https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 22:51:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/3#post-1718013 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 19:26:30 +0000 Barbara Diane 1718013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I looked back at the original post and it also spoke about homes with everything in place, etc. The people I know whose homes look perfect have less stuff and they look more polished. But they also have bigger homes with more extra space. I also think they spend less time at home and more out and about (just talking about the people I know).&nbsp;</p> <p>I also remember visiting my husband at his last job. Instead of crazy busy and loud like at his previous workspaces it was pin drop quiet. And I thought that I could never work there. I don't like too loud either, but it was eerily quiet. And it looked perfect.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/3#post-1718001 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 19:04:57 +0000 anchie 1718001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that good skin and good teeth, posture, styled hair and makeup are crucial for looking polished. If you have all that you can look polished in jeans and tshirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/3#post-1717852 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:03:04 +0000 catgirl 1717852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cerinda, I don't know - I don't think polish is merely the absence of RATE or<br /> vice versa. But I also don't like to say "never". Hmm... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/3#post-1717845 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:51:36 +0000 Cerinda 1717845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jeanie, thanks for such a great thread!</p> <p>I'm going with innate and inherent. Maybe attention to detail. &nbsp;Maybe even classically flattering proportions. &nbsp;</p> <p>Many people commented about polishing up a person's innate RATE quality. &nbsp;What about roughing innate polish? &nbsp;Is it just not possible?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/3#post-1717602 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:41:33 +0000 Jeanie 1717602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, it's so lovely to see so many views and insights from so many of you on this post. &nbsp;I'm sorry to be MIA but I dropped off the last fledgling at college Sat. and lets just say I have been in quite a state of unpolish! I'm certain VB would never let her outfits falter despite emotional trauma and I suppose that is the inherent difference that I am hearing from you all. &nbsp;I don't think I can catch up to address all the comments but a few things stand out to me.</p> <p>I feel there is a bit of a consensus that polish is innate or a kind of alchemy (to take the words from you wise ones). &nbsp;However, it is possible to "polish up" a RATE person though chances are they will spill their drink down their shirt 2 minutes later!</p> <p><b>Barbara Diane&nbsp;</b>- On your question as to whether polished folks are more proper. &nbsp;My polished sis and I may seem fairly similar but I do find a rigidness about her that I rebel against. And I have had days that I put the windows down in the car and drive fast on the highway to dry my hair. &nbsp;I can't see my sis doing that!<br /><b>Alexandra -&nbsp;</b>my realtors have been trashy too!<br /><b>Denise&nbsp;</b>- glad we pulled you out of hiding and interesting to see your comments from the past thread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/3#post-1717463 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 16:46:45 +0000 rachylou 1717463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok... I have to comment on my own comment, lol, that even tho I associated crisp with polish above, it wasn't quite on the money. Really, just fumbling about for a word to describe polished that isn't 'polished.' It's not that the clothed are crisp, but the execution is...</p> <p>Also, I think you can have polish without being a polished dresser, which can make things confusing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/3#post-1717454 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 16:31:42 +0000 Alexandra 1717454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG, I must have had all the wrong realtors. I've had cheap/trashy, provincial, and quirky (three different women and I liked the quirky one a lot), and old-school (man). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/3#post-1717452 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 16:29:20 +0000 catgirl 1717452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Barbara Diane, good questions! My most polished friend who is a serious runner refused to do the Mud Run with me because... Well, MUD. Whereas I gloried in it. But she is still a warm outgoing extrovert and not reserved or even particularly refined in personality. It's all part of what makes people so interesting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/3#post-1717402 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 13:04:45 +0000 Momo 1717402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it is attention to detail. I won't ever look polished bc I a, by nature more concerned with the larger picture and not the details. I can look fantastic, my absolute best, but I still have a slight roughness bc I my attention is drawn to how the colors match but I miss that my shoes have dirt on the sides. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/3#post-1717376 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 11:18:00 +0000 Liz 1717376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Barbara Diane .... No, I don't associate polish with being reserved or proper. I know polished people who are warm, friendly, out-going, and&nbsp; relaxed. </p> <p>We probably all have a personal definition of polish, though. Some comments upthread have associated polish with "crisp," and that doesn't equate with polish to me. </p> <p>I do feel like I see more polished people when I'm in areas of my city that are well-off financially, and when I'm in regions of the country or among sub-cultures that value polish. