Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of basic clothing, with all the essentials that you need. Everything in your capsule wardrobe should match, and you should ensure that there’s something for all types of occasions.
With a solid capsule wardrobe, you’ll be able to just grab something out of your closet and go — ensuring that you look great, even when you’ve rushed to get dressed. A typical capsule wardrobe consists of basics, flattering silhouettes, solid neutrals, and classic styles.
Blazers
A blazer can add a level of class and sophistication to pretty much any outfit. Fashion website shopping director Tiffany Yannetta explains, “Buying a good blazer is important because it’s such an easy way to elevate an outfit. The upper half of your body is what people see the most — more than your pants or your shoes.”
So, if you’ve got a meeting and want to look professional but can only splurge on one new piece, go for a blazer rather than slacks or heels.
Pointy-Toed Shoes
If you look at shoe styles for females in different age groups, you’ll probably notice that round-toed shoes tend to be worn by girls, while pointy-toed shoes are favored by women.
If you’re not in love with the pointy-toed look, you can always opt for an almond-toed shoe, which sits in the middle between pointed and round. That’ll ensure you’ll have that rich-lady look, but without elongating your feet, if that’s something you’re concerned about.
Statement Earrings
If you’re going to rely on one piece of jewelry to pull your look together, have it be earrings, since that’s what people will see when they look at your face.
Gold hoops tend to go with any look, are timeless, add polish to one’s appearance, and are flattering on most people — especially if they’re small or medium-sized. If you’re not a hoop earring fan, drop earrings will also add glamor to an otherwise so-so getup.
Structured Bags
A structured bag looks more refined than a floppy purse. Furthermore, it’ll take longer to lose its shape, making the structured bag a great investment piece. Simply choose one in a neutral color, so you can use it with anything, and you’re all set!
If you’re unsure whether or not a bag is sufficiently structured, just stand it on a flat surface. If it stays upright on its own, you’re good to go! If it falls to the side, this may not be the bag for you.
Sunglasses
Think about celebrities hiding from the paparazzi, secret agents on missions, and real housewives covering their fresh injections — everybody important always wears sunglasses.
This accessory not only adds some mystery to an outfit but also shields your eyes from the sun, which is obviously more critical. Less crucial but still a perk is the fact that sunglasses can easily cover a make-up-free face, so no one needs to know you were in a rush that day.
Belts
A classy-looking belt can make an otherwise bland outfit look incredibly put together. Not only is it a stylish accessory, making it look like you’ve got money to spend on non-essential clothing items, but a belt can also create the illusion that your clothes fit better than they do.
Wealthy people tend to get their garments tailored to fit their bodies, so using a belt to make it seem like that shapeless dress accentuates your waist, will make your whole look seem more expensive.
A Sleek Hairstyle
Whether you prefer a bun, ponytail, your hair piled on top of your head, or low at your neck, a slicked-back updo always looks powerful.
Not only will you look chic with this hairstyle, but it’ll also cover up any bad hair day that may be going on — just make sure to keep everything in place with some hairspray. If you really want to maximize the high-class look, pair your sleek ‘do with red lipstick, hoop earrings, and large sunglasses.
Red Lipstick
In general, red lipstick adds instant sophistication to any look. However, there are some caveats to the rule. Cool or medium-toned reds tend to be flattering on everyone, while bright or deeper shades of red may look a bit cheaper.
It’s also important to opt for lighter eye makeup if you’re going for a red lip, in order to avoid a clown-like look. Lastly, red lipstick is one of those pieces that are worth investing in. A cheap lipstick will smear, which is a look that doesn’t exactly scream “chic.”
A Gold Watch
Before everyone had cell phones in their pockets to tell time with, watches were the thing. A watch was a status symbol because it meant that your time was precious and you had places to be.
Regardless of the fact that we no longer need wristwatches to tell time, their symbolism hasn’t faded. A classic gold watch will give you that vibe of importance and, seeing as you only need one, you won’t have to break the bank to get it.
Leather Detailing
A purse or jacket that’s all leather will cost you quite a bit, but what about something with just a touch of leather detailing? Items with leather strategically placed onto buttons, sleeves, collars, or trimming, won’t cost much and will help your outfit look a lot more pricey.
