How to Dress More Feminine

Co-authored by Kalee Hewlett

Last Updated: January 29, 2023 References

It doesn't take much to transform a generic outfit into a feminine one. If you’re in the market for a more feminine wardrobe, look for form-fitting, colorful garments with elegant or playful designs. You don't need a full makeover, though: adding feminine accessories, like a headband or a pair of cute ballet flats, will go a long way.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Finding Feminine Clothing

1
Wear a blouse with ruffles or other details. Flounces, bows, or buttons at the neck provide some interesting detail. These shirts can be paired with skinny jeans or worn tucked into a skirt.^{[1]
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- For example, you might wear a pink ruffled blouse with a pair of skinny jeans and heels.
- Wear a nice blouse under a blazer to give your work clothes a little extra style.
- For a business style, wear a blouse under a blazer. For a casual night out, slip a cardigan on top.
2
Pull on a patterned sweater when you are cold. Try pullover sweaters with polka dots or stripes. You might choose one decked out in sequins or bows. Wear these by themselves or over another shirt.^{[2]
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- Sweaters go well with a warm pair of jeans and boots.
- Sweaters come in pastels, jewel tones, and other bright colors to add an extra feminine quality to it.
- Instead of pullover sweaters, you might also wear cardigans. A well-fitted cardigan, either made out of wool or cashmere, can keep you warm and stylish.
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3
Step into a sheath dress. Sheath dresses are structured dresses with a slight emphasis on the waistline. They are typically fitted to the body. Look for sheath dresses in a variety of patterns and colors. They are ideal for work, formal events, or dates.^{[3]
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- Try wearing a bold statement necklace with a sheath dress. The simple style of the dress will make the jewelry pop.
- Sheath dresses go well with cardigans and ballet flats.Wear heels to dress up the style for a more formal occasion.
- If it’s cold out, try wearing a pair of colorful tights underneath your dress.
4
Keep a black outfit for special occasions. A black dress or suit is functional and versatile. Dress it up or down based on which accessories you choose. It can also be worn to a variety of events, such as meetings, parties, and dates.
- Wear black heels or pair it with gold pumps. If you want a more streetwise look, try white sneakers or a pair of oxfords.
- Gold jewelry or a bright statement necklace can make any black outfit fit for a formal occasion.
5
Choose a long coat with a cinched waist. A stylish coat is essential in winter, but some coats may appear to be too bulky or shapeless to have a feminine feel. To get around this, buy a coat with a belt to tie around your waist. You may also want to get a long coat for a sleek silhouette.
- Wear long coats over jeans or dresses. It is best to get a coat that is slightly large on you so that you can wear it over layers.
- Don’t be afraid to get a coat that makes a statement. A bold leopard print, bright yellow color, or polka dot design can make you stand out in cold weather.
6
Wear a statement necklace or ring. Statement jewelry is often large and clunky to draw the eye towards it. It is best worn with simple clothing and straight silhouettes. A statement piece is a great way to appear feminine while also being bold and vibrant.
- You might wear a dazzling rhinestone necklace under a blazer or with a sheath dress.
- A statement ring or cuff adds extra flair for formal events or nights out. If you're wearing a suit, try bright jeweled cufflinks.
- Long dangly earrings can provide a bit of flair to a casual outfit or sporty style.
7
Get a few pairs of feminine shoes for different occasions. Shoes are all it takes to transform an outfit into a feminine look. Heels and ballet flats are both versatile and flattering. You may also want a good pair of boots for colder weather. Try to have about 3 or 4 different pairs to match with your outfits.^{[4]
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- Heels are the ultimate feminine shoe, and can be worn casually with jeans when you want to femme up an ordinary outfit.
- If you like comfortable shoes or are a sneaker fanatic, get some pretty sneakers! Look for streamlined designs with exciting colors, such as pastel or jewel tones, sparkles, or patterns. By keeping the sneakers clean, you can make them part of a feminine outfit.
- Leather boots, whether high or low, heeled or no heels, go great with skinny jeans or leggings in the winter.
- Strappy sandals are feminine and fun. Look for a pair with flowers, bright colors, or straps that lace up your leg.
8
Stick a headband into your hair. Choose a brightly colored or patterned headband, such as orange stripes or floral. You might also choose a headband with a statement piece, like a rhinestone bow or a flower.^{[5]
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- Headbands go well with just about any style of hair. Wear one with your hair down or up in a bun or ponytail.
- Try tying a ribbon or scarf around your hair for a dainty touch.
9
Carry a bag with you. A purse, satchel, bag, or briefcase can make a big statement about your personality. Choose a purse that suits your lifestyle, but make sure that it carries a little pizzazz to it. You might get a bag in a bright color or a structured leather satchel.^{[6]
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- A large bag can carry more, but a smaller purse is easier to take with you.
- A pastel pink purse is a traditionally feminine option while a bold red or white purse has modern flair. Brown or black options appear professional.
- If you have an edgier vibe to your style, you might choose a leather purse with studs. If you have a quirkier style, try a purse with bold stripes or patterns.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Creating a Feminine Style

