The term ‘fashion’ immediately sets alarm bells ringing in your mind. You expect all those great outfits that your favorite style icons wear to be unaffordable. But do you know that even Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, repeats her fashion, mixes and matches, and shops at mass stores? But she remains mind-blowingly stylish, beautiful and a global trend-setter!
So make up your mind to be fashionable and there is nothing stopping you. Women start feeling ‘old’ and over the hill once they have babies. There is little time to spare for themselves and much less money to blow up at the spa. So how do you manage to turn out looking good, well-groomed and fashionable?
Here are a few smart tips to help you look great without blowing a hole in your wallet.
1. Glam up Your Hair
Your hair is an accessory that you wear with every outfit of yours, so if it does not spell character your whole look will be ruined.
Wear your hair differently. Color it, style it, add some curls or simply pin it up with bobby pins and just marvel at the drastic change it brings to your whole look.
Change your hairstyle to match your outfit. A sleek pony-tail, a blow dry, an elegant updo or a relaxed bun can give you different looks and will refresh your style.
2. Jazz up with Color
Don’t be afraid to add a bit of color to your wardrobe.
Aquamarine blue, turquoise, canary yellow, green and red look great on everybody. Also, color-blocking is the reigning fashion trend.
As we age, women tend to stick to background-blending grey and black which do not show off the spills and stains of maternal duties. With babies and toddlers around we consider them safe bets.
Step outside your comfort zone and try out dresses in vibrant colors. Bright colors make you look younger, so go out and embrace the new hues.
3. Wear Well-Fitting Jeans
Now that you are a mom tied down to never-ending household chores, your jeans have started to bear the brunt as well. When was the last time you felt sexy in a well-fitted pair?
A figure-flattering pair of jeans can up your glam quotient and can be adapted to any occasion. You can step out in style for the movie or you can dress it up for a formal occasion. The Fashionable Housewife recommends Not Your Daughter’s Jeans.
So the next time you find a perfect pair of jeans, buy a couple of them in different colors. The investment is worth it.
4. Spend on Accessories
Accessories are a girl’s best friend. You don’t have to spend a fortune on them because the cheap ones also look great. Belts, long necklaces and chains, bracelets, statement jewelry and bags of all kinds work well with different looks. If you are a lazy mama who hasn’t really kept a tab on what is in and what is out, don’t worry, there is help at hand.
Browse through fashion blogs and magazines and you will discover the charm of cocktail rings and skinny belts. And the best thing about accessories is that you can find great bargains. The belt and the bracelet may not last for lifetime, but they do their job perfectly well. And since they are quite cheap you can get yourself new ones as soon as you get bored of what you have.
5. The Right Tailor Can Be a Life-Saver!
Designer dresses are characterized by their perfect fit and fall. They hug your body in all the right places and accentuate your figure. The bespoke tailoring is what the rich and the famous splurge on.
Alter your dresses to fit you well. You have no time to diet and definitely cannot squeeze in gym time. So if you find a dress that you love, grab it and get it altered to fit your body shape.
You can also shop online where you get affordable ladies formal dresses and gowns customized to perfection.
But this is not an excuse to continue with a ‘no-time-for-exercise’ lifestyle. You need to work out to remain healthy, fit and energetic. Slowly figure out a daily routine where you do have time for yourself.
6. Wear Right Shoes
Quality and classy footwear speaks tons about your fashion sense. You need not totter on sky-high heels, but invest in shoes that you can wear on any occasion. Black and nude pumps are chic and can be worn with almost anything in your wardrobe. They are comfortable as well. Ballerinas and flats are great for casual outings.
While shopping for footwear always consider quality over quantity. The Fashionable Housewife recommends brands like Sofft, Naturalizer and Born.
7. Hats and Headbands Are Great Style Statements
Fascinators, fedoras and large brimmed hats are fashionable and look great when teamed up with the right ensemble.
Headbands are cute and are trending now on the fashion scene. Get yourself some colorful glittery ones and have fun!
8. Buy Bright Lip Colors
Bright lips make your face lively. Pink and red lipsticks will help you get away with minimal eye makeup as well.
9. Shop Carefully
If you want the best, but do not want to pay the most, then it would be good if you keep your eyes open for season-ending sales, preview sales and offers. Several reputed stores have clearance sales that are rarely publicized. Get your name added to the mailing lists of big brands and fashion houses so that you never let go of any good opportunity.
Many personal care and cosmetic brands give out free samples online, so do look out for them.
10. Always Keep Versatility in Mind
While shopping for a new blouse or a skirt, get one that will go with a few other pieces that you already have in your wardrobe. You will be able to mix and match, and create new looks without spending on new outfits.
11. Be Well-Groomed
Be updated about what’s happening around you. Don’t get immersed in your daily grind and end up ignorant. A well-aware and informed woman is confident and interesting.
Get a facial done and shape your eyebrows. Groomed hands and feet add to your personality. Pamper yourself with a hot oil massage, a manicure and a pedicure at the saloon.
You will not only look great, but feel great as well.
In Conclusion…
A hectic lifestyle does not mean you lose yourself to the everyday madness. Ensure you reclaim your time and space, be happy with your looks, shop enthusiastically and do enjoy your life.
GUEST BLOGGER: Millie Rainer has worked as a content strategist in industries as diverse as hospitality, fashion, and tech. She never skips a chance to share her thoughts on these . Follow her on Twitter @MillieRainer.