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I want to be glamorous!

158 replies

northstarry · 26/07/2023 11:25

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!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
25
watersprites · 28/07/2023 07:07

And yes to coats, one of the easiest ways of adding glamour is with a gorgeous coat. And in the UK we have frequent use for them. I see so many people at weddings/night outs with a great outfit & then an everyday coat or bloody pashmina. Coats & jackets are very underrated. @NatashaDancing I really want a long velvet coat.

watersprites · 28/07/2023 07:11

My mum is pretty glam, wears lipstick for giving birth & swimming & sunglasses 365 days of the year. I can only pull off glam for one offs eg wedding or party. Day to day I'm not glam at all, too lazy & just messy!

watersprites · 28/07/2023 07:13

None of those denim phones are glamorous!

TheBreeder · 28/07/2023 07:29

I second this. They have quite good sales

watersprites · 28/07/2023 07:33

think you can't do glamour without a bit of animal thrown in there! Disagree that you need to be thin, I think curves help & I don't think you can be glam at 20, you need to proper grown up. Just my interpretation though.

I want to be glamorous!
I want to be glamorous!
I want to be glamorous!
watersprites · 28/07/2023 07:34

Obviously a beautiful face helps!

I want to be glamorous!
I want to be glamorous!
watersprites · 28/07/2023 07:38

Apologies for all the typos, clearly I was still asleep!

Arewehumanorarewecupboards · 28/07/2023 07:40

I think glamour is about about the whole package. A beautiful silk dress would still not be glamorous if worn over the wrong underwear or with greasy hair.

Glamour is the fabrics, the perfume and the personality. It’s sensual rather than sexual.

Cocktopus · 28/07/2023 07:57

I'm medically exempt from wearing heels (well, I have rheumatoid arthritis that's knackered my feet so as good as!). I have to wear flats, and ones with either a bit of support or with enough room to add some. When I was diagnosed in my 30s I thought that was then end of nice shoes - even though I had a life changing diagnosis and with all the pain, for some reason that was the thing that hit home hardest! I loved my heels.

My shoe go-tos now include quality ballet style shoes, particularly those with a Mary Jane strap and/or embellishments. Velvet ones are a particular favourite. I have FitFlop Allegra pumps in gold and silver and they're sooooo comfortable. I wear a lot of black so a jewel coloured shoe, or something metallic, adds a bit of colour/interest. For more casual wear I like Victorian-style lace up boots.

One of the best decisions I made was to grow out my dyed black hair a few years ago. White hair and minimal make-up apart from defined brows and a deep red/burgundy lip feels so glamorous and has become my 'look'! Looking back my hair was in such bad condition from being dyed every two weeks it could never have been considered glamorous.

Clothes wise I have a thing for 70s style lurex dresses - I'm a bit mid-century anything fan. Margo from The Good Life is a style icon! It's much easier to be glamorous in winter though - a fur collared coat over anything hides a multitude of scruff. I love vintage stuff and always carry vintage doctor's style bags. I find unusual accessories are far more interesting than anything with obvious branding or that's currently considered very fashionable.

I do prefer a more relaxed kind of glamour with a bit of an edge. Tilda Swinton was mentioned upthread and she's the epitome of that to me. Also Cate Blanchett.

Dinopawus · 28/07/2023 08:05

Glamour is the fabrics, the perfume and the personality. It’s sensual rather than sexual.

Agree with this. It's extra but stylish extra and I think maybe a lot of it is about personality. There's also quite a fine line between glamour & trash.

watersprites · 28/07/2023 08:12

sensual is spot on. Victoria Beckham & Kate Middleton aren't glamorous to me. Victoria is too self conscious & Kate is too proper.

Neither are cat shoes & toe rings!

Arabels · 28/07/2023 08:43

Can we at least rule out girlish? I agree glamour is a grownup thing.

Arabels · 28/07/2023 08:49

And I’m fighting it out on Swinton…many many other things, but not glamorous in my opinion! She carries off such deliberately challenging, haute shapes and styles; she’s androgynous and mysterious. Lots of people don’t ‘get’ it. I think glamour needs to be legible.