Not a big fan of leather? The same concept holds true for gold. Rather than purchasing a mostly gold accessory, get something with gold detailing on it instead.
Manicured Nails
In recent decades, manicured nails have gone from a luxury geared towards the rich to something we regular folk can afford too. This is because there are really great at-home manicure kids and tons of YouTube tutorials, so you don’t necessarily have to have the funds to go to the salon in order to have pristine nails.
Even if you prefer gel manicures, which are notoriously more expensive, you can invest in a gel manicure kit of your own. That’ll still be cheaper than getting it done professionally.
Matching Separates
Buying separate pieces gives you more options because you can mix and match. And if you buy matching pieces, you can pair them together, so they do the same work as a dress or a jumpsuit.
Think about it — with a matching shirt and skirt set, you can wear them together, wear the skirt with a different top, or the shirt with a different bottom. However, if you buy a dress instead, it won’t be long before you’re repeating the same outfit.
Classy Makeup
Some makeup looks are just classier than others, and you won’t know what works best for your face without a bit of trial and error. Of course, we’re not saying you need to hire a personal makeup artist or splurge on a million different products.
Luckily, there are tons of makeup tutorials on YouTube to help you choose a timeless, elegant look that flatters your features. Marc Jacobs himself has said, “Makeup is the finishing touch, the final accessory.”
Black Tights With Black Shoes
Black opaque tights paired with black-heeled pumps are a timeless classic for a reason. Not only is the look extremely elegant and sophisticated, but it’s also flattering. Black is slimming, and because the tights will blend with the shoes, the style creates a long and lean leg.
This black tights with black shoes combination will also help make shorter skirts or dresses wearable in colder months, which means less winter shopping for you!
Coat Draped Over Shoulders
A coat or jacket draped over one’s shoulders is a staple for the nonchalantly rich. Despite its impracticality, people seem to really love this look. If you want to counter the inevitability of the coat sliding off your shoulders, you can secure it with safety pins.
Truthfully, we think this look makes it seem like the wearer is unsure of how coats work — like they haven’t figured out there’s a place for your arms. But the elite seems to love this aesthetic, so do with that what you will.
Holding Purse on Forearm
While we have to admit the practicality of wearing one’s purse on their shoulder or across their body, it may not be the look you’re going for. Carrying one’s bag in their forearm or the crook of their elbow is often perceived as more sophisticated.
According to body language expert Patti Wood, holding one’s purse this way exudes “high maintenance.” “You’re wearing the bag as if it’s a badge of honor or an award. You feel as if you’ve got a sense of superiority.”
Collared Blouse With Sweater
Wearing a collared blouse under your sweater gives you that sought-after versatility in your clothes. It’s also a great way to dress up an otherwise blah sweater and make it look more professional.
Here are some guidelines to keep in mind if you want to try this look — the collared shirt can be tucked in or out, but it’s best for the sweater not to be tucked in. If your sweater is round-necked, tuck your collar in for a smoother look. Lastly, make sure that the collar is ironed.
Popped Collar
If you really want to go for the rich, preppy look, a popped coat, jacket, or shirt collar will do the trick. You’ll have to play around with your clothing a bit since some collars look better popped than others, but this is an adjustment you can make on the go if need be.
In order to really accentuate the aesthetic, wear your hair in a sleek updo so the popped collar is more noticeable.
DIY Shoe Embellishments
Shoe embellishments definitely make footwear look fancier and more expensive, but it’s not just a trick of appearance… embellished shoes truly are pricier than their plain counterparts. Luckily, it’s easy enough to DIY shoe embellishments.
If you’re crafty, you can glue-gun your own additions onto any footwear. If art isn’t your thing, you can always purchase clip-on embellishments which you can take off at the end of the day. This also means that you can wear the same pair of shoes repeatedly and no one will notice.
Maintain Your Clothing
Learning how to properly care for your clothing is good life advice for anyone, but especially those on a budget. Being responsible in how you store, clean, and wear your clothes will keep them lasting longer, meaning you don’t have to buy new garments as often.
Of course, an outfit that doesn’t have holes in it isn’t stained, or fraying at the ends, will always look more high-end. Even learning to do small repairs yourself, like stain removal or minor sewing, will help both your wallet and your look.
