to ask how you become poised, groomed and polished ?

[careeristbitchnigel]

Because I am not and I would like to be. How do you make the jump from "having put some makeup on and doing something with your hair and wearing a vaguely coordinating outfit" to "looking groomed and flawless"

I need some tips, people !

A lot of it is maintenance: clothes that are well-laundered or dry-cleaned, brushed and pressed, shoes that are polished and re-heeled when they need it, bags and belts polished etc. Nothing stained, frayed or trodden on, wearing things that fit well.

It doesn't necessarily mean spending a lot on clothes, more making different things a priority. Look at elderly people in their 70s and 80s-they've got a completely different 'clothes culture', if that makes sense. Their clothes are not usually expensive, but they are clean, well-ironed, and usually coordinating.

I don't think you need to have manicures or blow-dries, but if you don't you will look better if you do some basic nail and hair care at home.

I love the statement necklace idea but could I switch it for a scarf, I wonder? And if so, any recommendations? Necklaces like that seem to be a magnet for pulling/chewing/breaking when it comes to my 10month old! Will def do more of the necklaces in the evenings/for going out though.

staff.
photoshop.
and never doing anything...

in real life; clean, reasonably tidy and looking happy works far better. This is life, not a perfume ad.

my neighbour is in the 70s plus and is always tidy, stylish and groomed (and very pleasant BTW). But she isn't the one that does the gardening!

I would rather look just a nice kind person to be honest.

Really really groomed people are generally joyless, narcassistic pains in the arse.

I always looked good. Then I had children and I'm now lucky if I'm dressed of a morning

Seriously with little children, school runs and work how do you do it?

A good, regular haircut makes a massive difference. I haven't had my haircut in too long and it makes me look a mess. Everything else is the same but my hair is very underwhelming right now.

I totally disagree with the statement necklace thing.

I think they can kill an outfit stone dead. it's very much an idea promoted by that 'colour me beautiful' lot and I think they look very dated and naff.

I need to read this thread. Marking place to come back later and comment/ask groomed types lots of questions.

I quite like a statement necklace but only on a very casual outfit. Doesn't work if you're wearing something more formal in my opinion.

Time, careful shopping(avoid primark!) and confidence.
A good hygienist worked wonders for me and buying good pieces of clothing to mix with my " tat". Shoes are important buy the best you can afford good shoes make an outfit look good.
It's an attitude treat people well and they respond my nan always said to watch the way people treat a waitress rather than their companion to get the measure of them.
Most of all smile back to the hygienist again!!!!

• Wearing clothes which suit your body shape
• Master the art of bun for bad hair/didn't have enough time days
• Never underestimate the power of a good moisturiser
• Good accessories - be it a scarf, necklace, cocktail ring, belt

Never underestimate cheaper shops. Even Primark! One of my most complimented outfits was a Primark dress paired with new look shoes. Said dress could have done with weights in the hem's mind.

• Have a haircut which will grow out well.
• Jackets/Coats. I have a fair few of both. Makes the same old t-shirt and skinny jeans combo look so different.
• Blouses can often look more groomed than t-shirts (I yearn for Equipment blouses but they're pricey).
• decent quality basic t-shirts are also worth buying. Better shape to start with and hold it for longer.

Zara will never fail you for nice separates.

I love Zara! Also Hobbs for basics! However I still think 20 quid spent in primark is a waste of cash, better put towards good leather boots for the winter!

My sister always looks beautifully finished. Hair (and shoes & handbag) play a big part lMO. Even her 'rushed' hair style is very neat.

I'm a total scruff! Try to look nice, then as soon as I leave the house and there's a slight breeze, I manage to look like I just stepped into a wardrobe and wore whatever fell on top of me!

How I wish Gok Wan was my BFF :( x

Maybe it's more about being comfortable, if you feel good you will look it! No one feels a million dollars in dog chewed trackless and a top with choc/baby sick/last nights dinner down it! Plus if you pay for linen you will probably iron it.....not so with sale rack new look!

Trackies even!

New lovely leather bag, 4 quid in a charity shop! It certainly lifts an outfit!

Weelass

Oh no you don't! He'd make you wear a fucking awful neckerchief.

Always check youself in a full-lengh mirror before leaving the house.
My Grandmother used to tell me this and she was always very well-groomed even though she didn't have much money.

full length mirror

I think it is health

Well rested

Hydrated healthy skin

Good posture

Normalish weight

All else window dressing

Gosh, no. IME women without makeup more often look nice and happy and confidently themselves than those with.

I agree. Gok seemed to dress people as air stewardesses!

I totally disagree with the statement necklace thing.
I think they can kill an outfit stone dead. it's very much an idea promoted by that 'colour me beautiful' lot and I think they look very dated and naff.

I agree.
That cheap statement jewellery tat you buy in the High Street shops can bring an outfit down and it looks a bit dated

Very well-made costume or larger antique jewellery on the other hand can look good. (if you don't want to go for very small fine jewellery.