How to Look More Elegant and Chic A Style Guide
With an extensive survey finding that a massive 79% of the women wished they were more elegant and chic it begs the question …
Why don’t they do something about it then ?
Don’t know how to ? well - here’s an extensive guide …
A Woman’s Guide to Being More Elegant
You don’t need the money of Elizabeth Hurley or the figure of Keira Knightley to exude style and elegance. Naturally more disposable money to spend on clothes etc and a great figure will help but not being a vintage size 10 or having much spare money does not stop a lady looking elegant - there is no excuse !
Here are some simple cost effective ways to look more elegant
They are not in any specific order so try any of them or better still all of them and report the results back here !
If you disagree or have something to add please leave a comment.
Actually Make an Effort
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Just being bothered is the first move. You don’t need to get glammed up every day but always try to look presentable - it will then become a mantra and filter through to other things in your life - looking better will make you feel better !
Fashion - Don’t Blindly Follow Fashion
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Just because something is the latest fashion does not mean it looks good. The primary aim of the fashion industry is to keep you buying new clothes - not to make you look good.
Because something is fashionable does automatically make it stylish and elegant.
We all know the fashion disasters of the past and look back at them with a mixture of amusement and embarrassment but the fact that they look terrible is not the passing of time rather the fact they never looked good.
True style and elegance is timeless and fashion proof - think Audrey Hepburn - this picture below was taken over 45 years ago ! She would look as stunning and classy today on the red carpet as she did back then in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Audrey Hepburn in Coco Chanel
Hair
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Critical !
Your hair makes one of the biggest impacts. Hair straighteners and new products mean even those with troublesome and unruly hair can still look great. As to styles make sure it matches the overall look you are going for. Match colour to your skin colour and demeanour.
Don’t go for outright blonde unless you can carry it off and it suits your skin tone, some women are simply not suited to blonde !
Darker colours with a hint of background colour tend to look classy.
Avoid pony tails unless staying indoors or horse riding !
How to be as stylish as Elizabeth Hurley
Make Up and Nails
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Nearly all women apply makeup but few do it as well as they could.
Why not experiment more, try and recreate certain looks you see on those you stylistically admire. I’ve always wondered why some women don’t go and get their make up done by a professional or get a consultation on what works best for them and tips on how to apply the various beauty products
Decorated patterns and designs on nails can look effective if subtle and professionally done but they will never have an understated elegance - best avoided for those seeking classical elegance and style. As to nail polish it seems obvious but when you look around perhaps it is not, match the nail colour to your make up scheme !
Take a tip from Keira Knightley’s Make Up
Lingerie - Underwear
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Dress from the inside out !
The right lingerie will make you feel instantly sexier and more confident. I need not be reserved for ’special occasions’. As with all things this can be an area of expense but their are plenty of bargains out there that work really well when chosen carefully.
Brands such as Agent Provocateur with Kate Moss or Maggie Gyllenhaal are at the more expensive end but if your budget does not run to it then possibly just one or two items or perhaps check out cheaper alternatives such as Katie Price lingerie at Asda, Kelly Brook at New Look, Dannii Minogue at Next
Tights are OK but if there is any chance of ‘romance’ then stockings are the order of the day, hold ups rather than suspender belts for general or evening wear
VPL or Visible Panty Line
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Whilst on the subject of underwear there is no excuse for VPL, very little looks worse.
Avoid like the plague and when wearing tighter fitting clothes always wear a thong or G String
Ditch the Tracksuits and Leisure Wear
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Unless you’re going to the gym don’t leave the house in tracksuit bottoms or leisure wear.
You can still be comfortable in other clothes without looking a mess
Lycra leggings avoid like the plague unless you are
A: going to the gym or B: very slim
Go Glamorous - Glam it Up
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When the time is right go for maximum glamour, pull out all the stops. Look and feel fabulous but do it for yourself - not for a man. Sure he’ll appreciate it but the value to your self esteem and confidence is incalculable.
Really go for it full hair, make up, lingerie, stunning dress, heels the lot !
You don’t need to look like a hooker but can still look incredibly sexy and elegant if you do it properly - works for all ages and body types - make the most of yourself from time to time.
Caterina Murino, the actress from the film Casino Royale shows the sizzling effect of truly going glamorous
Caterina Murino from glams it up
Jeans and Denim
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Jeans can make or break you. They are a staple in most people’s wardrobes and are amongst the most versatile and cost effective items of clothing. They can cover 90% of occasions from just being casually dressed to going out.
Team them with a blouse and jacket to look smart or nice tops for a more casual look.
The secret is in the cut. You need to try every type and try to find the ones that suit you best.
Pay attention to body type, don’t wear things you really shouldn’t !
Bootcut jeans with a low waist have become a classic which do not go out of fashion for good reason - they work !
You don’t need to be super skinny like Victoria Beckham - just get ones that actually fit properly.
The Little Black Dress or LBD
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No women should be without the quintessential Little Black Dress.
It’s economical as it can be worn on almost any evening out or formal occasion. Pick a style that suits your body shape. If you have the figure then go clingy or skin tight, cleavage and hem length depends on how adventurous you feel or want to be.
For the fuller figure avoid anything too tight but look at accentuate your best features.
The beauty of the LBD is that you can get something stunning without spending a lot of money - there is no excuse not to have one. As with all things try plenty on or wait to find that killer one which suits you best - don’t buy for the sake of it.
Shoes - Footwear
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Stilettos are one of the greatest weapons in your armoury. Heel height should be as high as you feel comfortable with, possibly not the 7 inch killer heels though !
Consider the less is more theory, as with buying unfeasibly cheap clothing. Instead of buying dozens of pairs of cheap shoes try just having a few well chosen and versatile quality pairs. Not only will you look more elegant but your feet will thank you for it as well.
Jewellery
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Once again less is more unless you have a huge budget. Avoid anything tacky. Sadly money works when it comes to jewellery but for those of us in the real world, keep it simple and tasteful. As with shoes perhaps just a few nicer bits as opposed to a ton of cheap junk.
If you’re looking for elegance then avoid multiple ear piercings and the huge looped ear rings.
One chain or necklace around the neck is enough for anybody, unless you are looking to be a Mr T look alike !
Also that ring or necklace with mum on may mean a lot to you but …
Size and Fit
- Just because you can get something over your head or physically squeeze into it does not mean it actually fits you.
Pay no attention to labels, with vanity sizing they mean little or nothing anyway. It does not matter what the size in the back says try things on and ensure they actually fit you properly and suit your body shape. If you are worried about your size remember nobody can see what the label says but everybody can see the fact that you’re spilling out of under sized clothes !
If you have any tips or ideas please do share them with us and leave a comment.
Likewise if you have an opinion on anything above or if you found it useful / interesting or useless
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