https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:34:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits/page/2#post-2068255 Sat, 12 Oct 2019 00:37:12 +0000 Janet 2068255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of great starting points here — I do agree there are so many ways to go about this! I agree with the comment about opening the neckline a bit with a V, split, or boat neck, and I also think that footwear can make a difference — even flats can read a little more feminine/pretty if the toe is more pointed than round. Can’t wait to see what you employ in your style shift! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits/page/2#post-2068246 Sat, 12 Oct 2019 00:18:37 +0000 Mainelady 2068246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great thread. I have really enjoyed the comments and the photos.....so many great and varied ways to add soft, pretty and powerful. I love that soft, pretty and powerful can be unique to each person. I think soft, pretty and powerful begins from within and is often communicated with a smile and our eyes. Of course our clothing choices can enhance and elevate any style persona we wish! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits/page/2#post-2068099 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 15:26:35 +0000 Jules 2068099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was nodding along with Jenni pulling out the pointelle sweater as a good pick for you, then started thinking about eyelet for summer. Googled pointelle sweater and found this crewneck one (the scoop neck strikes me as pretty bare for winter...), which actually has a sort of eyelet effect? I’m not sure the overall look of this one quite nails ‘pretty’, maybe too graphic, but some food for thought...<br /> <a href="https://www.gapcanada.ca/browse/product.do?pid=498171033&#038;CAWELAID=120299880001115728&#038;tid=gcpl000002&#038;kwid=1&#038;ap=7&#038;gclsrc=aw.ds&#038;&#038;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4NzwmsGU5QIVkqDsCh2t4gbYEAQYBSABEgIJwPD_BwE" rel="nofollow">https://www.gapcanada.ca/brows.....gIJwPD_BwE</a><br /> *I do have to say that the holey sweaters don’t cut it for me in winter even with a tank underneath. Too many drafty places without double doors in downtown Toronto. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits/page/2#post-2068095 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 15:18:32 +0000 Helena 2068095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>notsaf, finding a neckline to change things up with be a focus - I was even just looking at some comfy-looking henleys, but with the more open neckline (and a flattering colour and fit), they might be a good uber-casual piece (bonus points that many of them are thermal!). I think a soft v is a great idea too!</p> <p>StyleFan, yep - I was all over that post this a.m.! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits/page/2#post-2068093 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 15:14:48 +0000 Style Fan 2068093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, my suggestion for velvet was very timely.&nbsp; I just read Angie's blog post.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits/page/2#post-2068079 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 14:29:51 +0000 Helena 2068079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the amazing suggestions and kind words - now I am dying to go shopping lol ... just need to find the time (Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend so it's turkey and sweatpants at the cottage for me, not very pretty but definitely soft, especially in the belly region lol!)</p> <p>:D </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits/page/2#post-2068069 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 13:48:47 +0000 notsaf 2068069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh: also blush and a hint of highlighter! </p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ofakind.com/shop/product/4187-saturate-illuminate-powder-in-papaya-1972?color=papaya-1972">https://www.ofakind.com/shop/p.....apaya-1972</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits/page/2#post-2068068 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 13:47:36 +0000 notsaf 2068068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of great thoughts here, but as another member of Team Skinny Jeans, I would say that finding the right, most flattering/alluring/feminine and comfortable *neckline* for you can be a key that opens lots of doors. For me it's a split neck, and it's what I reach for when I want to feel "pretty." (I put some of the exact pieces in finds.) For you, it might be a wrap or a scoop or something else. Crew necks are indispensable, but something showing a little more collar bone than that (whether boat neck or scoop or wrap -- find *yours*!) can make all the difference, and then that's something you can look for across fabrications. I quite liked that leopard-print top on you, which was something like a soft v? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits/page/2#post-2068025 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 10:25:48 +0000 Style Fan 2068025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been an interesting read.