Faux Fur
Faux fur is more affordable than the real deal, and many would argue that it’s far more ethical. Fashion designer Hannah Weiland has said, “I think faux fur has become a commodity that feels just as luxurious as real fur.”
So, to recap — it can look just as good as real fur, feels just as nice, is cheaper, and doesn’t harm any animals. The latter point is why even some wealthy individuals opt for faux fur. So really, this is a fashion choice that people of all incomes can agree with.
Avoid Logos
Generally speaking, high-end brands don’t make their logos super noticeable on their products. That’s because they have their own way of designing that’s usually apparent in their items (think Louboutin red-bottom heels) that make them stand out anyway.
It’s usually the cheaper brands that see logos as status symbols and display them prominently. So, if you want to look rich, stay away from looking like a walking billboard and go for an understated class instead.
Loose Dresses
Whether it be boho-chic, coastal grandma, or whatever other style is trending at the moment, loose dresses are always in fashion. Not only will a flowy dress always make it seem like you’ve just shopped the season’s latest trend, but it’s also a piece that can last a long time.
Dresses that aren’t too form-fitting can withstand changes in one’s size a lot better than a tighter dress will. Bonus points for the fact that they’re super comfortable!
Tailored Clothes
Wealthy people get clothing that’s custom-made to fit their bodies, so it stands to reason that ensuring your garments are tailored would make you look wealthier. Of course, not everyone can afford to get all their items adjusted, so choose a few essential pieces that you wear often, and have them altered.
If going to a tailor isn’t an option for you at all, it’s advised to spend a bit more time when clothes shopping to try on all sorts of sizes and styles in order to find something that fits you perfectly.
Shoes
Pristine shoes are the trick to any expensive-looking outfit. So, make sure to clean and polish your footwear on a regular basis. It’s also best to keep them stored safely, especially when you won’t be wearing them for a while (for example, winter boots in the summertime).
If you have some money to spare and want to invest in one or two items, shoes should definitely make the list. Keep in mind that good quality shoes aren’t just about aesthetics, they’re also good for your knees and back.
White Teeth
Wealthy people have plenty of money to spend on dental care and fancy teeth whitening procedures. While we don’t all have that luxury, we can all take care of our smile — both for the sake of looking rich and for the sake of our oral hygiene.
We all know the regular tricks of using toothpaste with whitening properties, flossing, and mouthwash. That said, it’s also best to avoid tea, coffee, and products that create smoke — in order to maintain a million-dollar smile.
Perfume
Your signature scent can often send a message about your financial status. More expensive perfumes do smell different than cheaper ones, with exceptions of course, but there are ways to smell wealthier than you might be. It’s all about choosing the right fragrance.
Subtle, woody, floral scents are properties of fancier perfumes. Meanwhile, sugary scents that are geared toward younger people give off the aura of something bought a bit cheaper. Similar to choosing wardrobe staples, when selecting a perfume, opt for something timeless over the current celebrity-endorsed trend.
Second-Hand
Getting rid of the stigma over wearing second-hand clothes is long overdue! Plenty of people can’t afford expensive clothing, and there’s no shame in wanting high-quality items. One option for those waiting to get on the pre-loved train is second-hand clothing shops.
Another excellent alternative is clothing swaps. The latter involves bringing old clothes that you don’t wear to a clothing swap event, and then taking whatever you want from what others have brought. No money is required!
Work With What You Have
Sometimes, your closet is the best place to go shopping. You may be able to use old clothing in a different way in order to spruce up your wardrobe for free.
Lost weight and that once form-fitting sweater is now too big? Great! Pair it with some flattering jeans for an oversized sweater look. A cute skirt’s time has come and it’s now unwearable? Excellent! Cut off a piece of the fabric that’s still good and tie it around your purse handle to add some chicness.
All Black
Monochromatic fashion looks sophisticated in general. Add to that the fact that black is slimming and elongates the figure, and you can start to see why an all-black ensemble is a good idea.
Black is timeless, neutral, and fits any event. As Christian Dior says, “You can wear black at any time. You can wear it at any age. You may wear it for almost any occasion; a ‘little black frock’ is essential to a woman’s wardrobe.”
