5 Eternal Style Lessons Diane Kruger Can Teach You

If there’s one person you can count on to top our best-dressed lists whenever she hits the red carpet, it’s Diane Kruger. Demonstrating exemplary style for black-tie events and off-duty outings alike, her consistency across a variety of occasions proves that her style sensibilities are indeed innate. That said, it doesn’t mean her sartorial prowess can’t be studied for (and thus, applied to) your own wardrobe. In honor of her birthday, we count 5 fashionable lessons we’ve learned from the starlet.

Feminine Pieces Make For Easy Daytime Polish

Head-to-toe girlish ensembles, though reading overtly sweet, are a surefire way to achieve a prim and polished effect. For days when you just can't make those boyfriend jeans work in your favor, throwing on a floral dress instead (with dainty sandals and minimalist jewelry) will ensure you looked pulled together.

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Skin-Baring Cutouts Can Be Classy

Cutouts can be tricky—just a few too many centimeters of skin revealed and your look can instantly take a turn toward "daytime pool party in Vegas." By selecting pieces with smart tailoring and otherwise modest silhouettes (via sleeve or hemline length), the effect becomes cool-girl chic—a daring yet of-the-moment trend to rock in warm weather.

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Take Risks For Cocktail Hour

Though we love a classic LBD as much as the next girl, shaking up your cocktail attire is the perfect way to experiment (and have fun) with new looks. Whether it's an avant-garde silhouette, a statement print or simply something that deviates from your standard uniform, all you need to complete the bold ensemble is an air of confidence—plus low-key hair, makeup and accessories to ensure they don't overpower the look.

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When In Doubt, Think Like A French Girl

An off-duty look can be both easy (read: minimal thought involved) and chic when executed properly. For a no-brainer approach to outfit building, opt for French girl staples such as striped tees, oversized blazers and chic hats for airport visits, coffee runs and beyond.

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Thoughtful Layering Is Your Best Friend

Our favorite thing about cold-weather dressing? Serious opportunities to layer. Play up a variety of textures and silhouettes—such as Diane's blouse under tailored vest under coat-thrown-over-the-shoulders—and your outfit options become limitless. Just be sure that the chosen proportions flatter you (lightweight fabrics, belts and the like will help in that department) and you're golden.

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