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/3#post-1717343 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 06:15:20 +0000 rachylou 1717343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol, I also tend to associate polish with realtors. And also hotel event coordinators.</p> <p>I don't associate polish with success tho. But I'm from California. Success means the right to weat flip flops to work...hahaha! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/3#post-1717331 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 04:16:55 +0000 Jenn 1717331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always associate high polish with realtors and makeup saleswomen.&nbsp;</p> <p>...yeah, I dunno. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/3#post-1717329 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 04:07:25 +0000 Barbara Diane 1717329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Conclusion. I've been working on adding a little polish to my look, and I'm going to go back to making sure I have a little arty in it also. I can add some polish, but I can't imagine ever being Team Polish. Judging by how I feel comfortable and what type of clothing looks good on me.</p> <p>All of this has helped me have a clearer understanding of something I've experienced more on an emotional level. I've been intimidated by people who are more polished, and often, more successful. At least in traditional areas. I.T. seems to have it's own rules.</p> <p>Do you think Team Polish people are generally more reserved/proper?</p> <p>And Team RATE usually more relaxed?</p> <p>How much of this is hereditary/environment? Are there more of one type of people in certain areas of the US?&nbsp;</p> <p>One of my friend's mother was definitely Team Polish. I haven't seen as much of her as an adult, but I don't think my friend is. Her dad wasn't. My mom definitely isn't. She rebelled against it.</p> <p>I think now I will see some of the people I felt intimidated by more as different from me in their strengths/choices, rather than better. :)</p> <p>Thanks everyone!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/3#post-1717293 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 02:21:43 +0000 Nishaa 1717293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess I agree with Suz. May be one can be both boho and polished.<br /> I think I'm somewhere in between. With some effort I can easily slide in to one of them. But I agree that hair and skin are non negotiable.<br /> That said, I think we attribute more positive qualities to polished than boho... Whereas they are just two styles. There are cultures where boho/RATE is accepted, even preferred to polished... Think high school.<br /> Let's all have a style of our own and call it by our name....<br /> So polished or RATE, you're all Jeanie. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/3#post-1717212 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 21:11:57 +0000 Anonymous 1717212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I've found the secret to looking polished: Just wear clothes that are a little dressier than your environmental norm. Boom. Instant polish, without all the blow drying and makeup-wearing and mini/pedi-ing. (Not that grooming isn't important to polish ! It's just that you can get away with less work, if you don't have the time or money to spend on grooming.)</p> <p>Example: Today I was out and about and it was a little rainy. I was wearing jeans with holes, and a white t-shirt that was not the 'in' style (no slouch). Lipstick only. Hair in a ponytail. NOT a super polished look.</p> <p>But over top I was wearing a navy trench and I was also carrying a structured bag. Those two pieces were a lot dressier than the gearish Patagonia rain coats and cross-body bags everyone was wearing. I felt pretty polished.</p> <p>Would I feel so polished in a dressier environment? Probably not. I'd probably have to add more to this outfit to feel polished. </p> <p>On that same note, a recipe for non-polish is mixing gear and non-gear. Yes, polish CAN be achieved but it's HARD.<br /> So a fully geared up look, I think, is more polished than a mixed bag. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/2#post-1717208 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 20:38:30 +0000 Jazzy Dance 1717208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so interested in this conversation. I am just not a polished person. I think it requires a level of attention to detail and grooming that is beyond what I have the patience/interest for, and also, I agree with others that it is somewhat inherent. I am a hot mess. I spill all over myself when I eat and drink. I move always at a fast pace and am often sweaty. I live an active life and my &nbsp;short nails cannot hold onto polish and break constantly.</p> <p>I wish none of this were true, of course. I wish I was polished and elegant, but I've come to accept 'cute' and 'quirky' instead. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/2#post-1717193 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 19:53:39 +0000 rachylou 1717193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here is a thought then, put in my head by Gaylene: I'm so inherently RATE. Terrible wavy cowlicks, always something going a little wrong with the wardrobe... I used to often wear a bit of patent leather - shoes - to counteract this facet of my presentation, to 'add polish,' and make me present-able.</p> <p>The presentable part... I find in polish a requisite quality of civilization... