If I told you that looking your best always will be easy, then I would be lying to you. Because it is definitely not. It takes effort, energy, time, and planning; it takes being intentional. And you will not always feel like that. There will be days you just want to be yourself and head out of the door, but guess what? Those are the days you may run into someone very important, someone you would want to meet, looking your very best. And because you are not in your best outlook, you will feel insecure, uneasy, and self-conscious around them. Trust me, from personal experience, it does not feel good.
Therefore, in this edition, I have listed out some micro tips that will help you appear classy and elegant always.
HAVE A SELF-CARE SCHEDULE
Self care
This entails having a proper schedule for personal grooming. For instance: know how long you can carry your hair before you go for maintenance. The same applies to other self-care routines like pedicures, manicures, spa treatments, facial treatments, etc.
This means you no longer wait for your hair or nails to get bad before you get them done. You already have a schedule for your beauty routines, and when it’s time, you go for it.
SHORT NUDE-COLORED NAILS
Short nude nails
This is specifically for those who are working on a very tight budget or those who do jobs that give them little or no time for regular self-care routines. Short nude nails last longer than bright colors. This is because brighter shades like red, blue, green, purple, etc., will be so conspicuous when they get old and start growing out. And when that happens, it looks tacky. Of course, no elegant lady will like to be caught with dirty, old nails.
But when the nude nails get old and grow out, they are almost unnoticeable.
It is also advisable to have a nail kit. This kit is a small bag that contains all the nail accessories like nail glue, nail polish (at least the basic colors), nail file, nail cuticle, nail buffer, nail dissolver, and nail cutter. This helps you to do a quick fix before going to your nail technician.
I also like to call this outfit your-tested-and-trusted-outfit, or your-when-in-doubt-outfit. This is the type of outfit that you do not spend so much time and effort to wear, yet it makes you appear elegant, well put together, and comfortable. It is the kind of outfit that, each time you wear it, someone must compliment your looks. It does not make you look any less or demean your personality. Planning an outfit takes a lot of effort, and you will not always feel that way. That is why you need go-to outfits. And make sure you have accessories to match with them.
HAVE ANOTHER MAKEUP ROUTINE THAT TAKES LESS TIME
This tip will help you save time and energy. You can agree with me that it really takes a lot to apply full/proper makeup on a normal day. The exigency involved can be draining, and that is not what you would like to pass through on a day you want to appear casual.
Therefore, you need another makeup routine that probably requires a few cosmetics and less time, and you will still look spiffy. Personally, on such days, I use only face powder, eye pencil, nude lip gloss, upper eyeliner, and I am good to go!
The way you dress is extremely important. You are judged by how you dress. Choose clothes that enhance your looks. Do not be apologetic about it. If it fits perfectly, then go for it. Avoid wearing clothes because you like how they look on the other person. Go for your perfect fit.
HAIR
Simple hair tools
Having a few hair tools at home comes in handy, especially at times when you are not ready to go to the salon. Natural Hair: You need to have one natural hairstyle that you can make easily by yourself. With the hair tools you have, you can always style your hair and be good to go.
Natural hair style
Wigs: It is good to always have one wig that is styled and ready to be used for the week. When you do not have the time to go to the salon, you can easily wear it.
Wig.
Braids: I advise you to make braids that can last longer, say 3 to 4 weeks. This style of braids should be easy to park in different ways, just so you do not have the same facial look all the time.
Braids
CHOOSE TIMELESS PIECES OVER TRENDY PIECES
Timeless piece
These are the types of clothing that are universally flattering and very easy to style. They include the cut, color, and fabrics.
Elegance is timeless. So in your fashion, you need to look out for those timeless pieces that fit perfectly. Please do not get it twisted. I did not say you must not wear trendy outfits. You may add some trendy pieces to your fashion, but let it be subtle—let’s say 80 percent timeless and 20 percent trends.
You do not want to be caught up in the trends.
PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS
There are little, insignificant things that can mar your appearance. Such things are wearing rumpled clothes, clothes that have holes or tears, worn-out colors, fading jewelry, and peeling shoes. Please do not ignore these things.
COMMIT TO YOUR APPEARANCE
You have to decide that you are going to start taking pride in your appearance. Before you step out, ask yourself, “Do I look good in what I am wearing? Am I good enough to face anyone today?” If your answer is YES, then you are good to go!
Finally, remember, you are not looking good to necessarily impress others. You are looking good because of the power your appearance has over you. When you look good, you will definitely feel good, confident, and be more productive.
