You know when you clock someone's outfit on the street, or mid-scroll, and they just look so. damn. cool? And yet you can't put your finger on why?

It's not about a specific trendy accessory, or how much they spent on their clothes.

Personal stylist Fee Zeelenberg has a pretty compelling theory as to why some outfits feel inherently cool, and some fall flat.

Watch as stylist Grace Lam explains how to create contrast within your outfits. Post continues below.

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Creating Contrast in Fashion | Nothing To Wear

She calls it the "three forces of cool": a simple styling formula that anyone can apply to give their daily looks an upgrade.

"Looking cool is not something reserved for cool people, celebrities or people of a certain age," Fee explains on her Instagram account @fee.fits.

"As a stylist, it's something I work on with clients of all ages and backgrounds."

Now that you know there's a ~secret formula~, let's break it down.

The three forces of cool style theory.

Image: Instagram @fee.fits.

Fee says any cool outfit comes down to a balance of three key forces: class, edge and ease.

"When the three forces are in balance, people don't know why your outfit works — they just feel it."

The first vital element is "class", and she isn't referring to your social standing.

Rather, it's about ensuring your outfit is grounded with classic pieces that lend polish — think blazers, tailored shirting, or elegant shoes like loafers or ballet flats.

The second force is "edge", which is the fashion-forward component that makes your look stand out.

Edge can manifest in accessories, like a sculptural bag or interesting sunglasses, or come through via an unexpected textural element. Like opting for chunky jewellery rather than refined pieces.

We're essentially talking about contrast here. Think about styling that tailored blazer with barrel-leg jeans — the blazer brings class, while the updated shape of the jeans gives it some edge.

The final force is ease, and it's what makes a look feel relaxed. Because according to Fee, the last thing you want is to look like you laboured over your outfit all morning.

Ease comes through not just in the pieces you wear — like an oversized knit or a simple white tank — but in the way you wear them. You might leave your shirt unbuttoned, opt for a slouchy bag, or just wear your hair loose and undone.

Now, for some examples from stylish women I follow.

Image: Instagram @sam.preston_.

Stylist Sam Preston effortlessly blends class, edge and ease in this outfit.

The monochromatic tones, black bag and leather thongs (and the chic pedicure and sleek bun!) feel classic. Edge comes in with the funnel neck jacket — a trending shape for this season. And ease? The silhouette of the linen skirt and the jacket sleeves pushed up.

Image: Instagram @_loissterling.

British stylist Lois Sterling nails the balance here: the class comes through in the tailored pants and flats.

She adds edge via statement accessories, and ease with the oversized coat and looseness of her styling.

Image: Instagram @jessica__lucey.

Curve model and creator Jessica Lucey brings class through with the all-black tones, and the elevated sunglasses and clutch.

The knotted netting slides, the neckline of the dress and the layering of cunky bangles feels edgy, and ease comes through in the ribbing and fit-and-flare silhouette of the 'throw-on-and-go' dress.

Image: Instagram @shopwithfifi.

Personal stylist Fifi Milne's outfits always have the three forces of cool.

The black tailored jorts and trench-style bomber jacket are both classic and edgy (see how she's popped the collar to give a funnel neck effect?), and the thongs and unfussy styling make the whole outfit feel easy.

Once you start looking for it, you'll notice the three forces of cool in outfits you love.

Applying the formula to my own outfits.

Since coming across this viral theory, it's really helped me reassess how I put together my looks.

I gave Fee's formula a go on a recent night out, aiming to achieve a balance of the three key elements.

My night-out look, applying the "three forces of cool" formula. Image: Supplied.

The layered black slip dresses provide a chic base, the scarf around my waist gives a fashion edge, while my suede bag and leather thongs keep it feeling relaxed.

If I'd styled this evening fit with heels and a clutch, it might've tipped the scales towards too "done".

Here's another example with a casual outfit.

The structured bomber and white jeans keep it classy, the sunglasses and pop of red add some edge, and the flats bring the ease factor here.

Image: Supplied.

When getting dressed and looking our best feels like a challenge, sometimes we just need a simple framework to guide us.

So instead of copying the exact outfits you see on stylish women you follow, try this formula out with your own wardrobe.

If it works for you, I'd love to hear about it in the comments.

For more helpful style advice and shopping recommendations, subscribe to the weekly Nothing to Wear Substack, listen to the Nothing to Wear podcast or watch Nothing to Wear on YouTube.

Feature image: Instagram @_loissterling; @missjamiefirth; @jessica__lucey; @sam.preston__.