But “effortless” style is that which we associate with tall, willowy(thin) and dare I say, privileged, white ladies with silky hair.
That gown looked amazing on Lauren Hutton. On my average, 5ft 5” frame, it would look goddam awful. Unless I added 5” heels and then the whole “effortless” bit would go out the window. So give me something tailored, structured, boned and preferably black or even teal to go with my dark hair. There would be nothing effortless about it but it would suit me down to my small waist and double D cleavage.
Hi Nadine, I'm shorter than you, but I've learned what works for my proportions. It sounds like you know what works for you, so you're way ahead of the game! Thanks for commenting!
I think a little polish is a good thing - but too much polish comes off as artificial and "try-hard", you know? As an "older lady" (I'm 57) who likes make-up, I say if you want to go bare-faced, do it! But if you want to wear turquoise and lime eyeshadow (which I'm doing today, ha ha!), then you'll have to look away and let me go my own way. It doesn't have to be one or the other, though - there's lots of room in between for people to play around and make mistakes. I'd love to see more self-styling on the red carpet, for example!
Hi Sheila, I love the term self-styling! Yes, we need more of that and the freedom to experiment for better or worse. The hyper-styling that leaves little room for personality and spontaneity is what I dislike. And you go girl with your turquoise and lime eyeshadow. Funny you should mention that, I was just thinking blue eyeshadow is due for a comeback!
Hi Jennie, I love when people look like they dressed themselves, not a team. I was never a big fan of Pamela Anderson and never once watched Bay Watch which was hugely popular but now I love what she’s doing, going against the grain with minimal makeup and no stylist. Present day Lauren Hutton is also a great example of not over-styling. Thanks for reading!
Celebrity styling often looks contrived. It’s made for the cameras not for real life. So I also like what Pamela Anderson is doing. Coincidentally I’m picking up on the idea of less is more in the context of accessories for my next letter.
Yes, I agree! She is the epitome of chic! She is the founder and creative force behind the Italian brand, For Restless Sleepers. Her name is Francesca Ruffini. Her jewelry is amazing!!!
Great article. I think great style always looks effortless even if some effort has been made. I think we instinctively know when something looks good on us… we feel it don’t we? I certainly do & always less is more. Thanks for this & to @IndiaKnight for showing me the way here.
Hi Tessa, I agree, feeling it is everything, you could call it the x-factor of style. And thank you for mentioning @IndiaKnight, her link brought so many wonderful women here for which I'm grateful.
Agree with it all!
Thanks Marene, nice to know I’m not alone!
But “effortless” style is that which we associate with tall, willowy(thin) and dare I say, privileged, white ladies with silky hair.
That gown looked amazing on Lauren Hutton. On my average, 5ft 5” frame, it would look goddam awful. Unless I added 5” heels and then the whole “effortless” bit would go out the window. So give me something tailored, structured, boned and preferably black or even teal to go with my dark hair. There would be nothing effortless about it but it would suit me down to my small waist and double D cleavage.
Hi Nadine, I'm shorter than you, but I've learned what works for my proportions. It sounds like you know what works for you, so you're way ahead of the game! Thanks for commenting!
I think a little polish is a good thing - but too much polish comes off as artificial and "try-hard", you know? As an "older lady" (I'm 57) who likes make-up, I say if you want to go bare-faced, do it! But if you want to wear turquoise and lime eyeshadow (which I'm doing today, ha ha!), then you'll have to look away and let me go my own way. It doesn't have to be one or the other, though - there's lots of room in between for people to play around and make mistakes. I'd love to see more self-styling on the red carpet, for example!
Hi Sheila, I love the term self-styling! Yes, we need more of that and the freedom to experiment for better or worse. The hyper-styling that leaves little room for personality and spontaneity is what I dislike. And you go girl with your turquoise and lime eyeshadow. Funny you should mention that, I was just thinking blue eyeshadow is due for a comeback!
I was thinking that too! A nice frosty aqua is what I wear.🩵
I definitely agree with the philosophy that less is more. And your title really says it all. Thanks for this thought provoking piece.
Hi Jennie, I love when people look like they dressed themselves, not a team. I was never a big fan of Pamela Anderson and never once watched Bay Watch which was hugely popular but now I love what she’s doing, going against the grain with minimal makeup and no stylist. Present day Lauren Hutton is also a great example of not over-styling. Thanks for reading!
Thank you. I would love your thoughts on it. May I put you on my subscriber list?
Happy to, I just subscribed. Good luck!
Thanks so much!! That’s so kind x
Celebrity styling often looks contrived. It’s made for the cameras not for real life. So I also like what Pamela Anderson is doing. Coincidentally I’m picking up on the idea of less is more in the context of accessories for my next letter.
Contrived is a good word for it! I'll be sure to look for your post!
Great article!
I want to be that woman in the last group of photos - no makeup, hair pulled back in the khaki dress with fabulous gold accessories!!
Yes, I agree! She is the epitome of chic! She is the founder and creative force behind the Italian brand, For Restless Sleepers. Her name is Francesca Ruffini. Her jewelry is amazing!!!
Lauren Hutton in that dress. Just a goddess! Great post.
Thank you! That whole look on Lauren is perfection and I love how her hair and makeup are natural. It's so refreshing!
Great article. I think great style always looks effortless even if some effort has been made. I think we instinctively know when something looks good on us… we feel it don’t we? I certainly do & always less is more. Thanks for this & to @IndiaKnight for showing me the way here.
Hi Tessa, I agree, feeling it is everything, you could call it the x-factor of style. And thank you for mentioning @IndiaKnight, her link brought so many wonderful women here for which I'm grateful.
Great article, so well said!
Thanks so much!
I agree with you less will always be more! Amazing insights, as usual xx
Thanks Giulia, The makeup like a mask I really don’t get as well. Hopefully a lighter hand for both dress, hair and makeup will emerge in 2025.