There is a beauty to simplicity and being basic.
To be a little more original however, eclectic, not basic, whatever you may call it, you must define yourself.
This piece is about how to not be basic, how to not be boring and how to upgrade your style.
To do this, you must know how to define yourself, have a strong sense of self which will create more confidence within you and present to the world a more “un-basic” overall look and demeanor.
For more on defining yourself, I do recommend reading tip #2 in “Build Your Profile” in How To Become A Successful Woman: Success, Confidence & Getting It Together.
Included in this post are some lessons I have learned in creating a path towards and learning how to not be basic.
YOU Know Your Face Best
This goes hand in hand with you knowing your look best and knowing yourself best.
These are just a few quick reference stories that have taught me quite a bit about myself and ultimately lead me to creating my own look, defining myself, and owning it. Basically these 3 little lessons taught me to not be basic I suppose you can say.
- I have gotten only 3 manicures in my life, all of which were because it was a get together or party for someone. I never loved the result despite one of the places being very high end.
I learned that I do my own nails best, the shape I shape them into looks best in my opinion and makes my hands look super lovely. Also, my painting style I learned through trial and error, lengthens my nails adding to the lovely hand effect.
I speak a bit about it in this post, How To Make Short Nails Look Feminine: Prettier & Polished.
LESSON LEARNED: Sometimes breaking the “rules” a little in makeup or beauty is what actually can help you upgrade your look and also help you define your look.
- I had my makeup done professionally a few times and my brows shaped “the correct way.” This correct way of shaping actually took away from my look and made me look less attractive ironically. Also trimming my brows made them look silly.Â
I noticed typical rules in makeup just don’t suit my features or my overall look in general. I really had to play around to get the right look that enhanced my features.
LESSON LEARNED: Getting to know what works for you and breaking from the mold a bit is a process in defining yourself. Once I mastered this, I truly was able to upgrade my look and not look basic.
- I used to spend quite a bit on my hair, doing highlights, getting it styled and cut. Never did a cut really make me look how I wanted.
My new and expensive hair always looked beautiful, but my face, my actual face and facial features didn’t look as great with the new hair cut, color or style. Sure there are hairstyles that match face shapes better than others but even when following these rules, there is so much more to consider.
LESSON LEARNED: You have many other features of your face that need consideration when choosing a hairstyle, not just your face shape. Also, there is consideration on how the hair looks with your body shape. It’s a total package that I think only sometimes one person can decide what looks best. You.
I’m am by no means saying to give these little luxuries up, especially if you feel fabulously confident when doing them. All I want to say is to love your sense of self and trust yourself to make decisions as well.
Spend time in the mirror, visualize, be creative and really determine what works best.
I’ve been doing my makeup since I was 15. My face has changed over the years and I’ve been fairly consistent with my makeup looks. I felt as if these makeup looks always suited me best rather than when I had a professional help me.Â
I share all my tips on how I make my not so feminine features, a bit more feminine in my piece;
If you truly feel as if you need the assistance and feel best when someone else can help you in these areas, please do so. There is nothing wrong with an upgrade as long as you are truly loving it on you.
Your Name Is Part Of Your Look & Feel
Your name.
The way is rolls off the tongue, the image or feel it creates. This can all be quite defining.
It can change how you feel. If I had to give an analogy, it’s almost equivalent to how perfume can completely change the ambiance, your mood, uplift your senses, make you feel more daring, or make you feel cozy.
Another lesson coming up! My name is Caroline. However, all of my childhood, my family & friends referred to me as Carol for short. I remember being 3 or 4 years old and learning to spell out my name on a piece of paper and was told I don’t need to write the rest, Carol is fine.
It’s still a cute name but as I got older I thought to myself who decided that was my name? I know I didn’t prefer it, I just went along with it being a kid.
I really loved my full name, Caroline – and honestly felt as if it was more me. It also made me feel more feminine. As I got older I started introducing myself more as Caroline.
In fact anyone I met after high school knew me as Caroline. Some people still have a hard time adjusting which I understand, not a big deal. But never be afraid to sound silly having people call you by the name you prefer. The earlier you do this, the better.
I am not one hundred percent on this next option because I do believe in self love and acceptance, but If necessary, there is the option to change your name legally. If you really truly cannot accept the name you have, there is that option. Or going by your middle name.Â
My cousin had a name change and became a totally new person in terms of confidence.Â
If you have a unique name, different and cultural name, do be proud of it. I knew a man in high school who had a very diffrent name, though popular in his parent’s homeland. The way he carried himself, his self-confidence, his demeanor, everything was so attractive.
His name didn’t even sound foreign to me other other ladies for that matter. There was just something about him. His original name was not basic whatsoever, and his entire presence he had was also on a complete and whole other level.
If you feel your unique name is too long for some people to pronounce, teach them how to do so correctly or use the short version if you like it. What ever you feel is truly you.
Own That Signature Something
A signature outfit, a signature scent. Anything that is completely you.
I love a classic good quality black tank top and black skinny pants, kitten heels and a gorgeous purse. A simple outfit, but decorated with a purse and some jewelry.
This is my usual and signature look. I feel most natural and most myself in this.
Look through the pieces of your wardrobe and accessories. Do you have a certain color palette you adhere to? A certain style and cut of clothing?
Perhaps you have pieces of jewelry from a town overseas you visited while on vacation. These pieces have a tendency to tell a story. They can bring back and invoke lovely memories.
As I stated before, scent can be signature. If you want to go one step further, you can create your own perfume. You can also do this with a professional or you can do this on your own with natural ingredients. Important note: Be sure to research thoroughly when working with essential oils.
Personalize Your Items
Monograming your items.
I find this to be so chic, so defining, and very “not basic”.
If you have a beautiful leather bag or planner, branding in your initials, or something personal is just such a lovely touch.
There is something so arguably sophisticated about having a personal touch to your items.
I recommend reading through this post about being a sophisticated woman to have even more insight about this fascinating quality. It also compliments what we are trying to achieve here, how to not be basic.
Other Writings of Mine [Similar To How To NOT Be Basic] You May Find Delight In:
Other pieces you may find of value are;
- How To Look & Be Better Than Average: An Up-Leveling Guide
- How To Upgrade Yourself: 30 Ideas To Have By Your 30’s
This was created to inform you how to not be basic so that you can feel defined and take pride in your originality.
I write about the following categories. In each one you will find several writings that I hope can inspire you to becoming and feeling your best and most confident self.
