Get Model Rocky Barnes’ Cali-Cool Look With These 6 Style Tips

Borrowing from the past, taking inspiration from landscapes, and adding contemporary touches to the present, the Cali-cool aesthetic consists of various, always Insta-worthy styles that come together to create a look that is truly its own. Forget model-off-duty, this is one look that you'll find yourself going back to again and again. 

Sandy and pink-hued browns, ochres and terracottas, it is hard not to take inspiration from the spectacular colours that paint the deserts of California. Whether it's sporty, casual or dressy, Rocky always finds ways to incorporate these tones into her looks. 

She pairs a dusty, desert rose-hued, drapey, plunge neck, cut-out dress with a brown, netted seashell bag in a look that gave off some seriously dreamy, whimsical dessert-beach goddess vibes. For a cute-yet-sporty retro feel lounge or athleisure look, Rocky pairs leopard print biker shorts with a deep rusted ochre hoodie and matching, wide-frame sunglasses. Perfect for quirky, casual wear. 

Two dressier looks come in the form of a plunge neck, yellow-toned ochre, twisted knot waist dress that featured a sexy, asymmetric handkerchief hem, and a chic sand-hued, slouchy button-up jumpsuit with a Harem style pant bottom. Both these looks were accessorised with Fendi's Mon Tresor mini bag in the classic Fendi Zucca print. The rich brown hues on the bag matched well with the desert tones of her outfits, while the Harem style pant bottoms of the jumpsuit and the strappy, tie-up, heeled sandals that were paired with the dress, added her signature bohemian touch. 

Cooler days call for the cutest outerwear! Rocky's go-to? Adorable, fuzzy cardigans. It's not all cutesy though. Depending on the print and colours, the fuzzy cardigan can lend an edge to a look as well. 

She pairs a pastel, turquoise tinge, baby blue longline cardigan with a salmon-pink v necked satin dress in a look that sang of the cotton candy skies of California sunsets. Her signature boho-chic styling also appears in the form of layered necklaces that added subtle, dressy bling. In a totally '60s or '70s inspired retro look, she is seen once again in a long line cardigan, this time featuring crochet granny squares in an array of candy-pastel hues on a cream base. A pair of dusty purple boots picked up on the purple notes in the cardigan and added a spot colour to the monochrome cream ensemble underneath.

If you're into a less pastel look, another fuzzy cardigan-centred outfit features a western-grunge aesthetic. An oversized, black and white checkered fuzzy knit is paired with dark wash jeans, a black top, and black embossed, western boots. An element of fun presents itself in the form of a quirky, cowboy-esque leopard print hat to complete this unique ensemble. 

Candy heart pastels are the way to go with Cali-Cool. Rocky's outfits feature matchy-matchy pastels that create a sweet yet graphic aesthetic. 

Combining retro, modern and boho elements, a fresh, bright, spring-mint green, shorts and blazer twinset is paired with a basic white top and matching, '60s cat-eye glasses with an exaggerated winged frame. The funky frame softened the formal feel of the blazer-shorts combination and the deliciously sweet green hue added an element of girlish fun. True to the bohemian signatures often stamped on her style, a white, jar-shaped basket bag provided a contemporary boho-chic feel. Opting for a white basket bag instead of a brown or natural wicker one provided a cleaner, more modern aesthetic.

In a sporty-cute look, she wears a powder blue three-piece set that consisted of a bra top, high-waisted paper bag shorts and an oversized shirt or jacket. The modern interpretation of the '50s high waist shorts and cropped, halter bralette look was paired with a contrasting, lemon yellow crossbody bag and whimsical, paddle pop pastel sneakers for a burst of colour.    

Historical influences peek in her trendy looks through visages of the late '60s and early '70s. Hippie culture was huge in California so think bell-bottoms '70s collars, jumpsuits, paisley and embroidery. A subtle nod to the Summer of Love – circa 1967, San Francisco. 

Corduroy is key when it comes to mastering the '70s look. Rocky is seen in burnt orange, corduroy, zip-up jumpsuit that featured a skin-tight, catsuit-like silhouette and flared pants. This style of jumpsuit was one that is characteristic of the era. The gold zip added to the '70s feel and in true Rocky Barnes fashion, little hints of boho are sprinkled about in the form of shell bracelet accessories and a cute, rectangular, picnic-style basket bag. Clean black, minimalist heels added a contemporary feel to the look.

Mustard yellow is truly a '70s shade and it appears in not one, not two, but three of her looks. Reminiscent of California sunsets, mustard yellow, bellbottoms are paired with a fuzzy pink-mustard-orange ombre fuzzy sweater. In another look that epitomized the era, mustard bellbottoms appear again. This time teamed with a burnt orange, knit, slouchy polo-style sweater with embroidery and blue contrast details. The chicest look of the lot, however, appears in the form of thigh-high, suede boots and a matchy-matchy mustard yellow statement belt, paired with a periwinkle blue button, collared knit sweater top and a '70s look, mosiac-paisley maxi skirt that featured a high slit. The high slit and boots added a casually sexy glamour to the retro-feel look. 

Being close to the desert, the old-west has to be a source of inspiration. With a few cleverly selected items, Rocky manages to create western-Americana-infused looks that are absolutely on point with the trends of today.

She pairs light wash, low slung, wide-leg jeans with a unique, brown and white tie-dye boatneck top that featured a slightly cropped fit. The '70s nature of the flared pants and tie-dye top get a western twist with the addition of a powder blue, cowboy hat. A handbag in a dusty, more muted shade of powder blue created a matchy-matchy spot colour effect and barely there, nude sandals ensured that nothing took away from the statement elements of the outfit. The sharp lines of the handbag and unique, pastel hue on the usually brown-toned cowboy hat provided a contemporary feel to this pastel cowgirl meets Bratz doll look. 

In an edgier look, she once again borrows elements from '90s grunge. Pairing a red and black jacket-top that featured buckskin jacket inspired western fringing with a fitted black midi skirt and chic, ankle-high, black, pointed cowboy style boots. A black belt was added to cinch in her waist, accentuating it and providing a feminine, peplum-like shape, reminiscent of Dior's New Look. Edgy, feminine, '90s grunge-western vibes. And if you're looking for a one of a kind, statement look, this borderline avant-garde-ish one is perfect for you.  

Turquoise is a natural, aqua-hued mineral that is often mined in desert states like Nevada and Arizona. Turquoise mines have also been discovered in San Bernardino and Inyo Counties, California. Turquoise jewellery is an excellent way to add an instant boost of dessert-chic Americana to your outfit. 

Rocky teams large turquoise floral earrings with a deep turquoise and white tie-dye dress and white, tie front top, and lots of beaded boho bracelets to create a dressy-beachy summer look that would work well for balmy summer evenings. A turquoise necklace is layered with a coral one and paired with a contemporary leopard print wrap dress to add her boho-chic signature to a sleek, modern look. 

She also contrasts short turquoise choker necklaces with a cool, blue-toned bubblegum pink crop top and mixed-print pants in a fun, casual ensemble that is perfect for running errands during the day. The turquoise necklaces matched the turquoise hues of the print on the pants, tying the whole, '90s Barbie feel together.