Gigi Hadid had a career-defining 2017. She was honored with a Glamour Woman of the Year award, launched her third collection with Tommy Hilfiger, collaborated with Maybelline on her debut makeup palette, continued her role as a brand ambassador for Reebok, walked countless runways and covered many magazines. She also teamed up with a new stylist, Mimi Cuttrell, who pushed her out of her sartorial comfort zone. The duo’s collaboration even sparked their ship name #styledbymigi.

And when Hadid reflects on her stylish year, there is one look that stands out.

“My biggest style risk this year was the pink jumpsuit in the cowgirl style. It was a hot pink, metallic, cowboy, bell bottomed suit,” the model told a group of editors Reebok’s Year End Holiday Party in New York City.

The reason behind Hadid’s choice is all about how the hot pink suit made her feel rather than how she looked in it. “I like feeling like a character when I get dressed. I feel like it gives me a bit of power and helps give you an essence of who you can be that day,” Hadid explained.

Luckily, the 22-year-old model doesn’t plan to slow down in the new year as she revealed that her style will only get more colorful. “For 2018 I’m really into color. Whichever color is the one that makes you smile when you wake up in the morning is the one for you that day,” Hadid said.

Gigi’s go-to color? Yellow. “Yellow is the color that always makes me happy,” she shared. This is no surprise as we’ve seen the model rock numerous head-to-toe ensembles in the bright hue this year––including a yellow sequin cut-out dress, a yellow crop-top and pant set, and a yellow mini dress paired with a yellow long duster.

Hadid also maintains that she’s a mood dresser. “My approach to style is that I dress based on how I feel that day. I think you should put on what makes you happy,” she said. “If you look in the mirror and feel excited, that’s what’s it is all about. Have fun with style and be yourself.”

Athleisure is also just as important to Hadid as high-fashion, and her love for sporty looks started way before she was an ambassador for Reebok. “Athleisure started for me because I came to New York as a high school volleyball player,” she shard. “After school I would go to the gym and I didn’t have time to go home and change. So I had to find outfits that would work in layers, that would take me from school, to the gym, to dinner. That’s where my love of crazy jackets, bags and shoes came from – as I would layer them over leggings.”

Naturally, Leggings are a staple piece for the model she rushes to and from workouts and fittings. “The most important thing for me in the gym is to wear well-fitting leggings! If you find a pair of leggings you love, get them in every color. I love my Reebok high-waisted leggings, they make me feel sexy.”

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Sneakers are also something she cannot live without. “I wear sneakers both in and out of the gym. I’d rather wear sneakers than any other shoes because It’s so important for me to be comfortable…if I’m not comfortable, I feel less confident.” In fact, Hadid was so obsessed with her go-to sneaker this past year that she plans to continue wearing them in the new year.  “2017 was about the Reebok Classic leather sneakers and they are my favorite, I’ll be wearing them throughout 2018 too.”