Help me - I’ve got 3 months to look good

[freemefromacne]

We’ve been invited to a wedding. It’s going to be full of very wealthy, beautiful people. I am neither wealthy nor beautiful, but want to attempt to blend in as much as possible. Dress code is ‘morning suits or suits’

Can you give me some ideas on how to generally look better? What sort of thing to wear?

I’m 5ft4, a size 8, I have a boring bob in mousey blonde and spotty skin. Oh, and I had a baby 9 weeks ago. We are the first of this group to have a baby, so everyone else is still glamorous and lovely looking. Please help!

If you have a 9 week old baby and are back in a size 8, I’d say you’re looking amazing!

The spots may be hormonal and that will change a lot in 3 months. Focus on eating well, drinking water or fruity tea type things.

Are you bf? That would make a difference to the clothes you might want to try. Also is your baby going to be with you? Again, what you wear could be dependent on that factor.

Congratulations on your new baby! I had a similar big event not long after my baby was born so I know how you feel.

My advice - get some subtle golden highlights in your hair. Maybe even gentle balayage. It will lift your complexion and elevate your overall look. You might want to start now and get them touched up a week or so before the wedding o be sure if you like it.

A good gradual tanner. So easy an absolute tanning newbie can use. I recommend garnier summer body.

Your skin is likely hormonal but it’s also a good opportunity to establish a proper skincare routine. Use a gentle cleanser with a warm wet flannel. No scrubs. Get a gentle acid exfoliant like nip+fab glycolic daily cleansing pads. Your skin will glow and likely improve.

You sound lovely and slim so find yourself a simple floaty dress that allows for breastfeeding, if you are doing so. ASOS have got some lovely inexpensive things. I think relaxed glamour is better than anything too done up for a wedding guest. It’ll be June so hopefully warm. A floaty maxi dress and pretty sandals is basically all you need. Enjoy yourself!

Forgot makeup! Are you into makeup?

I think it could be worth getting a consultation at a beauty counter like Bobbi Brown. They are usually kind and knowledgable and will be able to advise you on some good products and show you how to use them.

You are blessed with a good figure clearly so you are already 90% of the way there!

I would get my hair coloured and cut to something lovely and flattering. Get your nails done with a gel in a nice neutral colour and a sensible length. A good fake tan if you need it.

Spend these next few months looking for bargain designer or upper end department store clothes and accessories second hand on eBay or charity shops. It's the clothes that people will notice. If you can pull together an outfit that reads as expensive then you will look it.

Shallow is the world unfortunately but I understand why you want to fit in. Especially with a new baby.

Thank you all, this is really useful! I’m not breastfeeding and baby not invited so not restricted clothes wise at least. I was half thinking of a maxi dress so I could get away with not having to buy shoes that look expensive too?! I’m not great with heels but can attempt to suck it up for a day.

Highlights are a great idea. My hair goes very blonde in the sun, so if I start some highlights now, hopefully my hair will naturally add a few more if we have nice weather before then. Gradual tanner also a great idea.

Going to order some nip+fab cleansing pads right now!

I am completely crap with makeup so good idea to visit a makeup counter.

I really like Sienna Miller’s bob haircut. I wish I had her face too but let’s aim for realistic goals not sure if my face is a bit too round for that haircut though.

I live on a farm. I am not meant for the glamorous life.

Omg!! No baby?? Bloody hell OP MAKE A DAY OF IT.

I really hope you manage to find a dress you feel glam in. Flat sandals with a maxi are totally fine. They have some nice fancy ones at river island right now.

Agree on the gel or shellac nails. They always make me feel polished and ‘done’.

Sienna Miller’s Bob was/is very in so you could definitely emulate it. Easy to style in a dishevelled-attractive way. If you like it, go for it!

If it’s a very smart wedding then don’t wear a maxi dress.

Midi is fine- maxi non.

I would go for something like this chic, understated, looks a million bucks.

Is a maxi a no-no?! Why, is it too casual? Totally clueless on these things so appreciate the advice! That jumpsuit is gorgeous, I see what you mean about it being understated but still striking. It’s a little too dark for what I’d like to wear to a summer wedding though.

The wedding is a fair distance from us so we will be making a night of it too Kitty! DS’ grandmother is desperate to have him for a sleepover and by then I’ll probably be desperate for a night away

If morning suits have been stipulated and it’s quite a do then a maxi just wouldn’t cut it I think. Too informal and hard to look chic unless you’ve got a big big budget.