Here’s something simple I think lends glamour-volume. A swingy coat, wide gathered sleeve or high waist wide leg trousers. It’s having the confidence to take up space and not giving a fig about being overdressed.

watersprites · 28/07/2023 08:51

Yes, Tilda is striking, ethereal, elegant but not glamorous.

Lushmush · 28/07/2023 08:57

I have an arthritic ankle and can no longer wear heels. Not going to lie, I struggle with shoes. However, I have found that quiz does nice flats and sparkly sandals, and also very low heels, if you need something for a party or evening do. Also, I have had a few nice pairs of flats from new look.

My everyday go to for work, are Josef seibels. Not particularly glamorous but soo comfy!!

I do miss wearing heels though as I’m short so they used to make my legs look a bit longer !! 😆

SilverArch · 28/07/2023 09:35

I don't see the flat shoes as a major problem. Look at some of the upmarket advertising for comfortable shoes - they have obviously chosen attractive models and dressed them nicely and you don't even notice the shoes. I would definitely give toe rings and ankle chains a miss as being just tacky.

Dressing in a monochrome cream palette can look very glamorous though unfortunately I am so pale as to look corpse-like. I look much better in a navy blue or black monochrome look. Things that look glamorous are a limited colour palette - two or three colours at the most. Some garments are just more glamorous than others - an anorak versus a beautifully cut and dramatic longer length coat or a cardigan versus a jacket. (Almost nobody can make a cardigan look glamorous and as for one of those long droopy cardigans that end at your widest point, I just ask myself why.) Think silk, satin, good quality fake fur or the real thing. It takes youth and good genes, to make linen look other than a creased mess. On the other hand, I think there is a black or brown leather jacket for everybody. I am fairly sure though that there is not a white shirt for everybody - I know it's a wardrobe basic but they just don't suit me though at a pinch they are passable with a black suit.

A good tailor who does alterations can make ready to wear look like couture. They can suggest things to make a garment flatter that I would never have realised needed to be done. The cost of alterations is a good investment (but never buy something where you need to do something with the shoulders as this is the hardest thing to alter).

I personally like pearls - not graduated and a decent size - for dressed up outfits because they add a lot of light to your face. You can do the same with other jewellery if that's not your thing. Or pearl earrings? Simple symmetrical jewellery in real gold or silver is best.

Do not clutch an old handbag. Update with something modern and structured that does not look like you have or could have your lunch stowed in there.

I am now blonde and have dyed my hair for nearly 40 years. It is not brittle or dry and people are actually puzzled why I don't have blonde children. The secret is professional colour and NEVER combing through or doing all the hair - just the roots and the odd deep conditioning treatment. A visit to a dermatologist can do wonders in removing skin tags, keratoses and who knows what else. I finally have the beautiful well cared for porcelain skin that was out of reach in my acned impoverished teenage days. A dermatologist is cheap compared to all the useless face creams beauty therapists or department stores will try to sell you and what dermatologists prescribe actually gives results.

If you have a hairy face, then if you can see it so can others. If that is not your desired image, get electrolysis or laser removal.

Try to work out whether you have warm or cool undertones in your skin. Most foundation falls into those two schools. I am a blue eyed, light skinned Celt and I look peculiarly orange in anything with warm undertones regardless of how light the shade is. This carries through to clothes. Try to be realistic about this - if you're a redhead you're going to look beautiful in chartreuse and not so much in powder blue.

Cocktopus · 28/07/2023 16:18

SilverArch · 28/07/2023 09:35

I don't see the flat shoes as a major problem. Look at some of the upmarket advertising for comfortable shoes - they have obviously chosen attractive models and dressed them nicely and you don't even notice the shoes. I would definitely give toe rings and ankle chains a miss as being just tacky.

