How To Copy Shay Mitchell's Winter Style On A Budget
I have a confession to make: I have never read nor seen Pretty Little Liars. But despite my ignorance on the entertainment front, I have definitely heard of Shay Mitchell and her impeccable style.
Over the last several years, Shay has grown her reputation as an actress, entrepreneur, and complete style icon.
The Béis founder is hailed for her ability to dress across the aesthetic spectrum and, in doing so, create a style completely her own. One of her hallmarks is her uncanny ability to effortlessly mix elevated basics with luxury fashion.
Her seamless outfitting across genres, from glamorous, to preppy, to boho, to punk, gives her immediate it-girl energy. At the same time, her talent for rewearing staples and dressing them up makes her personal style feel, dare we wish it, attainable. With a little research and strategy, could we regular humans, in fact, dress like Shay Mitchell?
Brands Shay Mitchell Is Known to Shop
Unsurprisingly, Shay is known to shop luxurious (i.e., expensive) brands. Some tried-and-true favorites she’s been known to don include Fendi, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. But if you’re a fashion girl, you know that true style isn’t about where you shop. It’s about how you put pieces together.
While many (myself definitely included) don’t have the budgets to shop at luxury labels such as these, that’s no reason to feel discouraged from emulating Shay’s style.
Shopping Shay Mitchell-Approved Styles on a Budget
The beautiful thing about today’s fashion landscape is that there are truly endless options for shopping whatever style at whichever price point you choose. If you’re looking to channel Shay’s effortless, cool-girl aesthetic, here’s where you can begin your shopping journey:
Abercrombie and Fitch
If you need a one-stop shop for business casual pieces, look no further. For copying Shay's style, grab blazers, button-down tops and dresses, and a recent personal favorite of mine, a pair of micro shorts.
I can personally testify that all of my Abercrombie and Fitch pieces have held up incredibly well over the years, despite constant wear and washing. Bonus: The retailer is almost always running a sale. Stack chosen styles in your cart and act when a sale event tickles your fancy.
Shop: Classic Suiting Blazer, $72
Shop: Oversized Poplin Shirt, $60
Quince
This brand has gained significant popularity in the past several years. Renowned for its ability to deliver luxury pieces at a fraction of the cost, Quince is especially well regarded for its cashmere sweaters and washable silk skirts, both of which would be great style-and-restyle-again staples for copying Shay Mitchell.
Shop: Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, $50
Shop: 100% Washable Silk Mini Skirt, $60
H&M
While I’m not a big fan of fast fashion, I recognize how, when you’re on a budget, there isn’t a ton of wiggle room for extravagance. H&M is a great place to search for standout, celebrity-inspired pieces at a low price point. I wouldn’t recommend building an entire wardrobe at this retailer, but it can be great for grabbing an item here or there.
Shop: Crochet-Look-Detail Jeans, $57
Shop: Patterned Scarf, $10
Styling Tips for Dressing Like Shay Mitchell
Consider the following tips when shopping and creating outfits to imitate Shay’s effortless, impeccable style.
Mix and Match Textures
Shay is known for wearing multiple textures in one fit. On a chilly winter day, reach for that classic cable knit sweater but, instead of pairing it with that favorite pair of jeans, try a silky maxi skirt instead. And yes, as mentioned above, you can 100% shop these on a budget. Finish the look with an eye-catching printed boot.
Shop: 100% Washable Silk Maxi Skirt, $80
Shop: Alexandria Snake Knee-High Kitten Heel Boots, $28
Wear Tailored, Form-Fitting Pieces
Shay was a model. Clearly, she’s got a great body and she’s not afraid to show it. Embrace your own femininity with pieces that flatter, rather than hide, your figure. It’s true, an oversized piece is fun from time to time, but a sleek fit is ultimately more satisfying. In the winter, this might mean a curve-hugging dress or a fitted top styled with a flattering pair of jeans.
Shop: Odessa Gown, $114
Shop: Mix No. 6 Rayley Pump, $45
Build Your Outfits Around Statement Pieces
Have you ever seen an item of clothing so fabulous you feel like you could make it your entire personality? If you want to channel Shay Mitchell, do just that. If Shay’s outfits show us anything, it’s that it only takes one incredible piece to make a whole outfit.
A flashy coat, an eye-catching pair of shoes, or a hat that will turn heads can be styled with elevated basics and called a minimal-effort slay. Invest in the pieces that are love at first sight and wear them on repeat without shame.
Shop: Josefina Faux Fur Detail Jacket Blue, $129
Shop: AIRE Whirlpool Aviator Sunglasses, $50
Grab For Elevated Basics
Contrary to popular belief, a basic doesn’t have to be expensive to be considered elevated. While I’m personally an advocate for investing in quality staples, the reality is that doing so isn’t always possible. As someone who was food insecure during their early 20s, I get it. I really do.
If your budget is tight, fear not. Even the most affordable fashion brands now offer a slew of elevated styles at any given time. Some Shay-approved pieces to add to cart include button-down shirts and dresses, a blazer, and a go-to pair of loafers.
Shop: 100% European Linen Shirt Dress, $50
Put Some Prep In Your Step
I have a deep respect for how effortlessly Shay can switch styles. And when you have a closet full of elevated basics, it’s only natural to pull together some preppy looks. Some classic staples you can restyle over and over again include a pleated skirt, loafers, a trench coat, and a tipped V-neck sweater. And while I’ve always been on the fence when it comes to baseball hats, Shay has officially convinced me. I suggest we all follow suit.
Shop: 1989 Classic Trench, $215
Shop: Sonoma Goods For Life® Oversized V-Neck Sweater, $2
Make Your Outerwear Count
If you have to dress warmly, do so with vim and vigor. A winter coat doesn’t have to ruin your outfit, and a hat doesn’t have to be a necessary evil. Long puffer coats, fur jackets and hats, and chic, modern-style sunglasses are all on par with Shay’s own winter apparel.
Shop: Responsible Down Long Puffer Jacket, $200
Shop: Ceres V2, $44
Maybe it’s her background as a model, maybe it’s an innate characteristic, but Shay’s confidence positively radiates. And, in my experience, the women with the most confidence are also the most complimented on their outfits. Fashion is about clothing, of course, but it’s even more about how its wearers put pieces together and how comfortable they are in their own skin. You don’t need a celebrity budget to dress like Shay. All you need is a little know-how and the confidence to conquer.