with.

The A-lister has famously declared, "I see myself as a mom first. I'm so lucky to have that role in life. The world can like me, hate me, or fall apart around me, and at least I wake up with my kids, and I am happy," (via Closer Weekly). Motherhood is everything for Angelina Jolie, but she always looks glamorous, be it on the red carpet or the streets of New York when she is out and about with her children.

This is perhaps one of the best style secrets we can steal from her: When life gets in the way and we get busy, either building our careers or raising our families, we don't have to put ourselves on the sidelines. When Jolie is spotted with her children, her ensembles are always carefully chosen and perfectly align with her personal style — even if it means going against what the current fashion trends dictate. A simple black jumpsuit and white fedora at a café, a pair of slim jeans with simple ballerina shoes in Los Angeles, and a pair of wide-legged beige Chloé pants in Paris —wherever she goes with her kids in tow, Jolie is effortlessly elegant and classy.

Of course, not every mom or busy woman has a glam squad and team of stylists at their disposal, which likely makes it easy for Jolie to always look put-together despite her hectic schedule. Sometimes, all you can do is throw on a T-shirt, and that's okay. But the tip we should take is to put thought into our looks if we can, no matter what else is going on in life.