Do you know that “glamorous” comes from the Scottish gramarye meaning “magic, enchantment, spell.” When you see a woman walking down the street and you are captivated by her charmingly or fascinatingly attractive look, then definitely that woman is glamorous. Exactly like a famous song says – “Pretty woman won’t you pardon me; pretty woman I couldn’t help but see.”
People usually think of glamour as coiffed hair, perfectly manicured nails, and a great outfit. But in fact, a glam girl looks just as appealing in jeans and a t-shirt as she does in an evening gown.
You might be full of glamour, beauty, and excitement wearing a $20 sweater from Walmart, and absolutely plain and unattractive in Balenciaga. There is something mysterious about looking glamorous. Let’s try to demystify it.
How to look glam on a budget
Actually, it’s very simple: be wise with your fashion choices and take care of your health and mood. So, start with improving your mind and body.
Tips for looking glam for free
1. Love yourself the way you are!
You are unique, the only one out of billions of women. You are beautiful in your own way. Don’t consider yourself too skinny or too fat. It doesn’t matter. The matter is what you think about yourself.
Have you ever watched little kids looking at the mirror? They are so excited about their physical appearance; they consider themselves just perfect. Do the same with their simple and naïve believing.
2. Become LED – Love Emitting Diode
Take every opportunity to tell people you care about, that you love them. Always tell strangers something good that you’ve noticed about them like “great hat” or “beautiful shoes.” Remember orphan Annie’s song from the Broadway musical that you’re “never fully dressed without a smile?”
3. Don’t carry offences!
Offences need punishment. That is why you may cut your finger or (touching wood) get into something much more serious. Don’t ruin your glamour appearance!
4. Don’t envy!
Being envy is a capital sin. The question is – who is suffering from that burning desire to have something that is possessed by another YOU or that “another?” You! Don’t let negative emotions destroy your glamour look.
5. Move! Laugh! Sleep enough! And don’t overeat!
Laugh often, long and loud. “Laugh, and the world laughs with you.” Walk, dance, exercise or swim. It improves your health and mood. Sleep as many hours as you need. Eat everything you like with pleasure but always with measure. And you will look glamorous no matter your outfit!
Simple tips for looking glam on a budget
6. Keep your hair healthy and natural looking
Stay away from bold hair colours like purple, green and blue. They look awesome in Halloween costumes, but not if you want to look glamorous. The best choice for any kind of outfit is a natural-coloured hair.
7. Go for “natural” makeup routine
Find a makeup routine that is simple and quick. Try to learn to put on your makeup in about 5-7 minutes. Keep it simple and minimal. The shimmery and bold makeup is good for parties. Learn to work toward your perfect “natural” makeup look so you’d be effortlessly beautiful and well-groomed every day. Making an effort with this can give you so much more confidence.
8. Think quality, not quantity
“We’re not rich enough to buy cheap things”. Don’t be tempted to buy a lot of cheaper items. At the end of the day, you may spend much more money than you expected. It’s best to stock up on multi-purpose quality items that you can easily pair with the existing pieces of clothing you have. One good shopping rule is not to buy unless you really look fabulous in that outfit.
9. Invest in high-quality wardrobe staples
Look expensive by investing in high-quality wardrobe staples like a belted trench coat, a denim jacket, a black leather jacket or a pea coat. These items will never go out of fashion, and they add a great deal of personality to your style. Glamour women often have their favourite wardrobe staples that are classic and worn repeatedly.
10. Invest in a capsule wardrobe
Think about your wardrobe more as a whole and invest in pieces which you can mix and match with other pieces. It’s a must to have a collection of a few quality essential items of clothing that do not go out of fashion, such as a leather jacket (you can wear it with everything), a few good pairs of jeans, some simple good quality t-shirts, a cashmere jumper, a denim shirt etc. And then let the statement pieces be your accessories.
11. “Forever in Blue Jeans”
Remember Neil Diamond’s song “Forever in Blue Jeans?” Yes, “the simple things are really the important things.” A pair of blue jeans can look very glam worn with a classic black blazer and a pair of high heels.
12. Don’t forget that simpler is better
Wearing simple tees, pullovers, sweaters on jeans and pairing it with your statement accessory will make you feel effortlessly chic. A sexy off-shoulder pullover top would look fabulous with your simple sweatpants or jeans, then pair it with your favourite pumps and necklace.
13. Buy a slip dress or skirt
If you can’t help buying inexpensive adorable dresses made of cheap fabrics that easily cling to the skin, then having a slip dress or skirt is a good idea. Wear it underneath and your fashionable dresses will look more expensive.
14. If in doubt, wear black.
There is nothing more chic or elegant than wearing all black. Of course, you can add some colours such as a scarf or statement jewellery. And even if your mom says “why do you always dress like you are going to a funeral,” don’t listen. If you don’t have enough time, black is an easy and quick fix. If you scramble to put something together during a busy morning, wear a pair of cropped black jeans with an oversized black knit and you will look like you put in much more effort than you actually did.
15. Make an entrance
When you enter the room, you have a certain presence. Add extra glamour with your gold shoes or oversized sunglasses.
16. Invest in statement accessories
Essential fashion accessories can transform an ordinary outfit into an extraordinary one. Remember, you don’t have to spend a lot on your outfit as long as you have some amazing accessories to polish off your look. Accessories are very important to your overall look. You are likely to be drawn to designer handbags, sunglasses, statement jewelry, and brightly-coloured scarves.
17. Get fashionable sunglasses
You would be amazed at how sunglasses can turn up the glam factor. Sunglasses are very important accessory that add personal style to virtually any ordinary outfit. Always carry a pair of sunglasses with you!
18. Have a couple of quality handbags
Handbags are often a status symbol that expresses your personality instantly. They always help boost your outfits. Look for those with a classic design and a neutral colour so it can look great with any of your outfits.
19. Get a pair of classic shoes
Save up for a quality pair of classic shoes that will match a lot of your clothes, like black or skin-toned pumps. They can instantly amp up any inexpensive outfit. Most of us look for comfort above everything. Luckily nowadays, a beautiful pair of shoes can have it all – function, style and comfort.
20. Get statement jewelry
Jewelry is an essential accessory with limitless styles and options. Remember that putting on some statement jewellery can instantly lift your entire outfit. Choosing inexpensive jewellery can be tricky: pick darker metals than shiny ones, have some weight rather than light and flimsy, get clear crystals over plastic gemstones.
21. Go for belts
Being most essential accessories, belts add a unique look to whatever you’re wearing.
22. Wear scarves
A great scarf is such a versatile item! It can serve as the splash of colour your outfit needs, or do double duty as a headband or turban. Have as many scarves as you can and don’t bother with a neutral tone!
23. Don’t be afraid of hats
Wear a hat to add whimsy, or on a bad hair day, or when it’s really sunny outside. With the huge amount of hat styles and colours available, every woman can look fabulously chic in a hat.
24. Leggings, tights and socks
When accessorizing, this category is often overlooked. But some leggings under a dress or a beautiful pair of tights can instantly add some personality to your outfit.
25. Don’t overdo with accessories!
The style icons Coco Chanel once said: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.”
26. Pay attention to texture
Pay attention to texture in your outfits including sequins, lace, leather, cashmere and faux fur.