Matching Shoes and Purse
Making sure that your shoes and purse match will give off the vibe that you’ve got the money to buy a new purse for every pair of shoes. We’re not saying that they need to be the exact same style and pattern, but just making sure your bag and footwear are the same color will make a big difference.
On another note, if you’re able to invest in a few more expensive items, shoes and purses should always be at the top of the list due to their reusability.
Skincare
Just like taking care of your clothes will make a big difference in the appearance of their quality, making sure you yourself look cared for will make you seem overall more put-together. Finding a skincare routine that works for you will make a huge difference in your appearance and health.
Of course, not everyone can afford routine spa trips and aestheticians like the rich can. However, it’s entirely possible to treat your skin like gold — without breaking the bank.
Hair Care
As much as the cost of hair care can add up, it really is important to get your locks touched up every one to two months. If that’s just too pricey, you can invest in going to a hairstylist less often but learn how to do the maintenance yourself.
Buy hair-cutting scissors and hair dye, watch YouTube tutorials to learn how to trim your hair, and touch up any roots that are showing. That should hold you over until your wallet allows a trip to the salon.
Keep it Simple
Trying too hard to look wealthy can have the opposite effect and make it seem like you’re wearing a costume. Instead, keep it simple, as so many of the 1% do (think of Mark Zuckerberg and his plain t-shirts and sweatshirts).
In fact, it’s widely believed that you can tell old money from new money based on how they’re dressed. The latter tend to opt for flashy looks and brand logos, while the old money style is usually more toned down and subtle.
Quality Over Quantity
It’s always better to have fewer clothing items of high quality rather than a closet packed full of cheap clothes. One could argue that, depending on the price difference, cheaper garments can end up costing you more in the long run anyway since they tend to be less durable than their pricier counterparts.
A good way to avoid wasting money on cheap clothes you don’t need is to ignore fleeting fashion trends. Instead, buy timeless and versatile items that’ll always be in style.
Hats
Wearing a hat will, literally, top off any look! This addition to your outfit will show that you’ve thought of each detail related to your outfit. Although there are plenty of different hat styles, some people just aren’t fans of wearing one.
If that’s your situation, you can opt for a different form of headpiece to pull off that same polished vibe. Headbands and hair clips will do all the same tricks of a hat — except for covering up a bad hair day, that is.
Fake Photos
If you really want to portray a wealthy lifestyle, and you don’t mind crossing some moral lines to do it, there are lots of ways to fake being rich on social media. Plenty of influencers take pictures of themselves holding designer bags at the store as if they’re going to buy them, but they can’t really afford to.
There are even faux private plane sets for people to do photoshoots! To clarify, we don’t condone this behavior at all. But, now you can’t say that we didn’t tell you the options.
Light-Colored Outfits
Light-colored clothing is associated with wealth since it’s harder to keep clean. It’s silly logic, we know, but it’s what people tend to believe. Regardless, if you opt for a beige or light gray, it’ll give you that rich look and be easier to keep clean than white or cream.
You can also carry a stain-removing pen with you, just in case something does pop up. Also, as counterintuitive as it may be, wear nude undergarments – not white – when choosing a light-colored outfit, as nude is less visible.
Satin Clothing
Satin gives off the same luxurious vibe as silk but without the hefty price tag attached to it. The two materials look and feel similar, the only real difference someone with an untrained eye would notice is that silk is glossy on both sides and satin only shines on one side.
That being said, it’s highly unlikely that someone’s going to ask to see the inside of your clothing. And if they do, there’s a bigger issue than the cost of your outfit.
40+ Fashion Mistakes That Are Making You Look Like a Frumpy Mom
Stay Away From Leggings
Yoga pants, jeggings, and leggings. For some, this is a staple part of their wardrobe but should be ditched completely. Leggings scream “lazy” and seem to be the first thing many women grab when they’re getting ready in the morning.
We get it, leggings are comfortable, but they do nothing to help you look well put together and often just end up making you look frumpy.
Stripes
Stripes will always be on trend, but be careful about the type of stripes you choose. Vertical lines will help you look taller and slimmer and should be opted for over horizontal stripes. For those that carry a little bit extra in the tummy, horizontal stripes only make you look wider and shorter and are unflattering at best.