Dressing in a monochrome cream palette can look very glamorous though unfortunately I am so pale as to look corpse-like. I look much better in a navy blue or black monochrome look. Things that look glamorous are a limited colour palette - two or three colours at the most. Some garments are just more glamorous than others - an anorak versus a beautifully cut and dramatic longer length coat or a cardigan versus a jacket. (Almost nobody can make a cardigan look glamorous and as for one of those long droopy cardigans that end at your widest point, I just ask myself why.) Think silk, satin, good quality fake fur or the real thing. It takes youth and good genes, to make linen look other than a creased mess. On the other hand, I think there is a black or brown leather jacket for everybody. I am fairly sure though that there is not a white shirt for everybody - I know it's a wardrobe basic but they just don't suit me though at a pinch they are passable with a black suit.

A good tailor who does alterations can make ready to wear look like couture. They can suggest things to make a garment flatter that I would never have realised needed to be done. The cost of alterations is a good investment (but never buy something where you need to do something with the shoulders as this is the hardest thing to alter).

I personally like pearls - not graduated and a decent size - for dressed up outfits because they add a lot of light to your face. You can do the same with other jewellery if that's not your thing. Or pearl earrings? Simple symmetrical jewellery in real gold or silver is best.

Do not clutch an old handbag. Update with something modern and structured that does not look like you have or could have your lunch stowed in there.

I am now blonde and have dyed my hair for nearly 40 years. It is not brittle or dry and people are actually puzzled why I don't have blonde children. The secret is professional colour and NEVER combing through or doing all the hair - just the roots and the odd deep conditioning treatment. A visit to a dermatologist can do wonders in removing skin tags, keratoses and who knows what else. I finally have the beautiful well cared for porcelain skin that was out of reach in my acned impoverished teenage days. A dermatologist is cheap compared to all the useless face creams beauty therapists or department stores will try to sell you and what dermatologists prescribe actually gives results.

If you have a hairy face, then if you can see it so can others. If that is not your desired image, get electrolysis or laser removal.

Try to work out whether you have warm or cool undertones in your skin. Most foundation falls into those two schools. I am a blue eyed, light skinned Celt and I look peculiarly orange in anything with warm undertones regardless of how light the shade is. This carries through to clothes. Try to be realistic about this - if you're a redhead you're going to look beautiful in chartreuse and not so much in powder blue.

This is all very expensive sounding! And a bit proscribed and dated.

Glamour, to me, has a natural warm sensuality to it. Also a little bit of rebellion. It's why Brigitte Bardot was the epitome of glamour in her day, and why someone like Cate Blanchett is today.

ADHDGURL · 28/07/2023 17:51

I think its clean.. clean lines, unwrinkled clothes, a clear silhouette.
Hair is super important imo, you can have the most amazing outfit but your hair has to be clean, styled, same with nails.
I'm very unglamorous btw, but I have a friend who always looks super chic, even in jeans. Her hair is always immaculate, a good cut with shiny non straggly ends.
Even in flats, trainers the overall effect is a look that could be suitable for an AM coffee or a dinner.
She often Wears a very bold lip colour, but even with neutral her brows are tidy, her eyes lightly lined and mascara applied.
She accessorises a lot, statement necklace, bangles, I've spent years observing her (and wishing some of her gold dust would rub off on me 🙈) I can't do it (neither the time or patience to faff around with myself)
Good skin, discreet makeup, coats like often mentioned are a very good item which transforms the "look".
Good luck OP, watching the post with interest as I don't qualify for "glamorous " at all. Some people know what looks good and they will look great all the time,
I do think it takes effort to complete the effect, but fundamentals as I've seen are the "good" hair, non chipped nails, and makeup that looks effortless. The entire result being stylish (but not fashion victim) and fresh.

Comedycook · 29/07/2023 17:24

I think some posters are getting confused with looking rich/classy and glamorous. You can be both but not necessarily. Glamorous has to have an element of sexiness imo.

Cocktopus · 29/07/2023 18:07

Comedycook · 29/07/2023 17:24

I think some posters are getting confused with looking rich/classy and glamorous. You can be both but not necessarily. Glamorous has to have an element of sexiness imo.

