Most of us think that it takes a ton of effort to look good. Sometimes it does: Selecting the perfect outfit, the right accessories, and the perfect shoes can be a lot of work, but it is possible to look effortlessly glamorous. There is an art to looking glamorous with minimal effort, but that art is not reserved for celebrities and fashion designers. Here is a short guide for anyone to look effortlessly glamorous.
- Stilettos/Heels
Heels, especially a classic black stiletto, have the ability to elevate any outfit. Pair your heels with a dress, a cute skirt, or even a casual pair of jeans for a fashionable look with minimal effort.
- Matching Your Shoes and Your Bag
Subtle coordination always looks stunning. Matching your handbag with your shoes is an elegant way to achieve coordination without looking overstated. Subtlety is key and always in style.
- An Investment Bag
It’s no secret that a good purse, handbag, or clutch is an investment. The good thing is that you don’t have to have an extravagant collection of them to tie a runway-worthy look together. Buying one quality bag in a color that goes with several of your outfits is a fantastic way to make the most out of your investment bag.
- Well-Fitted and Tailored Clothes
This is an element of style I picked up while working at Armani. Clothes that fit well or are tailored move gracefully with the body in a way that looks like a well-choreographed dance. The Wingspan Dress that I have created has a tailored fit around the chest while the skirt of the dress moves gently and freely with the body, like the wings of a butterfly.
- Monochromatic Colors
Monochromatic color pairings create a look that is chic and put together. This is a form of coordination that is not as understated as matching your shoes to your bag, but can still create a rich color scheme that takes a simple look and transforms it into a well-placed ensemble.
- Faux Furs
When the weather permits them to be worn, faux furs dress up any look. My Stein Scarf Fur Collar has a stylish zebra print and silk tips. The Stein Scarf and other faux furs act as a statement piece to create a high fashion look out of an outfit that would be otherwise considered casual.
- Gold Accessories
Some may think that gold is a bit gaudy, but I would have to disagree. A touch of gold creates and element of richness, elegance, and style. A bracelet, necklace, or pair of earrings can work wonders for an outfit with just a glimmer of gold.
- Layering
This is another glamour style tip that I acquired while working at Armani. Layering can do more than just keep you warm during the winter months; layering adds a fun and creative dynamic to your outfit by laying different fabrics, textures, and colors on top of each other. Pairing my Beauty Bomber Jacket and Tailored Tank T are a great example of layering. The sheen of the jacket makes the wine-colored tank pop. I personally like the tank paired with the bomber jacket in blue to create a vibrant color contrast.
- Gloves
Gloves are another great addition to an outfit, especially a dress, that is somewhat restricted by the weather. In my opinion, the longer the gloves the better. I always think of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Her iconic black dress, matching elbow-length gloves, tiara, and pearls are a timeless ensemble. If you ask me, I say the gloves made her look.
- Key Glamour Items
Two key glamour items to keep in your closet: a little black dress and a trench coat. If you have a nice event coming up and have no idea what to wear, you can never go wrong with a little black dress, a nice pair of earrings, and a sexy black heel. A trench coat is another one of those items that can elevate a look. You can wear your trench coat over a nice pair of jeans and bring an entirely different feel to your look.
This is not the end all be all to what it means to be glamorous, but one more important element of glamour is owning your personal style. Even if how you dress isn’t trending on Instagram, you as a person are what truly makes or breaks a look. True glamour is not merely what you wear, it’s how you wear it and how you carry yourself. As you go about creating iconic looks in your personal life, wear them (in)confidence, (in)style, and (in)glamour.