Ironically, I work pretty hard at trying not to look like I'm trying too hard. Usually this means making some last minute changes to an outfit before I head out the door.
:) Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde" is
the quintessential example of
someone looking like she's
trying too hard
:) Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde" is
the quintessential example of
someone looking like she's
trying too hard
Here's what I do to keep from looking like I spent hours getting ready:
I try not to match every element in my outfit too perfectly.
-For instance, let's say there's white trim around your navy top, and you've put on white sandals--too matchy, wouldn't you say? (actually I never wear white sandals)
-Talking about this same outfit (that doesn't exist), I wouldn't want to add a white purse just making everything worse (more matchy).
-The exception would be all black--all black from head to toe=all good with me.
The best bag might be one with a mix of colors that goes with everything like this one...
-For instance, let's say there's white trim around your navy top, and you've put on white sandals--too matchy, wouldn't you say? (actually I never wear white sandals)
-Talking about this same outfit (that doesn't exist), I wouldn't want to add a white purse just making everything worse (more matchy).
-The exception would be all black--all black from head to toe=all good with me.
The best bag might be one with a mix of colors that goes with everything like this one...
 A dear friend gave me this bag, & I love it! It goes with everything without looking like I'm trying too hard. I feel sort of hippie chic when I throw it on. Available at Amnesty International >> |  Amnesty International Fair-trade Eco-shopping Bag (Colors Will Vary), $17.95 |
I slip in a casual element.
If everything looks formal, dressy, or perfect, you'll definitely look like you're trying too hard. So I downplay the outfit by substituting something casual for a dressy element such as...
-a chambray or denim shirt or t-shirt instead of a dressy shirt with a dressy skirt
-a leather or simple necklace instead of pearls
-bare legs instead of hose
-flat sandals instead of high heels with a maxi or silky dress
If everything looks formal, dressy, or perfect, you'll definitely look like you're trying too hard. So I downplay the outfit by substituting something casual for a dressy element such as...
-a chambray or denim shirt or t-shirt instead of a dressy shirt with a dressy skirt
-a leather or simple necklace instead of pearls
-bare legs instead of hose
-flat sandals instead of high heels with a maxi or silky dress
Layering makes everything look less serious.
-A single dramatic necklace, a brightly-patterned tunic can make a big statement. Add a second or third necklace, throw on a cami or even a swimsuit top underneath, and a lot of the drama subsides. Vera Wang talks more about this in a wonderful short article here.
-A single dramatic necklace, a brightly-patterned tunic can make a big statement. Add a second or third necklace, throw on a cami or even a swimsuit top underneath, and a lot of the drama subsides. Vera Wang talks more about this in a wonderful short article here.
“Layering adds a certain nonchalance. Each element looks better, richer and more interesting when it’s put with something else, so clothes don’t look so serious.” --Vera Wang from "Vera Wang on the Secrets to Layering Your Clothes" in USA Weekend |
-The irony here is that it takes a lot more work to layer your clothes. I have a drawer full of camis I choose from each day. And, further irony, if you layer too much, you'll look like you're trying too hard :-) Example, you say? Let's say you've layered two camis under your tee, added a vest on top, a few necklaces...that's too much going on.
In short, I don't want to look like I'm not trying at all. Instead, I want to look nice without drawing attention to it. It's a game of subtleties, don't you think?
What do you do not to look like you're trying too hard?
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