How to dress like a Nancy Myer’s girl

Nancy Meyers’ aesthetic is all about timeless elegance, effortless luxury, and a cozy yet polished feel. Her films (Something’s Gotta Give, The Holiday, It’s Complicated) have cemented a style that blends classic tailoring with relaxed, lived-in charm. Dressing in the Nancy Meyers aesthetic means embracing a wardrobe that feels both sophisticated and approachable—perfect for someone who wants to look put-together without seeming like they tried too hard.

Key Elements of the Nancy Meyers Wardrobe:

1. Luxe Neutrals & Soft Tones

Nancy Meyers’ characters gravitate toward a muted, neutral palette—think warm whites, soft beiges, creamy camels, and classic navys. These shades exude quiet luxury and make mixing and matching effortless.

2. Effortless Knitwear

Chunky turtlenecks, fine cashmere sweaters, and relaxed cardigans are staples. They add warmth, texture, and a touch of understated elegance. Pair with wide-leg trousers or jeans for a refined yet comfortable look.

3. Classic White Button-Downs

A crisp white button-down is a non-negotiable. Whether slightly oversized or perfectly tailored, it’s a versatile staple that works tucked into high-waisted jeans, layered under a sweater, or left open over a tank.

4. Relaxed Yet Polished Pants

Tailored trousers, straight-leg jeans, and linen drawstring pants define the Nancy Meyers aesthetic. These pieces strike a balance between structured and laid-back, perfect for a weekend at a Hamptons beach house or a cozy evening at home.

5. Soft, Flowing Dresses

Think light cotton or linen midi dresses in classic silhouettes—wrap dresses, shirt dresses, and breezy A-line styles. Florals are subtle, and fabrics always look natural and effortless.

6. Elegant Outerwear

A well-fitted trench coat, a classic wool coat, or a tailored blazer is essential for layering. The look is always clean and refined but never overly formal.

7. Minimal yet Thoughtful Accessories

•Ballet flats, loafers, and classic pumps – Comfortable yet chic footwear that pairs well with any outfit.

•Structured handbags – Think timeless leather totes or understated crossbody bags.

•Pearl or gold jewelry – Simple studs, delicate necklaces, and subtle rings that enhance rather than overpower.

How to Achieve the Look:

•Prioritize high-quality, natural fabrics like cashmere, linen, silk, and cotton.

•Keep your color palette neutral and opt for monochrome or tonal dressing for an effortlessly chic effect.

•Mix structured pieces with relaxed elements (e.g., tailored pants with a soft cashmere sweater).

•Invest in classic silhouettes over trend-driven pieces—think Audrey Hepburn meets coastal grandmother.

•Focus on understated elegance rather than flashy details.

Thrifting for the Nancy Meyers aesthetic means looking for high-quality, timeless pieces that exude effortless elegance. Prioritize natural fabrics, neutral colors, and classic silhouettes from brands known for their craftsmanship and understated luxury. Here are some brands to keep an eye out for:

High-End Brands (Hidden Gems at Thrift Stores)

These brands are often found in thrift stores, consignment shops, or secondhand marketplaces and align with the Nancy Meyers aesthetic:

•Eileen Fisher – Relaxed linen, soft knits, and timeless basics.

•Theory – Minimalist tailoring, perfect trousers, and classic blazers.

•Max Mara – Elegant outerwear, soft wool coats, and structured pieces.

•Loro Piana – Luxe cashmere sweaters and sophisticated layering pieces.

•Vince – Effortless, neutral-toned knitwear and silk blouses.

•Brunello Cucinelli – High-end cashmere and timeless structured pieces.

•Lafayette 148 – Polished essentials in premium fabrics.

•Jil Sander – Minimalist, sophisticated pieces with clean lines.

•The Row – If you’re lucky, their impeccable basics fit the Nancy Meyers aesthetic perfectly.

Mid-Range & Accessible Brands (Easier to Thrift)

These brands often have the perfect cozy yet polished pieces, making them great finds at thrift stores:

•J.Crew – Classic button-downs, relaxed cashmere sweaters, and structured coats.

•Ralph Lauren – Timeless knitwear, tailored trousers, and coastal-inspired staples.

•Everlane – Neutral, minimalist essentials with a slightly modern edge.

•Ann Taylor / LOFT – Elevated basics, tailored pants, and blouses.

•Banana Republic – Clean-cut silhouettes and classic pieces.

•Club Monaco – Chic and neutral-toned staples.

•Uniqlo – High-quality basics like soft knits and simple outerwear.

•Talbots – Understated elegance, especially in blazers and outerwear.

•Brooks Brothers – Crisp button-downs, well-made wool coats, and classic layering pieces.

•Eddie Bauer / L.L. Bean – Cozy yet refined knitwear, great for layering.

Key Pieces to Look For While Thrifting:

•Chunky knit sweaters in cashmere, wool, or cotton.

•Relaxed linen or cotton button-downs (bonus if slightly oversized).

•Tailored trousers in neutral shades.

•Breezy linen or cotton dresses in soft, classic cuts.

•Wool coats, trench coats, or structured blazers.

•Ballet flats, loafers, or classic pumps (brands like Ferragamo, Cole Haan, and Sam Edelman work).

•Pearl or gold-toned jewelry – classic and minimal.

Thrift Shopping Tips for This Aesthetic:

•Check the fabric tags – Prioritize cashmere, silk, wool, linen, and high-quality cotton for a luxurious feel.

•Shop the men’s section – You can find oversized button-downs, relaxed sweaters, and structured blazers that fit the Nancy Meyers aesthetic.

•Look in unexpected places – Estate sales, vintage shops, and even secondhand luxury sites (like The RealReal or Poshmark) are goldmines for these brands.

•Stick to a neutral color palette – Whites, creams, taupes, navys, and soft grays ensure everything works together.

•Examine tailoring and structure – Well-made pieces with a timeless cut will always look more expensive.

In conclusion, the Nancy Meyers aesthetic is a timeless celebration of understated elegance and cozy luxury. With its emphasis on quality fabrics, relaxed yet refined silhouettes, and a neutral color palette, this style resonates with those who appreciate classic, sophisticated fashion that’s both effortlessly chic and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re channeling the warmth of a cozy cashmere sweater or the polish of a tailored wool coat, the essence of the Nancy Meyers aesthetic lies in a wardrobe that feels as inviting as it does stylish. By embracing these elements, you can effortlessly bring a sense of timeless elegance into your own closet, creating looks that are both chic and effortlessly wearable.