This excerpt is a condensed chapter from the book Fascinating Womanhood
The Feminine Appearance
Men have always accused women of being a little vain where their appearances are concerned, but secretly they are thrilled, for a feminine woman pays close attention to her looks.
She does not neglect herself, but keeps clean, well-groomed, and well-attired. She doesn’t go to extremes, but it is on her list of priorities, knowing that her appearance affects those around her and her own attitude toward herself.
Accentuate the Differences
When thinking of your appearance the rule is to accentuate the differences between yourself and men in the following ways:
• Materials – Think of those materials that are most feminine in their color, feel, weight, and effect. Men don’t wear fluffy, lacey, or filmy fabrics, but tend to put on heavier fabrics like tweeds, suit fabrics, herringbone, and denim. Avoid these especially if they are tailored or cut in a man’s style. Use them only if they are made in a feminine manner or color.
Instead choose your clothing from fabrics like crisp cottons, fine woolens, linens, silks, satins, lace, and finer weaves. Angora, satin, velvet, and organdie are extremely feminine. Don’t think these things are old-fashioned, they are wonderful if made in today’s fashions. An angora sweater or a silky nightgown is delightful for a man to touch.
• Color – Feminine colors are soft, light, pastel, clear and rich. Even black can be a very feminine color when used of right fabrics. Avoid drab colors like browns, grays and khaki. These can be used if they are of a feminine fabric, cut or style.
Consider having yourself analyzed for your specific color palette. The book, “Color Me Beautiful” covers this subject in detail. Also, “Beauty Control” is a company that does home parties and will drape clients to find their color season.
• Design – Many prints are very masculine in look and should be avoided. Also stay away from loud, gaudy designs or those lacking in good taste. The print should accentuate and draw attention to the woman, not to itself. They should see you first, not your clothes.
• Style – I am sure you have all seen the business-suit look for women. It is anything but feminine. Make sure the cut and style of your clothes is not like men’s with things like mannish suits, shirts, cuffs, or ties. Instead, wear full skirts, ruffles, puffs, gathers and drapes. Wear clothes that accentuate your figure while still being modest.
Pants are always in the forefront of the discussion on a feminine woman’s style of dress. Pants are not the most feminine thing to wear. If you do wear them, make sure the style, color and cut are feminine and attractive. I would also suggest you get a picture of yourself from front and back to see how you really look in pants. If you wear them, make sure the rest of your outfit is feminine.
• Trim – You can soften the masculine effect of clothes by the smart use of trims and embellishments. Add feminine touches like a bit of lace, satin, pearls, beads, belts, etc.
• Accessories – Use purses that are feminine and in good taste. Avoid the briefcase look. Shoes and jewelry are great areas to add a feminine touches.
• Grooming – Keep yourself clean and smelling pretty. Pay attention to the state of your clothes. Iron them if needed and keep them in good repair. Keep your hairstyle attractive and in a feminine cut.
• Makeup – If you use makeup, learn how to apply it skillfully. It should be used to accentuate your natural features, not overwhelm your audience. If you do not know how to apply it, or don’t know the colors to use, many stores give free makeovers. Get one done and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Modesty – Men do not respect women who wear low-cut blouses, scanty clothes, and lingerie in public. The ideal is to look attractive but not attracting.
What A Feminine Appearance Accomplishes:
Dressing in a feminine manner and keeping yourself well groomed increases your sense of self-worth. When you are dressed the part, it is easier to see yourself fulfilling that part. What you do on the outside influences the inside, and vice-versa.
Feminine dress brings out the best in men. It awakens their masculine side. They will respect you more, find you more appealing, and feel more protective toward you. They will notice you more, and not feel like you are the enemy or that they need to compete with you as they would another man or a masculine woman.
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The photo of the lovely woman is taken by Karen Porter at Salt City Art. Thank you, Karen, for letting me “borrow” it.
Photo from Lady Monette Etsy Shop