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/2#post-1717188 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 19:24:15 +0000 Anonymous 1717188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm... Interesting discussion. I try to look well put together, but I have uncooperative hair and a soft body type (except for my face). I don't think I ever look polished, but I am well groomed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/2#post-1717184 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 19:09:58 +0000 Gaylene 1717184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think we are using the same term to describe very different things. </p> <p>Polished can mean neat and tidy, but it can also describe a refined, elegant, every-hair-in-place style. A "polished" style can describe a preference for tailored, lady-like, crisp clothing, but it can also refer to careful attention to small details and impeccable grooming. As Rachylou also points out Anna Wintour's version of a "polished" style isn't Kate Middleton's, although both might be viewed as having a "polished" public persona. What one woman sees as "polished", another woman might view as restrictive and artificial. A highly "polished" look fits some, but not all, lifestyles or personalities. </p> <p>Instead of seeing a "polished" look as a goal, I'm more inclined to view "polish" as something a person adds or subtracts from her look depending on circumstances and preference. Polish, to me, is about the choices we make when we put ourselves together. Some people will add a lot, while others might just add enough to be presentable for the occasion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/2#post-1717177 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 18:50:20 +0000 CocoLion 1717177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jeannie for starting this topic. &nbsp;You've brought me out of hibernation. &nbsp;I went back 5 years to Alakagirl's initial thread about the topic and I found it interesting to read my original opinion:</p> <p><i>I think polish means = deliberation and effort put into clothing &amp; grooming resulting in an overall well-dressed appearance, regardless of the style. To me RATE means ... a non-deliberate look that is rough and disheveled resulting naturally from an activity.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>In other words, the minute you work at looking RATE, you are on team polish to me.</i><br /><i>But I think what everyone else is saying is that these two looks stand on their own whether deliberate or not. So you can look polished, whether deliberate or not, or you can look RATE, whether deliberate or not.</i><br /><i>Did I finally get it? ; D</i></p> <p>And here's what I said when Angie blogged about it:<br /><i>Although I count myself on team polish– even on very casual days — I am one who deliberately goes for an effortless chic look. Is having a style goal of effortless chic/cool the same as RATE? But going for this effortless look requires some effort as we all know and I think the effort is what makes me bat for team polish.<br /></i><br />Ultimately I have rejected my notion that effort = polish as too simplistic. &nbsp;There are definitely people who just look more one way or the other.</p> <p>As for myself, I have decided that this does not exist in absolutes. &nbsp;It is a continuum. &nbsp;(Sally from NZ said this upthread.) &nbsp;And I feel right in the middle. &nbsp;I like having my clothes clean, I like a pedicure and manicure (although I don't wear color on my hands). &nbsp;But, no matter what I do, I cannot keep my hair in a style. &nbsp;It refuses to hold any style even when in a ponytail. &nbsp;It gets messy and wispy in no time. &nbsp;And, my makeup smudges while lipstick will not stay on for more than a few minutes. &nbsp;If I didn't make the effort to wear any makeup I wouldn't look polished at all I think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/2#post-1717155 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 17:34:44 +0000 Ginger 1717155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Which also makes me wonder, Rachy. I don't equate "polish" with "crisp." I associate it with clean lines, either drapery or crisp.</p> <p>Fascinating discussion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/2#post-1717152 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 17:29:08 +0000 rachylou 1717152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there's an innate quality that's essential. I think Angie is polished and when you get right down to it...Kate Middleton is not. I know, I know. She has to be the most groomed living person on earth, her style is lovely. But she is not, in fact, as crisp as you can get... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/2#post-1716998 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 02:08:33 +0000 Olen 1716998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with what Alexandra said. After years of careful examination of people's style, I'm now sure that the foundation on which a polished look can be built is first and foremost a well-proportioned body type, regular facial features, good posture plus a sort of innate balance that (strangely enough) usually goes together with this body type. That is what Kibbe calls "classic" type. These rare people tend to look amazing even (and especially) in the most simple clothing if it fits right.... Now I finally came to terms with the fact that I'll never reach that level of polish or sophistication because I simply don't have the right foundation for it. I'm Kibbe's type "natural". My clothes have to be somewhat relaxed in order to look good on me. Well... this does not mean that I cannot look stylish! I'm trying to keep it easy and relaxed but not too casual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/2#post-1716974 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 00:26:26 +0000 aly 1716974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating discussion. Maybe I could add a couple of comments from my experience as someone who struggles to be messy.