Comparisons: How to Look Sophisticated and How to Look Cheap

 

Just a couple inexpensive alterations to your hair, makeup, and wardrobe and you go from nondescript to, "who IS that?" 

First, let's talk about what NOT to do, what makes you look cheap, outdated, or ridiculous - 

Long fake nails painted weird and decorated
Facial piercings
Unnatural colors in your hair
Neon wardrobe colors
Synthetic body fitting clothing
Sloppy casual clothing in public
Heavy eyeliner and outlined lips
No bra
hobo slouchy purses
overworked eyebrows (too shaped, too strong in coloring) 

Things that scream - classy and confident:

neat ponytail or bun
dark rayban looking sunglasses or Jackie O big glasses in brown or black
plaids and pinstripes
monochromatic clothes (various shades of the same color)
gold or silver jewelry, simple, refined
white, black, brown, gray, navy, camel neutrals
clutch purses or purses that are leather (can be fake) and can stand up when sat down. In summer, a straw tote.
lipstick in natural tones like peach, nude, soft muted pink, coral
smooth even skin tone and cream blush (no powder)
eyebrows that are one shade lighter if hair is dark and one shade darker if hair is light.

There's no need to ignore your style, no matter what it is (below), but remember to look thoughtful and put together in that style - 

blazer 

(town and country)

no tattered denim

sundress

(beach resort)

no tiny swimsuit coverups as a dress

native-inspired cardigan

(bohemian)

no clashing patterns

argyle vest

(preppy)

no schoolgirl knee socks and skirt

Our moms teach us much about being a woman, but there are some lessons that are overlooked. When a girl hits high school age, she is going to try some crazy stuff. Sometimes, women don't know when to stop wearing 80s big hair or testing their hair color, but there comes a time when you might know who you are and what you like to wear, but you need to elevate the look a bit.

The best ways to do this (inexpensively at Goodwill and vintage clothes stores), is to add staples - 

White oxford shirt 
Good jeans (not distressed) with a bit of ankle flare for boots
A black dress that can have a blazer or cardigan added
A pair of leather ankle boots for under slacks.
Sandals with a little heel. 
A pair of neutral pants - black, camel, gray, or brown
A plaid button down shirt (but in softer tones)
A cardigan or blazer in a neutral color. 

Those are just some of the basics (above). You can add the tops all you want, but the basic look is intermingled. 

Tee shirts are fine, but avoid logos and graphics. Simple solid tees that are neat and not worn out.

If you're layering, it looks really classy if the base pieces (top/pants top/skirt) are the same neutral color and then the overpiece (cardigan/blazer/shawl) has a pattern. It elongates the way the eye travels over the body when there aren't three different swatches of pattern/color. 

One of the easiest things I did with my wardrobe was to get rid of graphic tees and logo shirts. I'm not in high school anymore. I don't need to identify myself as a consumer (logo) or as a smartass (graphic tee).

Give your wardrobe another looking over and remember that you will always look classic with monotone building blocks - same color, possibly different hues of it, but one statement with accessories or outerwear to make it jazzy.

Hair color is a key feature. Old-fashioned hairdo's, neglected coloring, and no grooming can show a tired, outdated, and older than real age person.

Generally, shine, neat ponytail or bun, smooth, warm coloring, very tiny highlights, proper cut can make one look polished and complete. Unnatural hair colors like pure black on a face over 50, bright clownish orange, pastel tones, can make the face look older and worn, pale and tired. Sticking to warm color tones, unless hair is completely gray/silver, are best options.

Other tips on what's outdated - 

The "millenial tuck" is outdated. This is where you tuck in just a bit of the front of a shirt. 

Cold shoulder and cut-out shirts.

Striped rugby shirts and paisley.

Skinny jeans and jeggings (blue jean leggings)

Capri pants. 

There are also commonsense things one can do in order to pay respect to age and be classy.

For instance, I am known for my legs. Folks often nickname me "Legs." They are a real asset and I love to wear shorter skirts, but I do it with a balance. I don't do cleavage and legs together. The top half is conservative and overed and the skirt is neat and straight. I also do not combine it with high heels, but heels that are 2" or shorter. 

I also never wear a sports bra in public, unless I'm exercising. They don't support breasts, mash them in, and the body loses its girlie curves. 

You can still be casual and neat. For instance, there are some great casual "sweat" combos that look great when out shopping or having a coffee with friends. 

lightweight sweatshirt and jogger pants set

(I own this in black and brown)

Remember, there's a difference between classy and neat and status. Designer bags, shoes, logos aren't necessary. This isn't a matter of status, but of personal self care and putting across the classic saying, "the way you do anything is the way you do everything."