how to look smart and feminine

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I work in media and am generally casual, but at nearly six feet I want to inject some femininity without resorting to short skirts, frills or bodycon. Can you make some suggestions? 

I suspect that you find trousers and tailoring easier to wear than dresses and skirts. But there are ways and means to sprinkle a bit of feminine gold dust on to your outfits.

Shall we start with something small and cheap? Make-up is not my speciality but a slick of lipstick can be effective in making an impression and enhancing one’s look. I asked make-up artist Hannah Hall for some recommendations for novice lipstick wearers; she suggests trying the Bobbi Brown extra lip tint, which is “hydrating, with a hint of colour, but not too bold”.

Another feature you can experiment with is your hair. If you have longer hair, can you perhaps wear it down and add a couple of clips? Bows are everywhere and you could put one in your hair if that’s not too extreme for you. For a subtle nod to girlishness, Simone Rocha’s clips are the best — go for a pearl or a signature beaded slide in black (£100, ssense.com). You could also push the boat out with Completedworks’ fabulous arty silver-plated comb, which will light up any outfit (£425, net-a-porter.com).

Colour is an obvious enhancer. It’s easy, quick and arguably the most impactful way to make a change. Pink is a typically feminine colour, but it does not have to be girly. If you are cool toned then fuchsia or the brighter kind of candy pinks are fantastic. If you’re warmer toned then you want to think about coral, flamingo and peach hues. 

If you want to soften a look but not veer too bubble-gum, you could lightly tuck a pink sweater into a navy wide cargo or a sharp flare, with a simple shoe in a neutral colour. Theory has a punchy number that is great for tucking in (£162, theoutnet.com) or pair a short-sleeve gem from Arch4 with khaki, yellow or grey (grey is still big this autumn) and unbutton as needed (£350, net-a-porter.com). If you want to go more sporty, you can layer with a cute vest (£395, net-a-porter.com) over a white T-shirt and your favourite jeans.

For feminine with a tougher edge, why not try a red dress? An arresting colour (and one of courage and strength), it’s a statement and gets you noticed. La Ligne’s flattering ruched shape is great and not overly pretty ($395, lalignenyc.com). Wear with a fine merino top underneath or a cropped leather jacket and a boot length of choice.

You could look at colours, fabrications and designs that are softer in the first place. Róhe has a pale khaki top that has an artfully draped neck, a somehow gentler way of looking smart but womanly (£400, roheframes.com). And in the same vein, a pussy-bow blouse also does this (if it’s good enough for Kamala Harris on the campaign trail then I am all for it). It is a classic piece, but don’t tie it in an actual bow. Try a half bow where you loop one side only. You can also do it up like a tie instead. It adds movement and interest.

Also think about prints but choose carefully. A floral would do the job and there are some gratifyingly fierce ones about. Opt for a darker, more gothic background and suddenly it doesn’t feel like “skipping through a meadow”. Me+Em has a dramatic pattern that does the trick (£195, selfridges.com) or look to the king of florals, Erdem (£795, selfridges.com). Sling a jumper around your shoulders to make it more casual or wear a blazer over it to smarten it up.

Finally, consider footwear for the finishing touch. Let’s say you’ve got baggy jeans on, you could add a pointed boot in an interesting colour maybe plum or oxblood, the colour of the season. Staud has knee boots that will work under wide jeans, midi dresses and skirts (£530, net-a-porter.com). 

If you would rather have a shoe, then slingback kitten heels look pretty. Russell & Bromley has a good “goes with everything” silver pair (£325, russellandbromley.com), while Fendi, Prada and Roger Vivier all have a great selection of colours too, such as orange and bright pink, for that powerful feminine feeling.

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