Steal Her Style

Steal Her Style: Rooney Mara

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Rooney Mara (Getty Images)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo thrust Rooney Mara into the spotlight, and with a sharp (dare we say severe?) style all her own, the young actress has been turning heads since its premiere. Must we even mention that stunning Givenchy she wore to the Oscars? That gown was… everything. Deep breath!

For the past six months, Mara has been thrilling us with her staple mix of classic feminine with a bit of badass—surely influenced from playing the rebel hacker Lisbeth Salander in Tattoo. While touting minimalism, Mara’s Lookbook as of late screams young, edgy, and sophisticated, making her the perfect inspiration for choosing pieces that can take you from day to night.

Classic and Creative

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Mix classics with fashion-forward pieces to look chic and artistic. You’ll have a black A-line skirt forever. What about taking a risk and trying one in leather (or fake leather for the animal lovers and cash-strapped), or in a more current cut? Pair it with a silk blouse or jacket that has features highlighting the garment’s construction, and not necessarily your skin.

From left: See by Cholé silk blouse, $318; Jason Wu leather skirt, $653; SUVINSHOP A-line knit skirt, $27. (From yesstyle.com | boutique1.com | farfetch.com)

The Unexpected LBD

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The LBD may be one of the most timeless and versatile garments. Keep it interesting with dresses that have texture, structure, and subtle sexy details. Even a basic black dress with contoured seaming like the one (below, middle) from Ann Taylor can change up an otherwise ordinary outfit.

From left: alice + olivia Victoria Peplum Dress, $350; Ann Taylor Triacetate Seamed Sheath Dress, $168; MIU MIU Wool geometric lace cap sleeve dress, $685. (From oxygenboutique.com | anntaylor.com | flannelfashion.com)

Keep It Simple

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Black and white, skinny jeans and blazers: They’re the epitome of “safe” and maybe even “boring.” But throw in a peplum to add an unexpected focal point, get those jeans with a slightly higher waist and in a wash worth noticing like this wax pair (below) from J Brand, or rock a white blazer with a daring slash in the shoulder, and your style will be described as anything but yawn-worthy.

From left: Supersocial Cream Lace Peplum Top, $87; J Brand Maria High-Rise Coated-Twill Skinny Pants, $205; Topshop Textured Slash Sleeve Blazer, $120. (From pixiemarket.com | saksfifthavenue.com | topshop.com)

It's All About the Details

(From FameFlynet Pictures | Getty Images)

You may have noticed by now that Mara never needs a single accessory—the details in her outfits speak volumes. Choose garments that have simple silhouettes and trendy details like cut-outs, exposed zippers, and layered mesh fabrics. To balance out any major edge, remember what we said about "Classic and Creative," and add a classic piece to mega-stylish dresses, like a structured black blazer.

From left: Rag & Bone Napoli Pocket Dress, $174; Modcloth Licorice Cordial Dress, $80; T by Alexander Wang Mesh-Detailed Dress, $120. (Photos from revolveclothing.com | modcloth.com | neimanmarcus.com)