That jumpsuit is A/W collection so I guess there will be SS stuff soon and there will be lighter/softer colours coming I’m sure.

Do the usual suspects:

Hair - cut and colour (highlights)
Makeup - foundation, powder, mascara, lipstick. If nothing else then mascara and lipstick. If you can pick a bold (ish) colour lipstick that suits your colouring then all the better. I can't wear classic bright red for example but I can wear wine-red. A bold lipstick makes the rest of your face look made-up without lots of makeup. I like Maybelline 24 hr lip ink as it does really last.
Nails - at the very least, filed and clear or pale polish and lots of hand cream. Nothing wrong with natural nails but a layer of clear or pale polish makes hands look cared for, you don't have to go the whole gel-nail hog.
Skin- drink lots of water, try and take multivitamins for skin/nails/hair, basic clean and moisturise routine morning and evening. I personally wouldn't do anything fancy with retinol products etc as it doesn't suit everyone and can take time for skin to adapt, so I'd do a gentle cleanser and a good moisturiser, one for day, one for night. I have sensitive skin but I've never gone wrong with Olay, (or L'oreal) moisturisers.
Body - the odd body scrub won't hurt, plus slap on some body moisturiser as many times as you can remember after showering.
Feet - At the least, foot file/ped egg and basic painted toenails (even if they aren't showing in your shoes, you'll know they are done!) Flexitol Heel balm is good if you have dry heels but it needs applying every day. If possible I'd have a professional pedicure as they are so good at making feet soft.
Whatever outfit you wear, make sure you have well fitting comfortable underwear! No old grey bra's

I would also say knee-length or midi length dress. Maxi really is too hard for daytime chic styling. Midi is good if you want a bit more coverage and they are trendy at the moment so the shops and online stores are full of them. I find Oasis do some lovely dresses for occasion wear, really well made, won't break the bank if you won't be wearing it again any time soon. The summer ones won't all be out yet but keep an eye out.

Have a professional blow dry and make up. If you can't get to a salon have a look on Facebook for a local who can visit you at home. It will make a huge difference.

I might have a midi dress that could work. I’ll see if I can dig it out tomorrow and try it on. It might not be smart enough though, I have never been to a wedding that wanted guests in morning suits so I really have no idea what’s acceptable.

I’d love a professional to come and do my hair and makeup on the day, but I think we’ll need to leave too early in the morning. I didn’t even have that for my own wedding, although that was a much more relaxed affair

I guess knee length dresses look fab on you, obvious I have not seen you but in general if you are looking for an option & you are not getting one then the best way to conclude that decisions is with midi dresses.

Midi dresses always fit in every where, so try to wear & check it once whether its going good with you morning suit theme or not.

I am tooo new to give the advice but I have tried it for myself , so I have suggested the same :)

I think the notion that maxi dresses are too causal is old-fashioned. Maxi dresses come in all different styles after all. I also think unless you look totally inappropriate then it really doesn’t matter too much to the bride what you wear. It’s easier in this way for women. As long as you look ‘nice’ it doesn’t matter, I truly believe that, unless you’re in a position very close to the couple. The dress code to my mind means ‘blokes - don’t turn up in Chinos and a shirt.

Be comfortable and wear something that makes you feel beautiful.

kitty I take your point but if your feeling a bit out of place and perhaps even a tad intimidated I would err on the side of conservative/cautious dressing for this wedding and feel confident.

This is the midi dress I already have. Could it work? (I haven’t got a bra on here so the top could possibly look better. Not sure if there’s too much skin on show though)

Perhaps something with sleeves would be better?

That’s lovely!

Yep wear that! It's lovely! Do you have a cover-up of some description in case it's a bit chilly and for the ceremony? You could get something like a faux fur bolero, perhaps in a pale grey, if that's your style?

I don’t have a cover up but I can get one, if anyone has any links to some?! Also, shoes...

It’s a summer wedding? Don’t go for fur!

Little jacket would look good- will look.

this one is pretty

The way the model wears it looks stuffy but I think it would look amazing with your dress, nude/pink shoes and clutch. Hat?

If you wanted to go a bit edgier, then a little silky navy bomber jacket would look good too and pair with some wooden clog sandals.