Fashion

5 Steps To Looking Like Kristen Bell

by Tyler Atwood

Kristen Bell may just be the epitome of the Millennial spirit. She's intelligent, talented, quick-witted, and happens to have a style that is both enviable and achievable. It's rare to find a Hollywood actress with brains, beauty, and elegance to spare, but Bell somehow manages all three while maintaining a remarkably humble attitude. Plus, she can host a raucous awards show like CMT with spirit and confidence. On the heels of her success in Frozen and the fan-sponsored film adaptation of Veronica Mars, Bell has logged some serious red carpet time of late, resulting in a collection of daring, inspired, and simply chic ensembles. And though her animated fashions in Frozen were, well, adorable, it's her real life ensembles that require a little attention.

The petite actress has rocked looks ranging from a graceful Roberto Cavalli on the Oscars red carpet, accessorized with a burrito hidden inside her clutch, to more casual Topshop wares at a store opening in Las Vegas. No matter what the occasion, Bell chooses delightful, flirty pieces that don't overwhelm her small frame. And for a recent discussion about her role as presenter for the CMT Awards, the actress chose a perfectly relaxed ensemble with a touch of her signature quirk.

Rick Diamond/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

1. A PATTERNED PEASANT BLOUSE

Start of your ensemble with a beautifully patterned peasant blouse like Kristen Bell's. The print should be eye-catching but not overwhelming so as not to take over your frame. Try to find a blouse with a slightly relaxed fit which shows your shape, but doesn't hug every curve. Joie's Martine C Top has an elegant floral motif and looks lovely tucked in or left billowy.

2. A PAIR OF DARK-WASH SKINNY JEANS

When wearing a looser peasant top, choose a pair of close-fitting skinny jeans like Bell's to balance the volume of your shirt. Dark wash jeans pair well with a peasant top so the ensemble doesn't appear too beatnik-inspired, unless you enjoy dressing like a free-spirited flower child. J. Brand's 811 Photo Ready Mid-Rise Skinny Leg have a deep wash to slim and flatter your silhouette.

3. ELEGANT BLACK STILETTOS

Bell adds an element of sophistication to her relaxed ensemble with a pair of gorgeous black stilettos. If you're looking to dress up your outfit, L.A.M.B.'s Fernley Pumps are similar in style, but with just the right amount of sparkle thanks to metallic ankle straps.

4. BURGUNDY NAIL POLISH

Rather than stick with an unimaginative nude nail shade, Bell chose a rich burgundy polish to complement the dark pattern of her top and the wash of her jeans. Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Noir is a similarly complex color for an added edge.

5. A HANDY SNACK FOR YOUR PURSE

What can one learn from Kristen Bell's red carpet etiquette? Always pack a snack. Pure offers a delicious — and healthy — mid-afternoon bite with its Chocolate Chunk Nut Bar.

Images: Joie Martine C Top, $248, joie.com; J. Brand 811 Photo Ready Mid-Rise Skinny Leg, $202, jbrandjeans.com; L.A.M.B. Fernley Pumps, $265, zappos.com; Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Noir, $27, chanel.com; Pure Chocolate Chunk Nut Bar, $219, shop.thepurebar.com