1
Look for bright colors or sparkly accents for a younger style. Colors like purple, pink, and bright blue are considered traditionally feminine, but any bright color can add a youthful and energetic feel to your look. Shiny or sparkly fabrics can also add a little pop to your wardrobe.
- Incorporate small elements of this look into other styles. For example, you might just wear a salmon-colored sweatshirt or just wear sparkly sneakers.
- Look for colored jeans to dress up a t-shirt.
2
Find interesting fabrics with bold design elements to stand out. Rhinestones, ruffles, and bows draw the eye towards your outfit. You might go for prints as well, such as floral, paisley, or geometric designs. These designs can be found in any style or clothing type for both men and women.^{[7]
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- For example, you might wear a V-neck shirt with ruffled sleeves and jeans.
- A striped sweater over a fitted button-up is professional and comfortable.
- A sweater with a long tulle skirt is fun but also practical for colder weather.
3
Choose a vintage style for old-school glamor. You might choose to follow a specific decade's style (such as the 1940s or 60s). Or you might go for a general retro look with big skirts, a-line silhouettes, and funky prints.^{[8]
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- Try an a-line skirt with a button-up shirt tucked in. Wear Mary Jane heels to match.
- Pearls and large sunglasses are great accessories to go with this look.
- You might try high-waisted printed pants for a quirky but still graceful look.
4
Find sleek silhouettes and neutral colors for a sophisticated or elegant look. Instead of focusing on prints, you might wear black, navy, or white dresses cut into form-fitting shapes. Tailored blazers, statement jewelry, and gold accessories can create a powerful appearance.
- You might wear an a-line blue dress with a bright red belt and white jacket.
- A black dress or suit will be your best friend. Dress it up with heels and a gold necklace, or wear it plain with stylish sneakers.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Dressing Yourself Well

1
Choose clothes that fit you well. No matter what your shape or body type is like, well-fitting clothes will always make you seem put-together and stylish. Don’t wear clothing that is too big or too small.^{[9]
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- Watch out especially around the rear, waist, and bust. Too large of a size will cover your figure and too small of a size will distort these areas.
- If you’re buying clothing online, take your measurements and compare them to the size chart on the website.
2
Read magazines to find the latest trends. Staying up to date will give you fashion inspiration. Fashion magazines will show you the latest styles and where you can buy them. Most style websites and blogs will even contain links to sites where you can buy the clothing online.^{[10]
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3
Dress appropriately for the occasion. Jeans and a t-shirt is a great outfit for doing groceries, but it may not be the right choice for work or a party. Feminine styles tend to emphasize wearing the right clothing to the right event.^{[11]
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- If you’re going to a wedding, look to see if it is formal or semi-formal. A sheath dress or pantsuit with heels may be good for semi-formal occasions while a cocktail dress is appropriate for a formal event.
- In a business context, try wearing a loose blouse with slacks.
- For casual wear, look for practical and comfortable clothing that is also stylish. Graphic shirts, printed shorts, or jean skirts are all good options.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you dress feminine and not girly?

Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’

Kalee Hewlett

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

For me, femininity is represented in very strong, curvy silhouettes. I like to try to create an hourglass figure with lots of form-fitting styles, and I'll accentuate the shoulders with shoulder pads or exaggerate the waist with a peplum to emphasize those curves.
Question

I want to pass as a woman. I like to wear leather clothes. My girlfriend tells me that wearing flashy clothes make it hard for me to pass. Is she right?

Community Answer

Well, women aren't a monolith, so there isn't really a right or wrong way to dress "like a woman." Maybe you could wear a leather skirt with a cute top, or leather boots and a nice pair of jeans or something? You could also try asking other people's opinions, just so you're not going off what one person has told you.
Question

I have a super masculine haircut but my mom wants me to look more feminine. I want to make her happy; how can I be feminine while still wearing combat boots?

Community Answer

Lots of women like to play with hard and soft elements in their style. Check out 90's grunge style for inspiration. You can pair combat boots and short hair with floral skirts and dresses of all lengths. Look for simple jewelry that isn't too girly and think about playing with makeup. A bold lip or a good mascara can pull a look together. Feminine doesn't have to mean girly.