I want to be glamorous!

[northstarry]

I have definitely let myself go in the name of comfort but I need to claw this back. Please can anyone suggest a few things that will help without spending a fortune?

I broke my foot so can no longer wear heels which definitely isn't helping.

Can you suggest any glamorous flat shoes?

Thank you!

Exactly! And we call things 'sensible' but I've many times found I'm wearing a wool coat and scarf, and I am warm while people in thin plastic-y raincoats stand around shivering and feeling miserable.

@spuddel, damn, I now have coat envy!

Never wear animal print.

I have 2 classic Max Mara coats, black and camel. They are such a booster for , well everything. Doesn't matter what I'm wearing under them or what state my hair or skin is - everything is magically improved.

My most glamorous coat was a double breasted, floor length black velvet highwayman's coat from Wallis (which no longer fits and is now owned by my son's girlfriend). I've also got a Laura Ashley black Victorian riding coat from the late 1980s which I think is more glamorous than the Max Mara coats.

I think not all animal print is crap but the really good kind is hard to find. I know somebody who has the most fab wrap dress made of this satin-like material with a giraffe print (I had to google that) and it looks utterly amazing. I couldn't wear it but this lady looks effing amazing.

Oh, I just had to do a sign of the cross when I saw that picture.

The cat shoes! I’m dying…

Whilst there are lots of good suggestions for looking like scrubbed up grown up, I'm still not convinced that these are glamorous (except possibly my own black velvet coat)

Glamorous for me would be something like Jean-Paul Gaultier couture (not the mad conical bras) but he has done many astonishingly beautiful dresses draped in silk and velvet or his pirate outfits.

When I read glamorous, I think Joan Collins.

I feel at my best in sharp tailoring. I usually wear dungarees and work clothes (metalsmith), but love wearing a longline blazer, angular but narrow cut, and narrow pants (I had both made to fit - they're amazing), with excellent boots. That's my power dressing Spritz of Prada Amber and I'm 🔥

For me, glamorous is beautiful fabrics, a co-ordinated, well-put-together look, make-up and jewellery. Plus amazing shoes and a beautiful bag.

Was going to suggest painting your toenails then realised that you probably can't if your foot is in plaster! How'd you break your foot OP?

I used to be called glamorous a lot. Would never happen now 😂 It wasn't anything I aimed for, so I'm guessing why people said this - but, fwiw:
I had very shiny hair
Always wore makeup. Not always very much, but I would have lipstick and some sort of eye makeup on.
Clothes mostly high street basics. I used to be very big on my clothes fitting properly.
Rarely wore more than two colours together (and one was usually black).
Co-ordination. My shoes would match what I was wearing, so would my bag.
Always wore some jewellery. Never laden with the stuff, but always matching/toning.
Any 'statement' jewellery would match my clothes.

Agree with the posture comment! I was brought up with the 'String from top of head' principle. I did Pilates or dance classes to keep strong & flexible.

The good news is it doesn't have to cost money.
The ballerina shoes above look a good choice!

@LMNT I love those Mary Janes you linked from Asos. I usually find that style a bit childish but those are beautiful.

The last time someone said I looked glamorous I was wearing a longish, simple, blue linen dress, Menorcan sandals, silver stud earrings and had tied my hair up rather loosely. No makeup. I don’t have facials or do more than occasionally pluck my eyebrows and lip hair. I go to the hairdresser on average twice a year. I’m not pretty, and I’m old. I could do with losing 5kg. I was feeling happy, though.

I often get told I look glamorous. Even by complete strangers. I don't think I do but I am very critical of myself.

I always wear makeup, my hair is always clean, I always wear dresses. Long or knee length, never short. Ironed! Small diamond stud earrings. Nail varnish. Nice perfume. And a smile.

Great post, thanks OP and all! 😊

I never wear heels ..I have just bought a pair of nude, patent, pointy flats...love them.

Also wear simple colours, things which are fitted, have a nice handbag, make up and do your hair. If I can't be bothered, I put it up in a sort of chignon with a butterfly clip

Yes agree. Glamour to me is red lipstick, fitted clothing, big hair, big earrings and a proper mani-pedi.

That’s a very narrow show-girl definition of glamour though, it would look very cheap in a lot of contexts. (Not to say it isn’t fun.)

I think I used to be a bit glamorous, she says modestly!🤣

High waist tailored trousers, ballet flats (not siamese cat shoes - sorry!), silk long sleeve top, crop swing vintage fur jacket, Hermes scarf, diamond studs (big), Cartier watch , one solid gold chain, Celine bag etc .

I've never been glam and now I don't have the figure to carry it off (note to self to lose weight). I've always worn very casual clothes but really admire those that are glamorous. I think it takes a bit of effort and also a good eye to achieve the look

I think glamorous is the opposite of utilitarian. So velvet is glamorous, denim is not. Silk is glamorous , rayon is not. Cashmere versus wool ( or acrylic). Thin suede, glove leather v. Biker leather or imitation. Supple Italian tweed v. Harris.
It’s not just a question of being clean and well ironed, or classically cut, which are what several suggestions seem. That is elegant, but not necessarily glamorous.

It’s also the cut and surface decoration . I have an embroidered fleece from Bob Mackie, the embroidery is shades of pink and ochre on black. I think that is glamorous ( people come up to me in Tesco and tell me how ‘lovely’ it is). Silk shirts with wide sleeves gathered into a tight cuff are glamorous, short sleeved silk shirts with pockets are not .

It’s not a value judgement, utility is better in the right situation. Silk trousers whilst weeding are not glamorous, they are silly. A proper traditional Sussex trug, filled with garden flowers, is probably glamorous , though.

Following on from PP maybe the answer to your original question would lie in comfortable but non-utilitarian-looking footwear?

As you have to wear flat shoes it doesn’t mean they couldn’t look a bit extra-special?

eg (just looked at R&B website but they could come from anywhere #thisisnotanad) so not sure why MN marked as sensitive content!)

Did somebody say denim can't be glamorous?

@GarlicGrace none of those photos look glamorous

Love threads like this, especially the comments about having items of clothing that you "save for best" and never end up wearing.

Re posture, I had a dance teacher years ago who told me to imagine that my head was a helium balloon and the string my spine - visualising your head "floating" and pulling the string (spine) straight is a great way to improve your posture. There's also a lot to be said for "shoulders back, stomach in and tits out"!

I am also on the lookout for nice looking flat shoes. I wear a lot of dresses to work (formal office) and my feet can no longer manage stupid (but beautiful, sob!) high heels. I find most ballet flats too unsupportive and a lot of loafers these days are too clumpy for my taste, so if anyone knows of the mythical comfy (no pointy toes!) but beautiful flat (or even wedges or kitten heels) shoes that don't cost a small fortune then let me know!

In the winter it's so easy to live in knee high boots of which I have many, in a variety of colours!