Never wear stripes on stripes; consider a monochromatic color scheme if you want to wear stripes well. All we can say about stripes on stripes is that it’s an attack on the senses. Avoid!
Ditch the Complicated Hair-Dos
A fussy hairdo requires more time to manage than most of us have. While we’re not saying get a boring cut, a more complicated hairdo can take the time you don’t have when getting everybody ready in the morning.
As pretty as these hairdos can look, they can be somewhat impractical. Rather go for a simple cut that flatters your face and complements your style and personality.
Skip the Low-Waisted Jeans
Low-waisted jeans might have been hot in the early 2000s, but most stores and designers go for high-waisted jeans. Let’s be real, we all need a bit of a lift as we age, and that’s exactly what a good, tailored pair of high-waisted jeans can do for you.
There’s nothing bad we can say about high-waisted jeans. And the best part? High-waisted jeans can also hide that mommy-tummy.
Toss Out the Skinny Jeans
Thanks to Gen Z and their fashion influence, skinny jeans are a thing of the past, and many women are opting for regular cuts or mom jeans instead.
Millennials everywhere shed a tear when skinny jeans were added to the no-go list of clothes you should wear. Choose a flattering cut in a regular fit, and make sure those babies are high-waisted too.
Hide the Thong
The name ‘underwear’ gives an apt description of where you should be wearing it; UNDER your clothes. If you prefer thongs, that’s perfectly fine, but ensure you don’t let them peek out from your pants.
While this was considered a “look” in the 90s, it’s a big no-no nowadays, and it’s considered trashy to show off your thong. Unless you’re Britney Spears in the early 2000s or have a part-time job at the local gentleman’s club, choose underwear that has a good fit, and ensure that it stays under your clothes at all times.
Box the Baggy Clothes
As a mom, you spend much of your time rushing around getting kids to school, taking care of the chores, and running errands. It’s so easy to throw on a baggy t-shirt or hoodie with your leggings for comfort, but this is the easiest way to look frumpy.
There’s a time for baggy clothes, like when you’re attending your child’s sporting match and are wearing a supporters jersey, or on those winter weekends spent indoors playing board games with the family.
Keep Maxi-Dresses to a Minimum
Maxi dresses are great for hiding those unflattering bits on a hot day but can quickly make you look frumpy if the dress doesn’t have a flattering cut or has a large, loud print. If you love a good maxi dress and can’t see yourself going without one, choose a dress in a plain color and avoid prints and textures that could make it seem too busy.
Add shape to your maxi dress by cinching in the waist with a belt, and remember to cover those bra straps or wear a strapless bra.
Tailor Your Clothes to Fit You Well
You rarely find a pair of jeans or any other garment that fits you like it was made for you. Tailoring your clothes to suit your body is a great way to look more put-together and like you take time to choose your clothes.
Ask friends and family for advice on a tailor they would recommend and consider getting your clothes altered to avoid an unflattering look. There’s nothing more annoying than a pair of jeans that’s just too long for your legs.
Skip the Sneakers
Sneakers are great for comfort, but if worn incorrectly, they can quickly make even the most stylish outfit look casual and frumpy. Paired with jeans and a hoodie or sweater, sneakers are the go-to for many women, but even sneakers should be chosen with care.
Wear sneakers on the days you’ll be on your feet, like when buying groceries and running errands. Pumps are a great alternative to sneakers. They’re comfortable and add subtle glamor to any outfit.
Say Adios to Side-Boob
Nothing’s worse than wearing an ill-fitting bra under a fitted t-shirt or sweater. If you’ve never been measured for the correct bra, you need to get it done soon. A well-fitted bra can change up your whole look.
Say goodbye to your boobs spilling out of your bra or riding up and causing those horrible lines on your back, and get measured today. Most lingerie and department stores offer this service for free.
Don’t Overdo the Designer Clothes
Designer clothes are great for a spoil and a special occasion. But if you wear your Gucci jeans with a Louis Vuitton shirt or head-to-toe designer clothes to do the school pick-up, you might be overdoing it a bit.
Pair your designer clothes with comfortable classics to tone down the look a bit, and use accessories to spice up your outfit. Save your designer clothes for when you need a pick-me-up or are going to dinner with your partner.
