How to look older / more sophisticated?

[CHEAPandCHIC]

Okay... dont take anything I say the wrong way
I think for make up you should try less eyeliner and more blusher. It could be pink but doesn't have to be -try a brown shade? It will highlight your cheek bones and make your look older. Hair - fringes and hair clips tend to make people look younger, unless you have a mature face to start with. Try growing out your fringe? Also, facial piercings for some reason make people look younger because it tends to be a 'teenage' thing. But you might not want to take out your piercing. I think you would look more mature without it though to be honest. With clothes, small prints/polkadots/stripes are often young looking. Try plain coloured tops with added detail in the same colour, eg a black vest with black lace or interesting black buttons, etc. Also like somebody else said, the accesories you wear are like loads of 15/16 yr olds wear - jelly bracelets, studded belts etc. So basically I think you may have to change your overall style to look like you're in the 'adult' bracket rather than the 'teenage' bracket. Just my opinion though

 

[wings]

I try to grow out my fringe, I hate them. But i wont ever take my piercing out.

and as you can see, without the piercing, I looked as you as I do now


okay, I need a more mature style...

 

[Whitelinen]

Good luck with "maturing"

You're very brave in order to take a subject like this up. Karma!

 

[wings]

well you know. I try to change and you just try to help me.

 

[katebug]

How to look more sophisticated?

Hi, I was just wondering if you could help.

I've never dressed particularly young and in the past few years have been taking an interest in fashion. I am addicted to TFS!
My style is quite simple really...not even really a style, because every time I branch out a bit, I know it just doesnt work. I dont wear logos or follow trends, and try to look clean and smart, with a little quirkiness, but for some reason I know that I always look so, well plain, and definitely not sophisticated.

I have an odd shaped body really. I'm slim, about a UK size 10, but my build is quite chunky, if that makes sense. Think Britney's legs and a thick waist...there is little definition between my hips and waist. But I'm flat chested, so cant carry off curvy. Clothes never seem to hang right on me. I have quite an awkward, rounded face, and I know I need to improve my posture (I'm working on it! Just started pilates) so I think that even when I wear very classic clothes, like a v-neck wrapover top and some slim fitting capris, I still look young.
I want to look sexy, yes, but moreso, I want to look sophisticated. I see women out who can wear jeans and a white tee and it looks stylish. I've really been paying attention to fashion, trying to figure out what colours and styles suit me, and sometimes I think I manage to co-ordinate things well but I'm sure it comes across as trying too hard, even if the outfit is nothing groundbreaking. The hair, the clothes, the make-up etc just never all come together. I keep my nails manicured, but my nails (like the main bit) aren't long and so even if they're perfectly kept, they look like teenager's nails. Never womanly.

Do you have any tips on adding a little sophistication into my wardrobe? I dont have much money (who does?) but I think I have a really strong set of basic pieces and a lot of accessories.
Are there grooming tips that can help? How do become a woman, stylishly?

 

[wheneveriwakeup]

I think you're trying much too hard, tbh. Just be yourself. Never fails!

I hsntly don't think there are integral garments that add an aura of 'demure sophistication'. It's all down to the person wearing the particular garment, rly. I've seen incredibly recondite women in absolutely kooky wares look nothing short of elegant. Same token, I've seen women in unremarkable pieces look absolutely incredible, too. You have to figure out what suits you and you also must establish a bit of comfort in your own skin. As you already pointed out, perfect posture is a necessity. I also think a cheerful disposition, genuine kindness, a dash of mystique, 'joie de vivre' and good manners go a looooong way in the sophistication department, aswell.

 

[papa_levante]

^I agree with wheneveriwakeup. You have to be okay with yourself because being yourself is the best accessory. But if you really want advice on ways to spice up an outfit, it never fails to wear

1. high heels, but be weather/season appropriate.
2. [light] scarves in neat colors.
3. large earrings.
4. leggings (in colors other than black) under skirts and shorts.

Don't worry about your body type. I honestly believe you can pull anything off if you just mix-and-match the right items from your wardrobe. It's why I never try anything on at a store. If I'm really feelin' what I've picked out, I know it won't fail me.

 

[wheneveriwakeup]

^ You must have the intuition of a guru or an anatomically correct figure to get away with not trying on clothing before you purchase!

I have to disagree with your 3rd and 4th suggestions, though. Large earrings aren't universally flattering, imo. It is best to try a couple of prs. out before deciding on an essential type. Also, leggings lack the classic versatility that opaque tights offer. Opaque tights also come in a variety of shades and textures thus personalizing her overall 'look'.