</p> <p>I tend towards polished and can come across as intimidating - despite being a small, blonde hourglass. To soften my appearance a little I often keep my hair soft (create a little "fussiness", use a wide tooth comb to tie it back) and like to wear linen. I find linen is beautifully crisp when ironed but is also soft if it is left unironed.</p> <p>My messiest outfits just do not suit/fit by body - and I will not wear them until I have tailored the items to fit properly.</p> <p>I think a lot of my "polishedness" comes from my attention to detail, which is a result of my nervousness and need to feel like I have done everything I can to be prepared.</p> <p>BTW, one of my favourite outfits is a maxi skirt, t-shirt and shoes. I tuck the t-shirt (any color) into my cream/black maxi skirt. My maxi skirt almost sweeps the ground (...I like it this way...) so I just make sure the shoes coordinate - usually black ballet flats. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/2#post-1716969 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 00:20:30 +0000 BrieN 1716969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can I "ditto" exactly what Kiwimom said? &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/2#post-1716967 Sun, 21 Aug 2016 00:10:44 +0000 Alexandra 1716967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there are two parts two looking polished. </p> <p>One part is innate. This is the part that Kitchener, Kibbe, and others call Classic essence (or similar verbiage). Women with a high proportion of this Classic essence look polished even in clothes that might look sloppy on others. It's in their facial features, demeanor, posture, etc. They come across as put-together even when they're wearing what for them is extremely casual. (Often what many others would call dressed up.)</p> <p>The other part is the clothes. Excellent fit, good quality fabrics, cuts that flatter (not just fit length, depth, and circumference, but actually make the woman look more like herself; complete harmony), the right textures, and colors that work well for the wearer. When women with a low or no percentage of Classic wear clothes that fit the above description, they are often described as "chic" or "stylish".</p> <p>When the two parts come together, you get the super polished look that has an almost regal quality. Certainly patrician. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/2#post-1716952 Sat, 20 Aug 2016 23:40:36 +0000 Runs With Scissors 1716952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My hair has gotten curlier as I've gotten older, and with it I've become more and more RATE. &nbsp; Evidence attached. &nbsp;(Those pictures &nbsp;were taken almost 20 years apart, BTW.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/2#post-1716936 Sat, 20 Aug 2016 23:09:04 +0000 Kiwimom 1716936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such an eye opening post for me, thank you for all your comments - it's been an aha moment!</p> <p>My personality leans towards polished - I love clean, tidy, uncluttered, crisp straight lines. But my hair is wavy (frizzy in the smallest amount of humidity), makeup never stays in place and my body is curvy. I always look a little RATE, especially in summer which is the season I find hardest to dress for.</p> <p>So I'm going to take the words of wisdom which have jumped out at me and aim for poise, warmth &amp; grace &amp; maybe just a little bit of chic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/2#post-1716929 Sat, 20 Aug 2016 22:43:07 +0000 Gigi 1716929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Texstyle,&nbsp;</b>that is a good question about the "minimally fab" outfit. I do agree that it looks polished, but if you added somewhat unruly, frizzy hair (like mine!) I think it definitely becomes more RATE.</p> <p>Exactly how you create polish is still a bit of a mystery to me. I think that people are right when they say that it is just something some people are born with, and others are inherently a little disheveled. I try to look polished, but it takes a tremendous amount of effort, and I rarely accomplish it. I find that if I straighten my hair instead of wear it wavy, then I look much more polished.&nbsp;</p> <p>I wonder how much of "polish" is also based on current trends. Right now, straight hair is really fashionable. Does that lead to a higher bar for what it means to be polished? I know that when I blow-dry my hair straight, I look more polished than when it is wavy, but when I go back in with a flat iron and "fine-tune" the blow-dry, then I look *really* polished. But that is fighting a lot of my genetic characteristics, which isn't really fair. As&nbsp;<b>Texstyle&nbsp;</b>says, I think you can help the curls-equals-frizz-equals-RATE situation by using some oil to smooth the frizz, but for people like me with fine hair, we lose all our volume, and then the hair is flat.&nbsp;</p> <p>What&nbsp;<b>Shiny&nbsp;</b>says is true also, I think. If your body fits off-the-rack clothes well, then you will look more polished. But there are an awful lot of curves and angles on a person, and it is difficult to get off-the-rack clothing to fit perfectly for a lot of us. And a lot of clothing simply isn't worth getting altered, so some of us make do with a fit that is almost perfect but not quite. And that is RATE! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-polish-look-polished/page/2#post-1716920 Sat, 20 Aug 2016 22:27:45 +0000 Windchime 1716920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am among those who do not have a naturally polished look.<br /> With effort, I can look reasonably well put together, but it seems no matter how hard I try, I'm going to chip a nail, or my hair won't turn out quite right, or I'll glance down and see that in spite of going over my sweater multiple times with the roll of sticky paper, it still has at least one pet hair on it! </p>