How to look more chic/polished

[Luggagerackistopheavy]

I'm short and fat. Most of the time I look quite scruffy and I go for comfort above looks.

How the heck do I start to look more chic/polished/tidy as a short fatty?

If you had dared to come on here and describe yourself as slim under 8 stone, wishing to look chic and stylish you would have been viciously provoked and passively aggressively advised to seek therapy.
Or accused of stealth boasting.

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i have the most pink one but it’s still not that pink iyswim. It lasts a full week (including some outdoor swimming in that) and you can’t see any chips.

i do disagree with any advice on ‘crisp white shirts’ as uniformly the short cut to looking stylish. I see it a lot and I know for some it is very chic but I am warm toned so don’t suit white, I am short waisted and busty so many shirt shapes don’t suit me (shirt dresses do oddly) and I tend to suit soft rather than sharp tailoring.

I have had my colours done and my lady told me to consider 2 colours and a splash as a recipe to combine. The very neutral version of this could be French navy (ie warm navy) trousers, cream blouse and a tan belt. The version that makes me happy if not as stylish would be navy trousers, cream blouse and pink trainers. Plus some small gold hoops and a gold pendant. That’s a typical work outfit for me.

I am under 8 stone 😂 consider this an unstealthy boast if you'd like. It's really not about weight though but where and how much of it you visibly carry. Oh and facial bone structure matters a lot too. I'd far, far rather have nice facial structure with a nicely structured body.

There’s a lot of great advice out there on how to look more chic and polished, but before spending money on new clothes or makeup, I’d really recommend starting with a color analysis. Knowing which colors suit your natural features (skin tone, eyes, hair) makes a huge difference.

Once I figured out my color season, it became so much easier to build a cohesive wardrobe. As I gradually replaced items, I just focused on those specific tones. Now, most of my clothes naturally match, and even picking makeup is faster and more flattering. Everything works together because it’s all in the same color family.

I used Colorwise.me — it’s a helpful tool to get started.

Oh the other thing I wanted to add was - I really deeply resent this as it means my mother was right all along but I do find most dresses/skirts look better with a slip. They just hang better

I look on Pinterest and search for outfits for women with my build. I found this helped me to ‘shop from my wardrobe’. I saw outfits on there - I had the same/similar clothes but I hadn’t thought of wearing them in that combination. Much cheaper until you find your style mojo.
Also, get basic grooming; eyebrow shaping, chin, leg wax, good haircut etc. This makes me feel more put together.

Good hair cut and glossy hair
Expensive shoes and bags
Great sunglasses that suit your face
Cotton, linen or silk clothes
A confident smile

Re the colour analysis thing, I just got dd to do this on chat gbt for me. Interestingly it was very similar but not exactly the same as when I had it done professionally 10 years ago. We also (much to her protest but who cares) did dd2 and it came up with exactly what I think suits her best. Smug.

I know there was a long thread on this the other day but not all of us are good at this stuff so to the point others are making, take help where it’s available if it’s something that interests you.

I only dress up for work, and am considered quite smart, which makes me laugh as at home I'm stig of the dump. But this is what I do:
I do wear make up to work but mascara on its own makes a big difference. Add black honey lipstick (more like balm) from Clinique and you already look brighter.
Wear jewellery - I always wear stud earrings, a necklace and my rings.
Iron your clothes
Do your hair, I just do a slicked back ponytail but it's "done".

I don't do nails, eyebrows, eyelashes and I have shit teeth but a lot of that together will help!

Saint and Sofia do well cut soft trousers that feel like joggers but look very smart, I recommend the Finsbury pant for a smarter look. Good luck!

A good haircut and nice shoes are always chic. Use light make up and wear a little jewellery.

I think that's spot on about seeking help but it can be really intimidating if you know nothing.

I grew up with a mum who was very anti beauty/makeup/hair stuff and I just missed out on really basic stuff. Like I really don't understand where to start with blow drying my hair because my mum was quite difficult about me even wanting to use conditioner (on my bum length hair!)

I went to a beauty counter for advice when I was around 30 and she just kept asking me questions I didn't understand "do you want a dewy look or a matte look?' etc

I think the other thing about never having done this stuff is that I really struggle to accept that it just takes a lot of time. I have never spent a lot of time on these things and it just doesn't fit into my life

Wearing an outfit with same colour top and bottom makes you look taller, even same colour shoes if possible.
Wear sunglasses, they always add a bit of glam.
I always find dresses nice on larger women and bold prints in bold colour, gives an air confidence even if you need to fake it at first.
Wear what your comfortable in, what makes you feel you but also once in a while wear what makes you feel special.

Oh forgot to say, check out Vinted for new cheap clothes.