 

[keroppi]

I think leggings may not be holistically stylish, sometimes it's too overdone and it's not necessarily a flattering look. I think it's better if you wear woolly socks underneath your skirt or dress shirt

 

[katebug]

I've never been quite sure about leggings...I've seen them look great and I've seen them look awful.
But as my legs are not particularly lean, I tend to avoid them. They just make me look stumpy.

 

[crepebacksatin]

if you have awesome legs, can i suggest that you try some knee-length or a teeny bit shorter dresses? stick with solids, and try on a bunch of styles until you find the shapes that flatter your figure best.

once you have a little wardrobe of great solid-colored dresses, you can start building on the look slowly by wearing them with interesting stockings and great shoes in the winter, or by themselves with a great pair of sandals in summer... as you get a feel for what colors/prints/accessories/etc appeal to you, you can add them into the mix, too.

dresses are easier to work with than skirts or pants, because you don't have to worry about matching colors/proportions. they're like blank canvases, and if you pick the right ones in nice basic colors like black or grey or chocolate you'll always feel put-together.

never underestimate the power and ease of the lbd!! have fun!!

 

[scara]

go and have a look at ashley olsen's style!
i thinks she wears that kind of clothes you're talking of!

 

[Lovin_It]

high heels can bring sophistication to you;
Buy decent shoes - buy quality

 

[sarahslug]

Pencil skirts and fish tailed skirts, particularly the latter as it adds curves. You could go for a wiggle skirt, heels and fish nets if you want to look really sexy. Perhaps concentrate on your lower half if your not big up top, and go for a simple wrap around to emphasise your wasit. You could also go for backless tops for a sexier look (something I've always wanted to be able to do!) just remember to balance it with a long skirt or trousers.

 

[Iris2]

My opinion to look more sophisticated:

- Colours: Black, white, dark grey, dark blue and red
- Blouses and shirts
- Pencil skirt
- Highwaisted jeans
- Waistbelts
- Trenchcoats
- Drainpipes
- Pearls
- Keyword: Simple
- High heels, boots
- Leather gloves
- Cardigans
- Wests

Not to do:
- Ballerinas
- Zip-hoods
- Baggy jeans
- Tee's
- Vans and converse
- Leggings who stops at the middle of your leg

 

[Iris2]

By the way, take a look at Victoria Becham's style!

 

[satin chic]

^ Ballet flats can look sophisticated, too, though.

 

[Iris2]

I wrote "In my opinion".

If you feel that way, than fine with me

 

[ultramarine]

Because of your body type ... Id recommend for you to wear top/dressed with a LOW vneck ... that way it draws attention to the chest area -and itll distract from other areas-

Wearing skirts and dresses with medium sized ruffles at the hem might work for your body type ... as well as loooog lean pants a la Viktor & Rolf ... I think stores like EXPRESS might just work for you ... if there's H&M and Benetton you can buy stuff over there that might help ... whenever Im working on someones wardrobe I consider ALWAYS -in order of importance- :
*weather
*body type
*the persons style preferences

Thats all you need in order to create a killer look, remember that fashion is fun and there room for error .. Even *I*know that to this moment I have a shoe problem ...

Oh ... and sophisticated its mostly plain colours ... it may include prints like Dries Van Noten or Miu Miu ... but ultimate sophistication if Ms Hepburn for Givenchy -or an update with a twist ... jeans, white ribber tee and tweed jacket-

 

[Juliet]

if you have awesome legs, can i suggest that you try some knee-length or a teeny bit shorter dresses? stick with solids, and try on a bunch of styles until you find the shapes that flatter your figure best.

once you have a little wardrobe of great solid-colored dresses, you can start building on the look slowly by wearing them with interesting stockings and great shoes in the winter, or by themselves with a great pair of sandals in summer... as you get a feel for what colors/prints/accessories/etc appeal to you, you can add them into the mix, too.

dresses are easier to work with than skirts or pants, because you don't have to worry about matching colors/proportions. they're like blank canvases, and if you pick the right ones in nice basic colors like black or grey or chocolate you'll always feel put-together.

never underestimate the power and ease of the lbd!! have fun!!

I agree with this! Dresses sound just about right for you! Since you know your legs are the best body part you have, then you should emphasize them I think a nice leather belt with a cool buckle worn high waisted on top of a dress also really heightens the sophistication. Accessories and jewelry can also really help to make the outfit more sexy/sophisticated. As you said, you've noticed that some women can wear just jeans and a top and still look sophisticated, they probably are wearing nice jewelry, like even a gold bracelet or two with a long slim necklace could give off that look. Also how you do your hair affects the overall impression you give. What type of hair do you have, is it manageable? If so, a sleek straight style would also be great.

Just remember that whatever body type you have you can always look sexy and sophisticated, it's all about your attitude, confidence and the little details! I think you won't have such a hard time as you're trying and you're paying attention to these things, you'll get it right in no time