Keeping Up With the Joneses Isn’t Always a Good Thing
Keeping on trend with ever-changing fashion trends can be tricky and cost you a ton of money. Buy key pieces, and pair them with your everyday essentials like jeans or a good pair of fitted trousers to bring a bit of glam to your outfit.
Wearing all-new trends always has the opposite effect of looking stylish and could convey a rather different message that you’re trying too hard.
Invest in a Capsule Wardrobe
Opening your closet in the morning and choosing an outfit shouldn’t cause panic. Rather than buying clothes for the sake of having something new, invest in a few classic items that you can mix and match to look good and feel comfortable.
Pinterest, fashion blogs, and even fashion magazines are great sources of inspiration when choosing items for a capsule wardrobe. Research, learn how to put different outfits together, and focus on the basics.
Shy Away From Attention-Grabbing Looks
Neons, shirts with rips and cuts, and pants that are too short or skin-tight will certainly gain attention, but perhaps not the attention you want or need.
Nothing shouts “mutton dressed as lamb” more than a bright outfit or clothes that are designed for the younger generation. Sure they’re not frumpy, but you should be dressing for your age.
Dress for the Occasion
Dropping your kids off at school? A pair of jeans, a classic white t-shirt and a pair of pumps are perfect. Meeting with the principal or a meeting with the boss? A more put-together look of a pair of black trousers and a white button-up shirt would be more appropriate.
Dress for the occasion. Nothing’s worse than being over (or under) dressed for any occasion. Consider where you’re going, who you’re seeing, and the kind of impression you want to give when choosing your outfit.
Leave Outdated Trends Where They Belong – In the Past
Fashion trends are fleeting. What’s considered on trend today can be outdated tomorrow. Buying clothes that are on trend is dangerous, and so is wearing clothes that aren’t on trend. This sounds complicated, but you can make sure you put your best fashion foot forward and invest in classic items, rather than those on the hot lists right now.
Jeans, blazers, t-shirts, and button-ups are always trendy and can be glammed up or worn for a casual look based on the occasion.
Crop Tops Are for Teens
Another ‘lamb dressed as a mutton’ fashion piece, the crop top isn’t designed for the older generation. Sure, crop tops are great for the gym, but nothing screams “young” like wearing a crop top with jeans to the grocery store.
Leave the crop tops to the youngsters, and focus on tailored, well-fitted clothing that gives you an elegant and well-put-together look.
Matching Outfits
Matching mommy-and-me outfits are super cute, and many designers keep this in mind when designing clothes. Many stores sell the same outfit in both adult and kids sizes, allowing you to dress up to match your little one.
What’s not cute is matching your partner. We’re not talking about wearing the same colored top or sweater, but head-to-toe matching looks gross and can make you look old way before your time.
Short-Shorts and Aged Skin Don’t Mix!
Summer can be brutal, and the temptation to wear as little as possible to keep cool increases when the temperatures rise. You can look great while staying cool by wearing light fabrics and textures.
No one wants to see the bottom of your bum cheeks peeking out from under your shorts, so always try on the shorts before you buy them. Skirts are great for beating the heat and are available in various lengths, styles, and fabrics.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Choosing comfortable footwear that still looks great is a challenge we have all faced at one time or another. Winter brings snow and is a time when many women look for warm, comfy footwear that will help protect them from the elements.
Ladies, we’re here to tell you that Ugg or Sherpa boots are a no-no and should only be worn around the house! Invest in a good quality pair of leather boots and rock the cold in style.
Let Your Personality Shine Through
Your choice of clothes says a lot about your personality. If you’re quirky and want to bring that across into your wardrobe, do so with subtlety. Light, bright colors, and designs might be your thing, but remember to tone it down and focus on one bright or loud piece at a time.
Jewelry is a great way to add that extra spice to your outfit and can reflect a bit more of your personality and style with a few statement pieces.
Say ‘No’ to Self-Tan Products
Bronzed skin is great when you go to the beach for a vacation or have a special occasion that you want to look amazing for. Unfortunately, many turn to self-tan products in a bid to achieve that bronze glow.
