How do you make an outfit 'alluring'? - YouLookFab Forum

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How do you make an outfit 'alluring'?

Runcarla

Veteran

The responses to an earlier post on making outfits 'fun' https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....outfit-fun was so useful to me, that I thought I would start another thread on a concept I find more challenging. I want to 'nudge' my style (currently classic/tomboy) in a slightly more 'romantic' direction for F/W. I don't want to get caught up in a charged discussion about semantics, so chose an Angie word that comes close to what I'm trying to convey.

Alluring - powerful, mysteriously attractive or fascinating, seductive
Also, these...
Romantic - characterized by expression of love
Beauty - pleasing to the senses or mind aesthetically

I'm looking at ideas that go beyond date night, that would be practical day-wear. Items or outfits that would be appropriate for my casual lifestyle. I don't want 'sexy' or 'historical' - rather something more elusive, IYKWIM?!

General

62 replies

Latest reply was from The Cat

Anonymous

Beautiful shades of neutral colors and fabrics that are really nice to touch, can be anything from silky to textured but no scratchy or poor quality ever, anywhere.

Vildy

Veteran

I'm thinking color - either deep and rich like berries or the range of delicious caramel tones. And also material that visually invites touch.

In other words, both are sensual, sensory.

Katerina

Veteran

Maybe not an item of clothing, but certainly a part of an outfit is perfume. It can be alluring, elusive, beautiful, romantic and/or mysterious and can change the way an outfit is perceived. A new scent?

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I think it can be subtle differences like some above have said, fabric choice, color, but also details like a deeper v-neck or halter top. Or a flowing silky looking fit. Just a quick look at some of your WIW posts and one outfit you have worn has a slightly more alluring look to me due to the color and deep v-neck in addition to your hairstyle (and the pose). I think scrunching the sleeves a little would make it even more alluring in my eyes. If the shirt were a silky material that would add to it.

Wearing a deep v-neck with a small gold or diamond look pendant necklace visible in the v seems somewhat alluring to me. As long as the pendant is not a butterfly or something too "fun" - thinking very classic, simple lines. I think it's harder for me to visualize "alluring" with patterns but I would say flowing florals or fluid patterns.

I also think lipcolor - not necessarily red or bright, but just a slight hint of color and/or shine can be alluring.

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....copy-cat-1

LaPed

Veteran

My first thought is a flattering lip colour just a bit bolder than whatever your usual is (totally relative, depending on one's make-up habits). A bolder eye would be another option. Something as simple as a dark liner on the top lid or a bit of smoky shadow.

Second thought is jewelry to accentuate collarbone, wrists, etc. Nothing quirky/cute (my usual!), but could be either streamlined or ornate depending on one's overall style.

Hair -- a sense of "controlled movement" if that makes sense? Ringlets, soft waves, or a sweeping up-do. With my hair (straight and dark), I tend to go straighter and sharper for allure. Smoothing shampoo, argan oil, etc. De-beachify it.

Weighty fabric that drapes just so. Some sheen, like satin or velvet has, or high quality suiting... I tend to think lower-contrast patterns. Dark tonal florals, subtle pinstripes, or textural/woven patterns (think jacquard) rather than printed. Not small-scale ditsy prints. Maybe menswear patterns/textures in very feminine cuts...

Gaylene

Veteran

Clothes that are an extension of me so I’m the centre of attention, not my outfit. It’s about looking comfortable in my own skin, whether I’m wearing jeans or silk, and not about the individual elements. It’s elusive because what works for one person can be totally off the mark for another.

If you want to nudge your style in that direction, look towards what makes you feel good about yourself and body. Trust your instincts more than your mirror or your friends—both of which can unwittingly lead you astray. If flowing silk and shiny lips makes you feel good, then go further down that path; if you feel faintly ridiculous, then try something else. If your eyes are sparkling and you have an extra “oomph” in your stride, then you are on to something.

rachylou

Veteran

Have to admit, I always think about Peg Bundy from that old show Married with Children: dress like Peg, get Al... or be an Al, look for a Peg, lol.

Although, must say, people do look like this in real life, and they’ve always seemed to have very happy marriages to me actually. And been fun people who invite me to dinner.

But anyways, ‘fresh, simple and neat’ are my bywords for alluring in my reality... and wearing chokers, lol... which is not fresh, simple and neat, hahaha...

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ChristelJ

Veteran

I think of clothing that has a bit of movement can be very alluring. Angie calls it "swoosh". It can be subtle, though. A fluid sleeve, or hem.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Great grooming,jewellery,scent ,posture and a twinkle in the eye!

Anonymous

Ditto Gaylene! It has to be something that feels right to you, not self conscious or like someone else.
Though I'm a "traditionally feminine" dresser, with my skirts, heels, and curvy shape, I don't think of it as "alluring" . It's just what looks and feels normal on me. DH and I don't even do date nights-we're just best friends that are married to each other

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I feel such a curmudgeon on first look at this! I’m sorry to say that my first thought was “ Why would you even want to?” Then that made me sorry for my own husband!
I’d say I try to put a bit more sparkle or shine in date night outfits and keep a bottle of his favourite perfume which I wear on days we will be able to spend more time together. Sometimes that’s a gardening or building supply store day

Anonymous

I don't know. I think that ship has sailed for me, lol. But.....anytime I'm showing more skin (and I don't mean cleavage), I feel , well, more alluring (for lack of a better word too ) . Legs, arms, back, collarbone. It's so subjective though, as what one person thinks of as alluring another sees as decidedly NOT. Guess it depends on who you are looking to lure in

Sara L.

