These 16 Rules Define Jennifer Lopez's Timeless Style

Her go-to tricks really are timeless.

Jennifer Lopez photographed wearing a frilly white dress with a plunging neckline
Photo:

Hector Vivas/Getty Images

The genius of Jennifer Lopez is that she knows when to follow style rules and when to break them. Having been in the spotlight for over 30 years now, the actress-slash-singer-slash-entrepreneur knows a thing or two about timeless trends. She's honed in on what works for her—in no small part thanks to her stylists, Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn—and she'll happily return to her greatest style hits again and again.

And yet—Lopez isn't scared to take a risk. On the contrary, she's always had a reputation for being bold, and her style is no exception. From plunging necklines and naked dresses to animal print and body con, Lopez embraces it all, no holds barred. Ahead, the top style rules pulled straight from the wardrobe of the one and only J.Lo.

01 of 16

You Can Never Have Enough Crop-Tops

Jennifer Lopez photographed in New York City wearing jeans and a crop top

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It's the go-to wardrobe staple that's been with Lopez her entire career: the midriff-baring crop top. Wear it with high-waisted trousers or low-waisted jeans; either way, it's winning.

02 of 16

Hoops Go With Everything

Jennifer Lopez photographed in Los Angeles wearing a white button up top and black trousers

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The '90s may be the decade remembered for its giant hoop earrings, but that doesn't mean they've gone out of style since then. On the contrary, hoops are timeless, as evidenced by the many pairs worn over the years by J.Lo.

03 of 16

Get the Dress With the High Leg Slit

Jennifer Lopez photographed wearing a sparkly silver top and matching skirt

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We all know the pose: leg out, hand on hip, thigh high slit on full display. It's a signature move for Lopez, and one that only gets better with time.

04 of 16

When in Doubt, Go Monochrome

Jennifer Lopez photographed in New York City wearing an all denim outfit

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When you're in a pinch, a monochromatic look is the quick fix that never fails to look put together. Lopez does all denim just right with this three piece ensemble, worn to a Hustlers film screening in New York City.

05 of 16

Neutrals Aren't Boring

Jennifer Lopez photographed in New York City wearing a beige trench and beige trousers

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If we've learned anything from the past decade of minimalism, it's this: neutrals don't have to be boring. Case in point? A small floral design on Lopez's trench coat, which instantly makes her beige ensemble that much more interesting.

06 of 16

Take the Plunge

Jennifer Lopez photographed wearing a black Gucci dress with a pink skirt

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Lopez is nothing if not bold. When the occasion calls for it, there's nothing like a plunging neckline to ensure a memorable look.

07 of 16

Fashion Hats Never Went Out of Style

Jennifer Lopez photographed at the Met Gala wearing a brown gown and black hat

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If fashion hats feel like a relic of the 2010s, let Lopez convince you otherwise. Hats are arguably the most practical accessory after all, and a bold one always changes the tone of a look.

08 of 16

Invest in Over-the-Knee Boots

Jennifer Lopez photographed wearing a long white button up and denim over-the-knee boots

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Rule number one: the boots don't have to be leather. Consider a denim over-the-knee boot for a fashion-forward choice à la Lopez, or opt for a timeless suede style that will take you straight into fall.

09 of 16

Turtlenecks Can Be Sexy

Jennifer Lopez photographed wearing a cropped orange turtleneck and long orange skirt

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Lopez often opts for a turtleneck as a surprise element in an otherwise skin-baring outfit. The result? A perfectly balanced, classy-yet-sexy look.

10 of 16

A Curve-Hugging Midi Skirt Is a Staple

Jennifer Lopez photographed wearing a blue button up, black leather skirt, and black coat

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It's not a micro-mini and yet it's also not trailing on the floor: the midi skirt just might be the perfect length for all-day wear, whether you opt for cotton, leather, linen, or silk.

11 of 16

Bodycon Dresses Work Year-Round

Jennifer Lopez photographed wearing a short strapless blue dress

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Whether it's a strapless one for summer or a long-sleeve, floor-length one for winter, the body con dress is a year-round go-to for Lopez, who has decisively proven the timelessness of this trend.

12 of 16

Know Your Sunglasses Style

Jennifer Lopez photographed wearing sunglasses, a turquoise sweater, and turquoise pants

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It's no secret that for every face shape, there is a corresponding perfect pair of sunnies. Lopez has clearly found hers, as evidenced by her longstanding commitment to the oversized aviator-esque style.

13 of 16

Belts Win Best Accessory

Jennifer Lopez photographed wearing a sheer dress and fringe jacket

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Belts have both a practical function and an aesthetic one, so it should come as no surprise that Lopez often reaches for one to help spruce up (and hold up) an outfit.

14 of 16

The Perfect Sweatsuit Does Exist

Jennifer Lopez photographed wearing a gray sweatsuit and Uggs

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Here's the secret: you don't have to wear stilettos with sweatpants in order for the look to feel elevated. Instead, take a page out of Lopez's style book, and simply lean into the coziness of it all.

15 of 16

Nothing Compares to Full-Body Sequins

Jennifer Lopez photographed at the Met Gala in a silver sequined dress

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It's her go-to red carpet look for a reason: sequins, jewels, and beading simply sparkle in a way that few other looks can.

16 of 16

Elevate Your Animal Print

Jennifer Lopez photographed in a cheetah print body con dress

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If animal prints are your favorite neutral, look no further than Lopez for some longstanding style inspo, like this cheetah print bodycon dress from 2018.

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