Using makeup and watching a few online tutorials can help you achieve a natural bronzed look without the need for messy self-tans that make you look more like a carrot than a bronze goddess.
Style Your Mom Jeans
One of the biggest problems with mom jeans is how to style them to avoid looking frumpy. With mom jeans on the hot list this year, many fashion bloggers, influencers, and fashion magazines have tips on how to style your mom jeans correctly.
Look for ideas on Pinterest, and rock your mom jeans the right way. Who says you can’t be comfortable while also looking stylish?!
Keep Your Makeup to a Minimum
Learning to do our makeup correctly is one of the easiest ways to look great, regardless of age. Rather than piling on the products, use only the products you need, and adapt your makeup to suit the occasion.
Makeup is used to ENHANCE your features and shouldn’t look like you’re trying to change your natural appearance.
Keep the Capri’s for That Island Getaway
Capri’s are not the most flattering pants on earth. Depending on where they end, they can make your calves look enormous and also add unnecessary weight to the thigh area.
Rather opt for a great pair of fitted pants in a ¾ length, or wear culottes if you don’t want to do long pants.
Wear Pastels With Caution
Pastels are one of the most feminine colors you can wear, but they can also age you significantly. Choose one pastel piece and pair it with fun accessories rather than an outfit of head-to-toe pastels.
A pastel camisole under a dark blazer or jacket can add a hint of color and femininity to your outfit.
Pass on the Polo Neck
A great way to keep your neck warm without the added layers that a scarf adds to your outfit is by wearing a polo neck or turtleneck, depending on where you’re from. But choose your polo neck carefully. Large cowl-necked sweaters are great for any age, and so too are thicker chunky polo necks.
Avoid slim polo necks that end up looking like they’re too tight and enhance those frown lines on your face. While they help hide wrinkles in the neck area, they have a habit of highlighting the rest.
Choose Quality Over Quantity
Buying cheaper clothes might seem like a good idea, but it can cost you more as the need to replace them more often increases. Invest in good-quality pieces that’ll last you for a few seasons.
Great classics include a good pair of jeans, black sweaters, a blazer, a white button-up shirt, and a great handbag or purse.
Kiss That Granny Cardi Goodbye
Those in-between days where the sun is out and the air is cool are hard to dress for. Many women tend to grab a cardi to wear over their t-shirt or shirt. Cardigans are considered outdated and old-fashioned and would be better worn by your granny.
A lightweight jacket or blazer in a neutral color can keep you warm while not too heavy and add instant glam to your look, depending on how you style it.
Keep Logos on the Down-Low
College sweaters will always be popular, but be careful how you style them and what you wear them with. A logo sweater with matching track pants might seem like a great outfit for a Saturday morning running errands, but this is the easiest and most common way to look frumpy in an instant.
Pair your baggy sweater with a pair of jeans or shorts, and yes, even leggings. Wear a contrasting color to avoid looking like a piece of fruit, and remember to keep your shoes casual.
Grab a Belt
If you don’t have a belt in your closet, you must rush out and get one. Belts are no longer used just to keep your pants up but can be used to cinch your waist when wearing a dress or even as a tie to add more shape to an oversized cardi.
Keep it neutral and purchase classic blacks and tans that can be used on any outfit you own.
Ill-Fitting or Too Tight Clothing
We all have that pair of jeans that we keep at the back of our closet for “when we lose weight.” This can be a good motivator to get you to the gym or eat healthily, but it’s a waste of money.
Buy clothes that are the right size for you, and always try any item in the store before purchasing. Sizes of clothes are not the same at all stores, and a six at one store could fit like an eight from another.
Makeup Tips to Remember
While the 80s were great and saw some of the brightest makeup looks, dark shadows and bright lipsticks should be kept in the 80s where they belong.
Choosing neutral shades that complement your skin tone and eye color can do more for you than a bright eyeshadow that’ll clash with your look. Lipstick is also tricky to match, and neutrals are the best shades for any outfit.
Hair Woes
Hair trends change as quickly as fashion trends do. Do you remember the big hair from the 80s? More modern hair trends focus on sleek cuts that are easy to manage and style.
Choose a hairstyle that’ll flatter your face shape and get a more age-appropriate cut. Skip the perm and opt for a long-bob instead.