I think that's really sad. Fortunately my mother was/is very vain and did some modelling alongside professional dance. I am by no means as attractive but I absorbed the hair, teeth, posture, less is more vibe. I was also taught to do make-up (sparingly) and to wear little jewellery.

I do very little:

Cleanse well and moisturise day and night
I don't do brows because mine are fine and fair and a little pencil does the trick
Good haircut and colour means a quick and simple blow dry and curling brush in-between
Handcream night and day and an emery board - no polish
Make-up: foundation, concealer (under eye), highlighter on cheek bones, translucent powder, Mascara, lippy - takes about 4 mins
Jewellery: stud earrings, simple necklace, wedding, eternity and engagement rings and a simple watch. Silver based because I am cool.

It takes me about 20 minutes to get dressed and ready once showered.

MIL, who is like your mother, looks 20 years older than mine and always has. They are both 89!

Find an influencer on Insta with your body shape and see what they’re wearing. I’m a new shape since losing weight and follow a few mid-size stylists.

Years ago a makeup artist gave me some advice. She said if you want to look pulled together (makeup wise) but in a rush, just do the 3 B’s - Base, Blush, Brows. I get my brows tinted monthly so I just do the other two and my makeup regime for work takes me less than 3 mins. I will add I have dark lashes naturally so I’m lucky to get away with no mascara. But it really does work. Just make sure you have the right shade of foundation and blush for you and invest in good brushes to apply, as it speeds things up.

If you’re still on a weight loss journey, Vinted is your friend! Browse Pinterest for outfit inspiration and look at women with the same body shape, skin tone and hair colour as you. Knowing which colours suit you (as others have said), even as a basic warm/cool, pastel/bright will help.

I wear elasticated waist trousers to work but the elastic is subtle so no one knows how comfy I am 😆 usually buy them in Zara or M&S, but also Vinted as I know what size and style to look out for.

Hair and nails.
Skin serum for a glow.
Clean shoes.
Light coloured clothing neutrals and whites, that fits you properly. Nothing too tight or baggy. Must be ironed.
Jewellery and metallic generally to catch the eye.
Something small - accessory - in red or pink to warm the overall look.

Take a realistic look at your energy levels and sensory needs.

I can’t wear make up, and hate the weight of nail varnish on my nails. I focus on good skin care and neat short nails instead. If you can, eat as a form of self care, choosing nice fruits, veg and spices. It may take time to expand your palate but keep trying to eat as wide a variety as possible in your circumstances.

If your hair isn’t easy to manage, and flattering, talk to your stylist or try a different one.

I think there are pros and cons - in some ways, it wasn't a bad thing that I grew up with someone who role modelled that it was absolutely fine to go out with no make up and who had (still has) a lot of self confidence about how she looks without hair styling/make up.

I have never felt embarrassed to go out without make up - I found that trend a few years ago to post a selfie without makeup quite weird

But it is hard to pick up some of the basics later in life

I don't feel embarrassed @febnewbie, I just feel so much better with a little light makeup and I find the 4 minute investment worth it.

But I agree, it's all about confidence. I will say that my mother's approach and mine with dd has given choice one way or the other. MIL's approach went some way to knocking the confidence out of her daughters who dreadful an occasion that requires dressing up.

Sorry I wasn't trying to imply that you did

But just that some women clearly do grow up feeling like their bare faces aren't acceptable and I guess that's one thing my mum did get right

I've thought about this too. First is hair. I think it's difficult to look good with ungroomed messy hair unless maybe if you are a supermodel type. Next is clothes that fit well and are ironed properly.

Shower, wash hair, dry with hairdryer and wear light make up daily. Small gold or silver earrings. I wear gold Huggies. Nothing plastic. Leather only. Good clean trainers. Longer top or in winter a jacket that covers your bum. That’s what I do even just for Tesco

Hi @Luggagerackistopheavy ,
I'm sure you are being too critical of your appearance. Dressing comfortably does not equal scruffy and clothes are designed for different body shapes and heights. Here's my advice for a wardrobe refresh...

Do a quick wardrobe summary and see what currently fits. You mentioned a recent 3 stone weight loss and if you haven't updated your wardrobe, you will have ill-fitting clothes which may be why you feel your appearance is scruffy.

As you intend to lose more weight, buy a small quantity of clothes in your current size. A very basic 3-2-1 capsule wardrobe of 3 tops, 2 bottoms (trousers or skirts) and 1 dress. Choose your preferred styles and colours for everyday wear and that can be mixed and matched. These six new articles of clothing will give you 10 new outfits.

A new haircut and, depending on length, styling tips from a sleek pony tail to braids and buns may help. Filed and shaped nails, natural or clear/neutral polish. You could get your eyebrows professionslly shaped and tinted. Ask for a natural look if that's your preference.

Absolutely this. -“I did this for years and you just look worse / the right fit is the way to go and more generous than tight