Veteran

I was going to write something similar to Gaylene about individuals and confidence, but she's more articulate than me. Basically whatever you enjoy wearing and that makes you feel extra confident. I like to show off my legs because I like my legs and/or wear heels because heels make me feel tall and confident. That's obviously a very individual choice that won't work for everyone.

taylor

Veteran

I feel most alluring in a black well fitted pencil skirt with a black turtleneck and heels .. hair up with make up on and a bold lip. It’s my go to if I want to feel strong , confident and a l bit alluring .

It doesn’t sound alluring , but the fit of the outfit reveals the shape underneath without showing a hint of skin other than polished bare legs .

Of course it may mean something different to others .
I think alluring is different than sexy and I don’t strive to be sexy

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Textures. I **wish** I could remember who had the humorous post when I first got here about all the soft textures in her closet. Lots of lovely things--the funny part was the way she said she wanted to just go into her closet and pet them. Anyway, I like incorporating different textures. It's possible in alll seasons, but I find it easier when it's cool out.

Sal

Veteran

I like all the above comments.

It is elusive.... confidence in your own skin and body.

I find it easier in summer than winter.

A couple of ideas that might work on you Carla knowing your style and lifestyle. Loose slightly open weave shirt, one or two buttons undone. Tucked or tied with jeans or shorts? Maybe pointy flat shoes showing ankle with jeans. Skirts with movement. A pendant necklace? Sort of a Katherine Hepburn vibe?

Joy

Veteran

As Sal said, all of the ideas, plus an attitude, a playfulness and delightful laugh, a listening ear. For clothes, I like outfits in fabrics that one wants to touch or revealing a tiny waist, smooth shoulders, dainty hands, areas that invite the touch.

Anonymous

I don't. No one would ever call me alluring. Ever.

Style Fan

Veteran

What do I do? Heavier eye make up than usual - maybe my version of a smoky eye, lipstick, blush, clothes that make me feel good and a touch of lavender scent. I can only wear lavender so that is all I wear.
I might have on a T-shirt and jeans but if I feel great then to me that is alluring.

The Cat

Veteran

Velvet, velour, silk, lace. Deep/rich colours. Thin black nylons Elegant suede shoes. Matte skin. Shiny hair. Soft dark eye makeup. Deep red lips. Classic fragrance.

Vildy

Veteran

Oh, I don't know, STERLING, I would say no-nonsense is pretty alluring because so challenging.

Anonymous

When the moment calls for an alluring look, I show off the legs-- higher heels, sexy shoes, a skirt or dress that lets the legs shine.

Or sometimes, just some well-fitting jeans and a fresh tee work, along with a come-hither look!

bj1111

Veteran

Alluring to me always suggests sexual attraction but not overtly sexy. Unbutton one more than I usually do, a cover up the traditionally sexy bits but bare the arms or shoulders.

Romantic makes me think of flowers, ruffles, delicate shoes, fabrics that drape, softness. I can see you wear a romantic blouse with your more structured pieces to up the romance.

Beauty is harder to define. For me beautiful outfits have a certain luxe quality. Tonal or monochrome dressing usually in beiges, caramels, taupes, cashmere, minimal or subtle pattern, texture rich, loose but structured. Restrained. This is aspirational dressing.

Gaylene

Veteran

OK, not to get caught up in semantics, but I didn’t think Carla’s question was just about how to add sensual/sexual allure to an outfit. My reading was that she was trying to work within a wider framework of nailing down that sense of excitement, interest, and fascination which grabs our interest and pulls us towards certain individuals. Maybe “charismatic”, “intriguing”, “charming” or “captivating” might give more options?

bj1111

Veteran

@Gaylene, I understand that Carla was using the word in its denotative form. My interpretation is connotative because that’s what I have.

The options of charismatic, intriguing, charming or captivating are overlapping but I have a different vision of charismatic vs charming. Just like beauty, prettiness or cuteness overlap but “look” different to me.

bj1111

Veteran

More thinky-thinky...Demeanor is a part of it. I could no more look romantic or sweet no matter how many ruffled flowered items I pile on, than Boris can avoid putting his foot in it.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Movement, drape, exposing something you don't usually expose while covering the rest, perfume.

I'm fond of long silk skirts and shoulder/ clavicle showing tops.

Gaylene

Veteran

Hmm, I guess I was intrigued by Carla’s last paragraph:

“I'm looking at ideas that go beyond date night, that would be practical day-wear. Items or outfits that would be appropriate for my casual lifestyle. I don't want 'sexy' or 'historical' - rather something more elusive, ”

Casual, practical daywear which is alluring, but not overtly sexy? One person who has always seemed to pull off that look to my eye is Jane Birkin. Her boho-tomboy-nonchalant style might be worth investigating. A blazer over a soft shirt paired with well-worn jeans; a v-neck cashmere sweater over classic-cut trousers or slim skirt topped with a long coat; a plain white T knotted at the midriff; white shirts with rolled up cuffs... google Jane Birkin style and you’ll see her in outfits which look as good on her today as they did in the 70s. No Birkin handbags today, though...she found them too heavy to lug around.
https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/.....obes-32669

Echo

Veteran

I definitely agree that it comes down to confidence, posture, a twinkle in your eye... not the clothing. That means that the outfit in which a person feels powerful and fabulous means more than what skin is or is not exposed. I think a person can be absolutely riveting without showing any skin except the face and hands, so exposure isn't a part of it for me.

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