POV: Dakota Johnson Core is the Ultimate Cool-Girl Fashion for 2025

The other day, I was doomscrolling on Instagram before bed, running through reel after reel of astrological predictions and fashion trends (a winning combo, if you ask me), when all of a sudden, I happened upon the most unexpected fashion trend that I can actually get on board with: Dakota Johnson core. Coined by content creator Jessi Caparella, Dakota Johnson core encapsulates the 35-year-old actress’s effortless style, which is rather French-inspired and timeless. And get this: The Dakota Johnson core fashion trend is surprisingly easy to recreate with capsule wardrobe pieces you already have. Below, I break down everything you need to know about the trend, including how to recreate it and a few key pieces to shop.

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According to Caparella, Dakota Johnson core embodies the effortlessly cool style of the actress, “whose street style [seamlessly blends] masculine silhouettes with feminine touches.” It’s a look reminiscent of the French approach to fashion—timeless staples like a well-worn pair of vintage Levi’s or a classic trench coat. As seen in the video above, the pieces Johnson wears aren’t groundbreaking in themselves; they closely resemble items you'd find in any French capsule wardrobe, from loafers to white button-up shirts. What truly sets this trend apart, however, is how Johnson styles these pieces together. It’s a testament to the skill of her stylist, Kate Young, who curates her looks with a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication.

Here’s How to Nail Dakota Johnson Core

As I previously mentioned, Dakota Johnson core is one of the most sustainable fashion trends I’ve seen in a while because it really centers around key items in your wardrobe. Here are a few things to keep in mind when recreating the look.

• Don’t forget to accessorize: Perhaps the most important step, Johnson really pulls everything together with accessories. She uses a belt to break up the look, minimalist jewelry for a touch of metal, large hobo bags to drape along her shoulder and a classic pair of sunglasses.
• Invest in timeless capsule wardrobe pieces: I can’t stress this enough, but when it comes to Dakota Johnson core, less is more. To break it down further, Johnson wears a handful of versatile pieces that she mixes and matches. Think: a crisp white tee, a cardigan, tailored jeans, a white button-down blouse, a trench coat, a denim shirt and a polo sweater with a pop of color. Best of all, these are items that will live in your wardrobe for many years and see plenty of wear.
• Focus on the fit of your clothing: If you want your outfits to have that polished, curated-by-a-personal-stylist look, the key is in the fit. Whether you're petite or tall, where your clothes fall on your frame can dramatically impact how they flatter your figure. For instance, finding jeans with an inseam that hits just above your ankle, rather than several inches higher, can make all the difference in how the outfit feels. Johnson often opts for relaxed fits, so if you're aiming for a similar style—think boyfriend jeans paired with heeled boots—look for silhouettes that have a loose, slouchy fit but still maintain a streamlined look. You might need to size up to achieve that perfect balance. And when in doubt, take your clothes to a seamstress who can tailor them to your body for a truly custom fit.