Exactly this! Being impeccably groomed and elegant isn't the same as glamorous at all. The original definition of the 'glamour' is enchantment and magic and I think that to be truly glamorous you need an element of that. Something a bit dark, earthy, sensual. Pristine tailoring, perfect hair and tasteful neutral colours just aren't that.

Cocktopus · 29/07/2023 18:13

Almost nobody can make a cardigan look glamorous

Ummmm

I want to be glamorous!
I want to be glamorous!
I want to be glamorous!
I want to be glamorous!
FKATondelayo · 29/07/2023 18:36

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

FKATondelayo · 29/07/2023 18:38

(ignore my link fail above)

Thank you. Some very leftfield definitons of 'glamour' here. The dictionary definition is an 'an attractive or exciting quality'.

Some of the posts reminded me of Monica Geller in this scene from Friends.

attractive in an obvious way friends quote - Google Search

https://www.google.com/search?q=attractive+in+an+obvious+way+friends+quote&rlz=1C5CHFA_enGB897GB897&oq=attractive+in+an+obvious+way+friends+quote&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i61.8552j1j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:a97a2ca4,vid:4PQ6itHVzfg

Arewehumanorarewecupboards · 29/07/2023 19:30

ADHDGURL · 28/07/2023 17:51

I think its clean.. clean lines, unwrinkled clothes, a clear silhouette.
Hair is super important imo, you can have the most amazing outfit but your hair has to be clean, styled, same with nails.
I'm very unglamorous btw, but I have a friend who always looks super chic, even in jeans. Her hair is always immaculate, a good cut with shiny non straggly ends.
Even in flats, trainers the overall effect is a look that could be suitable for an AM coffee or a dinner.
She often Wears a very bold lip colour, but even with neutral her brows are tidy, her eyes lightly lined and mascara applied.
She accessorises a lot, statement necklace, bangles, I've spent years observing her (and wishing some of her gold dust would rub off on me 🙈) I can't do it (neither the time or patience to faff around with myself)
Good skin, discreet makeup, coats like often mentioned are a very good item which transforms the "look".
Good luck OP, watching the post with interest as I don't qualify for "glamorous " at all. Some people know what looks good and they will look great all the time,
I do think it takes effort to complete the effect, but fundamentals as I've seen are the "good" hair, non chipped nails, and makeup that looks effortless. The entire result being stylish (but not fashion victim) and fresh.

I think this is perfect.

Velvetpow · 30/07/2023 09:17

I get told I am glamorous/elegant/stylish really quite often. Am rolling my eyes at myself writing it down but I guess it's okay as this is an anonymous forum and S&B to boot!

Trying to figure out what it might be and I do tick some of PPs' boxes:

  • Naturally big, auburn curls - my defining characteristic apparently. You can spot me a mile off 😁
  • A love of clothes and beautiful fabrics. Silk shirts, Edwardian velvet coats, tweed capes, cashmere pencil skirts and jumpers, wool or silk cocoon coats, sequins and lamé for evening. I do in fact have and wear silk pyjamas and a vintage kimono around the house!
  • a taste for the (slightly) dramatic. I basically decided a long time ago (as a teenager) that I wanted to dress like I was starring in the film of my own life IYSWIM. So I may wear a white t shirt and jeans but then a huge tweed cape or ombré silk trenchcoat with it. Or an oversized trouser suit and silk shirt but the suit will be burnt orange and I will wear red lipstick for (what I believe is!) a good kind of clash. White silk shirt and ridiculous brocade midi skirt for the office. (Yes, there is a lot of silk going on - it makes me happy and feels lovely to wear!)
  • I have an excellent seamstress. Am a slim hourglass with long legs/a short waist so nearly everything has to be taken in at the waist.
  • always wear flats. No manicure, hair cut twice a year but my eyebrows are threaded regularly and I see an excellent dermatologist. Natural make up (barring the odd bright lip) and often go make-up free at weekends if just pottering.

Not to everyone's taste at ALL but I find joy in the clothes I wear every day. It works for me. Ebay is AMAZING for getting these things second hand. Also blessed with some excellent charity shops in my part of London.