&nbsp; I tend to be a minimalistic dresser who uses make-up, hair and accessories to change a look.&nbsp; Kate Middleton's look is one of my favourites that I have seen on her.&nbsp; I agree that her hair adds the touch of softness to the outfit.&nbsp; Also, her footwear is light and not chunky which is what I tend to wear.<br />Velvet seems soft and pretty to me.&nbsp; Velvet jeans would be cozy for the winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits/page/2#post-2068019 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 09:21:46 +0000 Jenni NZ 2068019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess I’m not sure- I do wear a lot of pants but I often want to wear things I think are pretty- not every day though. I think earrings do it for me, a lot, and even a simple gold chain. The tiny flower on my specs helps. I have picked the 3 of your Finds I think are the “prettiest”. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits/page/2#post-2068009 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 08:27:51 +0000 Bijou 2068009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like wearing blouses with jeans. For me, frills and flounces can seem a bit overwhelming, so I like halter neck tops and blouses with a tie neck bow.</p> <p>I have been wearing silk scarves as belts in my jeans with tucked in tops - it is a twist on wearing a belt and can be fun to co-ordinate the blouse with the scarf.</p> <p>Of course heels elevate most casual outfits, but I have recently been travelling and wearing my sneakers, so scarves and bags have been the way I have looked a bit more dressy, even though I was wearing jeans and sneakers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2068003 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 06:54:06 +0000 Cardiff girl 2068003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can’t really add anything to the advice above which is all good.However I can tell you that Kate s top is from Warehouse and her trousers are from Jigsaw or so the British media say! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2068000 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 06:15:46 +0000 Gigi 2068000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It looks like you have a great start!</p> <p>For me, feminine elements would be lace trim, delicate sweaters (especially if they have a dainty pattern woven into them), wrap tops, dainty jewelry, and ruffles.</p> <p>I would avoid preppy styles, because I associate them more with menswear-inspired looks. But I'm not sure if that's just me?</p> <p>I like Angie's suggestion of peplums.</p> <p>You could maybe try some pastel colors, although those can make some complexions look washed out, especially in winter.&nbsp;I did wear a lightweight pink scarf today, and that juxtaposed nicely with my faux leather jacket. So you might be able to work in some pastels with accessories if you can find the right shade.</p> <p>I think a lot could be done with the hair, although IIRC you prefer not to do a lot with your hair (?). I think that some soft curls with a large-barrel curling iron would add a lot of femininity, as in the Kate Middleton pic above. But I am not one to mess a lot with hair either, so take this suggestion for what it's worth! Maybe you could tie your hair back with a ribbon...although that might look kind of retro. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2067993 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 05:50:03 +0000 Carla 2067993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Cindysmith said re: make-up. As a hardcore ‘team tomboy’ I find a couple of coats of mascara and a pinkish lipped with some gloss tips the balance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2067987 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 04:13:08 +0000 cindysmith 2067987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have yet to come up with a better way to describe 'it' than feminine, so I've just started qualifying it with an additive like 'traditional'. Still not optimal, but for me it works.</p> <p>I like how jewelry or a scarf or different shoes can change the tone of an outfit. For me, I tend to have my days when I want to present a more 'traditionally feminine' feeling in an outfit, but I don't do dresses or skirts or ruffles or anything.<br /> Makeup can change the way an outfit feels, too. I go darker with my eye makeup (smoky eye type look) when I want to present more of an edgy or harder look; I go with softer eye makeup (more of a no-makeup makeup look) when I want to present a softer, more 'traditionally feminine' look.</p> <p>Your minimalist clothes are kind of a blank slate. Shoes, bag, jewelry, accessories, makeup can all be played with to change the way an outfit reads to the observer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2067983 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 03:45:58 +0000 Anonymous 2067983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amen to all Angie said. I wear a blouse with ruffles with jeans and pearls...earrings at least. I wear light neutral shoes with studs ( two pair of white booties plus some pale ankle straps). You can wear simple tops like soft cashmere sweaters in baby pink or baby blue or with ruffles with tough looking jeans and light neutral shoes. My pink loafers have been magical in giving softness and prettiness to an outfit that would look completely tough with black footwear. My white ruffled Rack top is perfect for creating a bit of romance with jeans. Same with a soft white alpaca cardigan. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2067982 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 03:45:16 +0000 Greyscale 2067982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you're looking to add a simple basic that has a feminine flair, I just got this tee from J Crew with slightly puffed sleeves and a button / keyhole at the back. It's a step up from a regular tee but still reads as very casual. Great quality. And, the puffed sleeves still fit easily under a cardigan or jacket.</p> <p>Even though I usually work against feminine as a descriptor for myself, I found that this tee was perfect for me to dress up my jeans outfits. (Mine is black.)</p> <p>J Crew only has it in this pink color now, but it came in white and black also, and Nordstrom might still have those. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2067961 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 02:36:25 +0000 Jaime 2067961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reading this thread has been very enjoyable! I sometimes look at myself with my grey short curly hair and do feel the need to add some pretty. My earrings help and I am always experimenting with lipstick and color. I do wear a lot of soft blouses also. I will be thinking more about this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2067956 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 02:26:37 +0000 Brooklyn 2067956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think about this a lot! A couple of extra thoughts:</p> <p>I think some prints are softer than others. I think of florals, dots, jacquard and warm leopard type prints as softer. Stripes, geometrics, plaid and snake print are more sharp and harder (in my opinion).</p> <p>I also think gold, rose gold and brass jewellery generally reads warmer and softer than silver or pewter jewellery. </p> <p>And knit tops are generally softer than woven shirts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2067934 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 01:21:27 +0000 Sal 2067934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like all the suggestions above.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>It is the small details - a blouse rather than a tee, maybe a necklace with a tee and maybe leather shoes rather than sneakers.</p> <p>I loved Kate in the culottes, they looked so great on her.&nbsp; I think she is looking fantastic this year in her midi dresses as well.</p> <p>I do think waist emphasis can help eg higher waisted jeans rather than lower waisted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2067931 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 00:59:27 +0000 ChristelJ 2067931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't add anything to all the great suggestions above, but I am excited too about your "slightly altered style direction", just because I think although you look beautiful in anything you wear, it's fun to change things up a bit sometimes so you feel more fab than ever.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2067927 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 00:51:35 +0000 Sheryl 2067927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Think about adding literal and stylistic softness.&nbsp; Check Naadam.co.&nbsp; They have lovely wool and cashmere items. Check out the hoodie dress for uber-casual, and the boatneck sweaters.&nbsp; The hoodie dress and the boatneck sweaters are 100% cashmere, and they are the softest cashmere I've found.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2067919 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 00:30:10 +0000 Helena 2067919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I love that top Donna! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2067917 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 00:12:02 +0000 DonnaF 2067917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To me, the softest and prettiest is a white or pastel angora sweater. . . Juxtaposition aside, I would say almost anything that wasn't borrowed from the boys/men. So that leaves out any style or fabric/pattern that your husband might wear. No stompy boots.&nbsp;</p> <p>The wrap top below just went on sale. They are linen, however. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2067861 Thu, 10 Oct 2019 19:46:05 +0000 Helena 2067861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone!</p> <p>Lisa, I am down the rabbithole of One Little Momma - you were bang on with her interesting tops and feminine pieces. I think I would replace her edge with my polish to keep it from getting too floaty. Thanks SO much for the reco!