Get 'It Girl' Status

By Molly Triffin

Certain chicks stand out, captivating everyone. It's not about amazing bone structure but rather, that unique, slightly imperfect coolness you too can now craft with these moves.

They radiate confidence
You know when you spot an It girl: she's that hot chick people can't take their eyes off yet feel totally relaxed around at the same time. She is sexy but doesn't look like she spent hours obsessing over her eyeliner or anything else. "Her appeal comes from the fact that she's at ease with herself and not really focused on what others are thinking," explains Blythe Cappello, vice-president of talent and casting for MTV.

Today's breed of It chicks cultivates an intriguing mix of beauty and approachability that anyone can pull off like a pro, once they know the secrets.

They love a crowd
No matter where they are, attention-grabbing girls never doubt that people love being around them. Their self-assured, almost cocky, flair is irresistible. "Being totally comfortable on the inside makes you compelling on the outside," says Cappello. "That extra spark of confidence separates an It girl from everyone else."

Work-it trick: convey assertiveness by lightening up your features to get a golden glow à la Jessica Alba. Apply a dab of highlighter to the tops of your cheeks, outer corners of your eyes, and brow bones. Voila — your look will instantly become more brilliant.

Then slick on an luminescent gloss, such as Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Sparkling Champagne. Its reflective flecks of gold will make you eye-catching. Top off the whole look with a sassy smirk that has plenty of attitude. "It girls aren't too eager and sunshiney," notes stylist Robert Verdi, co-host of Fashion Police.

They have a natural beauty
You know faking it doesn't do you any good in bed, and that's true with beauty, too. "It girls never look like they've spent hours in their chamber de make-up," says Verdi. "They honour their inherent beauty."

Work-it trick: if you have a healthy complexion, you don't need to pile on products to radiate like Jessica Biel. Use a gentle cleanser and lotion (such as L'Oréal Paris Skin Genesis Daily Moisturiser SPF 15 Lotion) plus a nourishing mask weekly. Go for a sheer foundation that lets your skin tone come through, says make-up artist Paul Starr, author of Paul Starr on Beauty. You'll look like you, only prettier.

They've mastered a signature style
"It girls don't constantly switch up their looks to follow trends," says Cappello. "While they'll try out different make-up shades and hair styles from time to time, they keep certain elements constant." Rihanna's saucy bob is a great example. You'll leave a lasting impression because people will instantly associate that characteristic with you.

Work-it trick: to find the style that's really you, listen to your intuition. Flip through magazines, and rip out the page whenever you're drawn to a model's or celeb's look, suggests Starr. Find patterns in the pictures you choose — say, you gravitate towards a bold lip or honey-hued highlights — and use that as a springboard to experiment with a similar shade. Or just go with what attracts the most compliments. "Hello, that works for you!"

They're subtly mysterious
"I can always tell the second I've spotted an It girl," says Luiz Mattos, agent for Ford Models. "Her type of allure is apparent but not over-the-top, which leaves you wanting more."

Work-it trick: up the enigmatic factor by leaving things a little undone. "There's a slightly provocative quality about an It girl… " notes Verdi. "Maybe her skirt's not perfect or her hair's mussed." Think of Sienna Miller's carefree locks. "Just throw your hair up in a twist, letting a few pieces fall out like it was a last-minute thought," says Bumble and Bumble celeb stylist, Jimmy Paul. Or slip on an embellished headband and channel Keira Knightley's wavy, windblown style. You look waaay more intriguing when every strand isn't ironed into place.

Can't-take-your-eyes-off'-em chicks also understand the power of soft seduction. For a hint of mischievousness, stroke on a gray eyeliner (it's more inviting than black), and smudge it out. We like Chanel Le Crayon Khol Intense Eye Pencil in Graphite.

They're approachable
"Even the most stunning It girls have a somewhat vulnerable, doe-eyed vibe that makes them relatable," says Starr. Take Hayden Panettiere, for instance: despite her superstar status, she's hot but not alien hot — she's not so staggeringly sexy that people feel uncomfortable in her presence, says Cappello.

Work-it tricks: score bright eyes by sweeping on a pale bronze shadow and lush mascara. Finish with rosy cheeks (try Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Cream Blush) for a fresh flush. A ponytail is girlish but also sexy, adds celeb hairstylist Sally Hershberger. Or go for a simple updo that opens your face, like Hayden's ballerina bun.