3 effortlessly cool post-workout style hacks Nina Dobrev swears by

If you follow Nina Dobrev on social media, you’re aware of at least two things: She’s no stranger to sweat and somehow always looks cool—even after an intense workout. You’d also pretty quickly pick up on the fact that the former Vampire Diaries actress relies heavily on athleisure pieces (good thing she was just tapped to be a Reebok ambassador), versatile accessories, and ‘90s influences.

Recently, she dished on her favorite ways to transform a wilted, post-exercise look into an Insta-ready outfit (peep the video below): “After I workout, I often continue running errands, and I don’t change out of my workout gear,” she says. “A bold pant print, a vintage-looking oversized sweater, or classic leather sneakers all transition seamlessly from day to night.”  Find the rest of her top tips below, all of which should help you to heed her biggest piece of style advice: “Look cute, but don’t try too hard, ladies.”

Keep reading for Nina Dobrev’s style advice on looking chic after a workout.

1. Don’t skip the sunnies

Sunglasses are especially critical when trying to take a sweat-soaked look out of the gym and into the real world. “I don’t wear makeup when I work out,” Dobrev reveals. “If I accidentally have, then it’s definitely run down my face. So, I’d need to cover up my smudgy eyes.” She relies on a colorful pair of frames to add a little personality to her signature exercise outfit: flattering black leggings, a patterned sports bra, and the aforementioned slouchy sweater.

2. Layer on a jacket

Dobrev favors classic jacket styles—denim and leather—to layer over her sporty threads, but any outerwear will do. “I just throw a jacket on top to dress up my workout clothes, and it becomes a fashion statement,” she says. She’s partial to adding a ‘90s-inspired jean jacket to printed leggings for running errands and a moto one to a date-ready athleisure look.

3. Hats help

If even a messy updo won’t help your hair after it’s been through a good sweat, Dobrev hears you. Her solution? “I often work out with a baseball cap because it keeps my short hair out of my face,” she says. “[My] sweaty hair never looks particularly cute—so I hide it under hats!” Though her preference is for functional accessories while actually exercising, she suggests a quick switch in hats—to a fedora, for example—when you want to turn a tangled mane into a chic statement, stat.

Joining Dobrev on dishing about their post-gym style: Cupcakes and Cashmere founder Emily Schuman and Arielle Charnas of Something Navy.