<br />Taylor, definitely - I noticed today I need new black dressy-casual shoes, so I'll look for some with something soft and pretty about them!<br />Juniper, such pretty pieces!<br />Jess, thank you!<br />Jules, great suggestions, small soft dangles are on my short-term wish list. Puff sleeves are a great option too; I've seen several around.<br />Sarah, great suggestions and great perspective since you share a similar dressiness (or lack of!) vibe :)<br />Rachy, yes, I agree!&nbsp;<br />Suz, great list and finds! Adding another BR silk-cashmere sweater to my list - I have one in a teal/turquoise/green sort of colour; a softer colour would change it up. Sadly, my knits are mostly merino and my stupid sensitive skin has decided to protest this year to all but the softest of them *sigh* ... so that's another justification for a new crew :)</p> <p>Going to make a checklist of all these suggestions and wear as much as I can of them from the closet for a while. I feel like this might be the beginning of a slightly altered style direction and am actually excited about it, which is nice! xx</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2067845 Thu, 10 Oct 2019 18:56:33 +0000 Anonymous 2067845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, and I have to agree with that recent Kate Middleton outfit. I don't usually relate to her look, but that burgundy top and olive pants were OUTSTANDING. And her reddish hair ! &nbsp;Wow &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2067843 Thu, 10 Oct 2019 18:54:54 +0000 Anonymous 2067843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll come back to read everything posted above, but one thing immediately came to mind: &nbsp;go have a look at OneLittleMomma, if you haven't already. She does "pretty and feminine" really well - and I won't bother worrying about the exact and intended (or not) meaning of those words right here/right now. &nbsp;She has been wearing wonderful lace blouses with puff sleeves and mixes those up with distressed jeans (for example) and loads of interesting jewellery. &nbsp;Although she is sporting a more hard-edged look of late,she does show a lot of interesting tops you might like. You share her body -type too, from what I can see . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2067828 Thu, 10 Oct 2019 17:55:31 +0000 Suz 2067828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you loud and clear because this can also sometimes be an issue for me. Working from home <b>could</b> lead to a jeans-and-t-shirt uniform (or the winter equivalent) and that gets boring really fast! And you end up feeling less than your best.&nbsp;</p> <p>Like <b>Angie</b>, I have short hair and I often wear crew or turtlenecks because of my long neck. I do wear earrings (every day) but don't often wear necklaces and so apart from earrings and bracelet/watch I can't really rely on jewellery to "prettify" my look. </p> <p>My goal is usually some polish -- so to that end:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Light makeup every day.</li> <li>Make the hair look as good as it can. ;)&nbsp;</li> <li>Think in terms of "outfit."&nbsp;</li> <li>Choose my happy colours.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <br />When I'm aiming for a "prettier" feel, some of the pieces I tend to wear include items like those in the Finds. Let me explain:</p> <p>1. A silk shirt feels "flowy" and elegant and if it is in an uber-flattering colour, so much the prettier.&nbsp;</p> <p>2. A simple knit crew neck in a luxe fabric (silk and merino) feels nice against the skin. Also, colour flattery for the win.&nbsp;</p> <p>3. A casual dress is still a dress! :)&nbsp;</p> <p>4. A luxe silk scarf prettifies the simplest crew neck.&nbsp;</p> <p>5. An unusual neckline is pretty. (As in the Kate example that <b>Nemosmom</b> supplied.)&nbsp;</p> <p>6. Even a simple crew in a super flattering colour can be pretty.&nbsp;</p> <p>7. An envelope or boat neck -- satisfies my need for winter higher necklines and yet feels more pretty to me.&nbsp;</p> <p>8. A fun print or mix elevates a simple style.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2067824 Thu, 10 Oct 2019 17:43:48 +0000 rachylou 2067824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Flowy things with drape is what comes to my mind. Blouses v shirts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/adding-feminine-detail-to-casual-outfits#post-2067816 Thu, 10 Oct 2019 17:14:30 +0000 SarahD8 2067816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some good strategies (that are compatible with the work-from-home lifestyle that we share) that are emerging for me are:</p> <p>-a short, lightweight, dainty necklace<br />-small dangle earrings<br />-scarf as headband or around ponytail<br />-open necklines, bonus points for a shawl or portrait collar<br />-a little bit of strategic volume on top. What I mean by that is that <i>to me</i>, fitted tops don't read as "soft" (I have a really different reaction to that Kate Middleton outfit than <b>nemosmom</b> -- she looks great, but to me her look is very tailored and even sharp in a sense. YMMV)</p> <p>I think overall what I'm aiming for in this mode is a kind of off-duty ballerina reference. Again, ymmv.</p>