How to style medium length hair?

Well, I got my hair cut about two weeks ago and it used to reach to the middle of my back but now its only a little longer than my shoulders. I have just been straightening it lately, but I want a new look for it. I was thinking possibly loose curls, but I don't know how to do that without them falling out. I tried doing it but I ended up using half a bottle of hairspray and they fell out and my hair ended up looking crunchy. I have three different size curling irons and a flat iron as instant freeze hairspray by Aussie. Any ideas? I want the style to look effortless. Sorry I am so picky about this. Thanks guys!