What makes a person look groomed and polished?

[HiddenGiraffes]

I don't think I've ever really achieved this, even when I've made an effort and have thought I looked pretty, I've always felt a bit rough around the edges and not quite properly polished. Since having kids I'm a different level of scruffy.

I'm interested in what the core elements of looking groomed and polished are.

I guess it's different for everybody, I'd love to spend ages getting sorted in a morning but toddlers don't allow for that of course! The basics for me are good cleanser followed by spf in the morning, eyebrow gel, pencil and mascara. Ensure flyaways from my hair are flattened. That's literally it day to day but it makes a hell of a difference from looking like I'm dragged through a hedge backwards when I get up.

For me it's neat hair. I always try to have it smooth (it's naturally a bit of a birds nest! Think Russell brand circa 2003). If it's too messy to have down, I put it in a bun but even then it looks like I've been dragged through a hedge backwards even if I'm wearing smart clothes!

A good haircut & colour, clean & filed nails (not necessarily painted), groomed eyebrows - not over pencilled, simple jewellery, neutral coloured clothing, a smart/casual longline every day coat and clean footwear. None of it needs to be expensive or high end brands.in my opinion.

I personally think hair, brows, nails, coat/jacket and footwear is the most important though.

What is the current eye brow style most groomed women have? Is it HD brows? Like the brows look think & there's obviously some makeup there but they're not tattooed?

This is really helpful, thank you! I think I fail badly on nails and hair. I've never really learned to style my hair and somehow it seems to look worse when I try than when I don't. Nails I can do I am just lazy with it.

Polished shoes, cared for nails go a long way.

Shirt clean nails and tidy hair

Short

I am sure we all see groomed and polished differently but agree it takes effort. For me, this woman is the epitome of simple, modern polish.

@DameDoom agree, functional, comfortable outfit for downtown daytime city vibe. Really nice hair colour & good sunnies.

My nails are awful. Years of biting. Any advice ?

I totally agree with that photo! And on that note does anyone know what jeans they are?? I'd love a pair like that !!

@TheDead I think they are the Levi indigo baggy dad jeans.
I love that the look is is no way designer - just perfect basics that work.

Looking at the pictures, it's good posture, being slim, smooth well looked after hair, perfect skin, expensive classic stylish accessories, less is more, e.g. the denims and black top. Not keen on the converse myself but she does look effortlessly stylish. Basically she is blessed with good genes.😎

Groomed nails, I would say. Clean, not too long and discrete polish. Should be able to do this at home.

Basically being well off enough to afford good products, regular salon treatments, a good diet, expensive clothes cut to flatter and structured to make you stand up straight, and the relaxed facial expression that being financially comfortable gives you.

As often in life money is the answer.

I don’t think looking polished has anything to do with how much you weigh or how much your clothes cost or how much you spend on makeup. Often wearing less makeup makes you look more classy. Not matter what shape your body is, confidence and posture is the key. A simple pair of jeans and a t-shirt or tank can look great. Less is more and confidence

Keep it simple.Think of French or Italian ladies. A good haircut,short nails with moisturized hands and feet. Clothes that are flattering to your body shape (nothing too tight),clean and ironed . I don't believe you need a lot of money to look polished.Buy less clothes but better quality ,a good coat and a good handbag go a long way.I'd rather have 2 cashmere jumpers from M&S or Uniqlo than 6 synthetic ones for example. Hairdressing and Beauty colleges offer cuts/colour/treatments at affordable prices .

Classic clothes, not too revealing or high fashion, neat hairstyle, fairly natural makeup (or none but naturally good skin) neat nails not too long. No obvious brand names on display.

It's not about size particularly but very thin or overweight just doesn't give this vibe

Unfortunately those of us with naturally curly unruly hair and freckles never will achieve it.

and that is why I’m considering brazilian blow dry or yuko system again

I’ve done many times before but never bothered to invest on maintanance

But now that I’m older, short haircut that went wrong and chose to go naturally grey I think it is my only option

General aura of cleanliness, well cared for good quality clothes and footwear, a good haircut, nice teeth and decent posture.

I've seen plenty of overweight women look perfectly groomed and polished and yes -gasp- expensive.

For me it's well presented hair whether that's straight or curly, in good condition with no visible roots.

Visible but not heavy make up

A considered colour palette in clothes - black, navy, cream etc. it doesn't have to be, and colours can look great. I just think it's 'easier' to look groomed in neutrals.

Good coat with no bobbles, threads hanging or buttons missing. I think padded coats don't look particularly stylish but I've got nothing against them. It's a lot easier to look pulled together in winter when a good coat can do a lot of the heavy lifting.

Good shoes in good condition.

Handbag that's not screamingly fashionable or too casual. No carrier bags.

if I had to choose only 2 I’d say good hair and posture. It doesn’t matter how nice everything else is, if your hair’s a mess and youre slouching you will not look great. I say this as someone whose hair is frequently a bit of a mess!

It has nothing to do with weight, or expensive treatments. At all. I disagree strongly. It's just taking care, that it matters to you, investing thought and time in yourself. It's a mindset.

I think it's what lies beneath not what's put on top.

Diet, water, exercise and sleep for figure, skin and sparkling eyes.

Then cleanliness! Freshly washed and showered always nice.

Smelling good - and politely so.

Daily care - conditioning, moisturising, body lotion, sunblock.

Maintenance - well cared for nails, split ends managed, pedicure.

I don't see how she looks so groomed and polished? She is just wearing jeans and a top which is what most of us wear everyday..