Rid your mind of dated dolphin symbols or exaggerated tribal motifs—the new wave of It-girl tattoos are a far cry from their clunky predecessors. Though many fashionable tastemakers do have a heavy assortment of ink (we’re looking at you, Catherine McNeil and Erin Wasson), many prefer symbols that are quite delicate and simplistic in shape, some even of the stick-and-poke variety. The general trend is a gravitation toward thin lines and tiny symbols, a decidedly modern (and feminine) approach to tattoo design. Whether you choose just one inconspicuously placed symbol or an artful menagerie scattered across various limbs, seek inspiration from these cool kids who are getting it right.
The Cool Girl's Guide To Tattoos
Catherine McNeil showing off her enviable ink.
Photo: Adam Katz Sinding
Langley Hemingway
Model, illustrator and sister to Dree, Langley Hemingway sports this celestial motif on her wrist.
Photo: @langleyfox
Jourdan Dunn
Two's company—Jourdan shows off symbols on both forearms (a hamsa hand and "Fear is not an option" quote).
Photo: @officialjdunn
Hailey Baldwin
Hailey allegedly got this subtle "g" behind her ear as a tribute to Georgia, her friend's young daughter who suffers from a rare brain disorder.
Photo: @jonboytattoo
Erin Wasson
Photos of Erin's ever-growing collection continually surface on Pinterest and tumblr (typically accompanied by a #goals hashtag), elevating her tattoo game to cult status.
Photo: @erinwasson
Daria Werbowy
Who needs rings when you have aptly placed designs on your fingers like Daria's?
Photo: @dotwillow
Chiara Ferragni
The Blonde Salad blogger sports scrolling symbols on her triceps, which look stunning with a backless top.
Photo: @chiaraferragni
Catherine McNeil
A close-up of Ms. McNeil's many tattoos reveals a selection of dots, arrows and bands. Fun fact: Fellow supermodel Gisele also sports a star outline tattoo on her wrist like Catherine.
Photo: @catmcneil
Cara Delevingne
It seems that every time Cara gets new ink, the Internet explodes. (Remember when she got the lion tattoo on her index finger?) Here, she plays with color with an exaggerated, red heart on her pinky.
Photo: @caradelevingne
Camille Rowe
Model Camille's dainty strokes on her back and finger are hardly recognizable at first glance—making a solid case for barely there designs (ideal for those not sold on statement ink).
Photo: @fingermonkey