When Florals Are Your Foe
Florals are one of the most feminine prints, but choosing the wrong florals can drastically change your look and make you appear frumpy and older than you are.
Avoid floral prints that look like your granny’s curtains, and say hello to small floral prints like daisies or tropical flowers to add pizzazz to your outfit. Pick one flower and go with it, rather than choosing a too-busy design.
Yoga Pants and Camel Toes
Yoga pants are another firm favorite for many women and are great for the gym. But that’s where they belong… in the gym. Yoga pants might seem comfortable but can become a bit of an eyesore when they cause that dreaded camel toe that generally comes with wearing them.
Pairing yoga pants with a thong only makes matters worse and should be avoided completely. Keep your yoga pants for when you do yoga, and rather choose a pair of comfortable pants in a more flattering fabric.
Accessories Are Your Friend
The right accessories can change up and add glamor to any outfit. But beware of large statement pieces that can be too overpowering. If you’re wearing small earrings, a larger necklace will balance out the look, but be careful of wearing large earrings and a large necklace simultaneously.
Choose your accessories wisely and select those that highlight your outfit, rather than overpower it.
Hair Highlight Dos and Don’ts
Highlighting your hair is a great way to add some tone and color, but it should always be done by someone who knows what they’re doing.
Large highlights look trashy and are generally the go-to style for “Karens.” Add subtle highlights and lowlights to your hair in a similar shade to bring depth and warmth to your hair.
Sheer Stockings Are a Fashion Faux Pas
In the “olden days,” stockings were considered classy and were worn with dresses and skirts to add elegance. But the younger generations have done away with sheer stockings, and many prefer a bare leg.
With some pigmented creams and lotions available, stockings are outdated and are no longer the go-to fashion accessory like it was when our grandparents were young.
Foundation Flaws
One of the hardest makeup decisions is selecting the right color foundation for your skin tone. This is where speaking to a store assistant can help you make the best purchase decision. Foundation shouldn’t cover your freckles and other beauty marks and should only be used to hide blemishes and provide an even base for your makeup.
If you’re lucky enough to have clear, great-looking skin, you can skip the foundation completely and opt for a tinted moisturizer.
A Focus on the Eyes
As you age, the need for glasses might increase. Choosing the right pair of glasses can be tricky as you try to match them with the style or look you’re going for. Choose glasses that accentuate your eyes, are not too bulky, and that can be worn daily with any outfit.
Glasses can be seen as a fashion accessory, so choose a pair you know will complement your overall look.
Don’t Tie Sweaters Around Your Waist
If you’re out and about and suddenly feel hot in your sweater, please don’t end up tying it around your waist. This is a great look for teens and skateboarders but can look frumpy and add bulk to your hips.
Rather, opt for a light jacket or sweater. Or choose layers that can be removed if necessary.
Purse Problems
Choosing a purse is a big decision. Depending on your career, what you use a purse for, and the occasion, a purse can instantly make or break your outfit. Going to a cocktail function with your large mom-tote hanging off your shoulder can quickly take away from the elegance of your outfit.
So does a glamorous bag while out shopping for groceries. Invest in a quality neutral-colored bag for smarter events, and choose a larger bag with pockets and dividers for day-to-day use.
Too Casual vs. Too Fussy or Overdressed
There’s a fine line between dressing too casual and too flashy or fussy. For stay-at-home moms, a pair of jeans and a jumper or white t-shirt is perfect for running errands, fetching the kids from school, and the all-too-familiar dreaded chore of cleaning the house. We all want to feel great when doing the same old thing every day, but nothing is worse than feeling restricted in your clothing and getting irritated with extra frills or fussing.
Avoid wearing clothes that have frills and over-fussy designs and will be uncomfortable to wear after an hour or two. Being a stay-at-home mom is an important job, and comfort is key when you’re racing from one errand to the next and driving your kids to all their extracurricular activities.
Let’s be honest — a lot of things in life are about appearances and faking it ‘til you make it. But, what do you do when you just don’t have the funds to fake looking rich? Believe it or not, there are simply style tricks one can use in order to appear as if they’ve got tons of cash. Follow these hacks in order to look wealthy… for cheap!