Help this minority achieve that WASPY clean polished look

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why can't people just be themselves?

OP is asking for fashion advice, citing a particular style. Everyone not being deliberately obtuse knows exactly what she means by "WASPY clean polished look." But if you prefer, you can call it "New England Preppy."

[Anonymous]

I’m dating myself here, but dress like the part Pakistani woman did on the show “Greek.”

[Anonymous]

As someone mentioned be careful with the skinny khakis/button down/flats look unless you are fairly flat-chested and straight-hipped. Also, stick to colors that flatter your skin tone and look for simple sweaters, tees, etc. in those colors, along with stripes. A lot of Lilly/Vineyard Vines colors may not flatter your skin tone--avoid those.

[Anonymous]

Grace of "Grace and Frankie" always looks polished. Even though she's way older than you I'm sure, something about her always looks pulled together. It helps to be super skinny of course, but also her hair and makeup are done, and she wears simple accessories.

[Anonymous]

What you are looking for is actually 'French Girl" style- google it.

I'm pakistani-born here, totally get what you are going for OP. I dress like that b/c i went to prep school and that is all i know and feel comfortable in. The pakistani fashion look right now is copied from middle eastern women- its not really authentic, my grandma only wore surma and lipstick, my mom is a natural beauty who never wore more than lipstick and eyeshadow/mascara. The super heavy middle eastern style make up plus the brand name closes are very common now for Pakistanis- very dubai return. The french manner is much more akin to classic Pakistani style and looks good on us with our darker complexions and hair.

You need to take care of your skin and practice a good "no make up" make up look with neutrals. Get a nice haircut and make sure your highlights aren't orange- if you want some go for a dark, shiny chocolate brown. Invest in good hair and skin care and a toned body. The clean look comes from being healthy and not 'sloppy' with extra jiggles. Oh and get a compression bra and boy shorts to eliminate panty lines.

clothes- I'd tell you to go to J. crew but be careful, their quality has fallen a lot, talbots/J. Jill have more generously cut clothing that will look good on our curvier shapes. My sister is a more bohemian dresser than me and she loves J.jill and Peruvian connection. Honestly- i think like 60% of my wardrobe is Everlane. I like LL Bean b/c its so cozy and comfy but the LL bean only looks good on 'skinny' days. I like to dress modestly- not be very sexy and so this works for me as my natural style but that isn't for everyone. I think what you are drawn to is that its more natural, so you should just do that. I get cashmere sweaters and jeans from Uniqlo. I actually love my heritage but it doesn't all have to be shiny- I wear plain leather, with no embellishment pakistani joothas (men's kussa) with my jeans and a white button up all the time. Add a nice watch and one other piece of jewelry plus a scarf and you have a perfect outfit. Cup of Jo's style section has some good inspiration if you are sick of the 'Dubai Return' look.

If you are looking to splurge- Cuyana has really nice classic stuff. Thats my husband's go to for gifts for me. Want les Essentials and Clare V have nice purses/shoes that are good quality without being over the top. Madewell has reasonable priced nice stuff as well. if you want to add some rock and roll edge - get some docs/converse and pair with cropped khakis/jeans and an oxford shirt. If its cold- throw on a peacoat/parka/leather jacket/ cashmere or merino sweater. really- look up french girl style and you have the perfect clean natural style you are looking for that is also reflective of your own personality.

I hope this was helpful!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What you are looking for is actually 'French Girl" style- google it.

I'm pakistani-born here, totally get what you are going for OP. I dress like that b/c i went to prep school and that is all i know and feel comfortable in. The pakistani fashion look right now is copied from middle eastern women- its not really authentic, my grandma only wore surma and lipstick, my mom is a natural beauty who never wore more than lipstick and eyeshadow/mascara. The super heavy middle eastern style make up plus the brand name closes are very common now for Pakistanis- very dubai return. The french manner is much more akin to classic Pakistani style and looks good on us with our darker complexions and hair.

You need to take care of your skin and practice a good "no make up" make up look with neutrals. Get a nice haircut and make sure your highlights aren't orange- if you want some go for a dark, shiny chocolate brown. Invest in good hair and skin care and a toned body. The clean look comes from being healthy and not 'sloppy' with extra jiggles. Oh and get a compression bra and boy shorts to eliminate panty lines.

clothes- I'd tell you to go to J. crew but be careful, their quality has fallen a lot, talbots/J. Jill have more generously cut clothing that will look good on our curvier shapes. My sister is a more bohemian dresser than me and she loves J.jill and Peruvian connection. Honestly- i think like 60% of my wardrobe is Everlane. I like LL Bean b/c its so cozy and comfy but the LL bean only looks good on 'skinny' days. I like to dress modestly- not be very sexy and so this works for me as my natural style but that isn't for everyone. I think what you are drawn to is that its more natural, so you should just do that. I get cashmere sweaters and jeans from Uniqlo. I actually love my heritage but it doesn't all have to be shiny- I wear plain leather, with no embellishment pakistani joothas (men's kussa) with my jeans and a white button up all the time. Add a nice watch and one other piece of jewelry plus a scarf and you have a perfect outfit. Cup of Jo's style section has some good inspiration if you are sick of the 'Dubai Return' look.

If you are looking to splurge- Cuyana has really nice classic stuff. Thats my husband's go to for gifts for me. Want les Essentials and Clare V have nice purses/shoes that are good quality without being over the top. Madewell has reasonable priced nice stuff as well. if you want to add some rock and roll edge - get some docs/converse and pair with cropped khakis/jeans and an oxford shirt. If its cold- throw on a peacoat/parka/leather jacket/ cashmere or merino sweater. really- look up french girl style and you have the perfect clean natural style you are looking for that is also reflective of your own personality.

I hope this was helpful!

Not OP but this is a great post!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What you are looking for is actually 'French Girl" style- google it.

I'm pakistani-born here, totally get what you are going for OP. I dress like that b/c i went to prep school and that is all i know and feel comfortable in. The pakistani fashion look right now is copied from middle eastern women- its not really authentic, my grandma only wore surma and lipstick, my mom is a natural beauty who never wore more than lipstick and eyeshadow/mascara. The super heavy middle eastern style make up plus the brand name closes are very common now for Pakistanis- very dubai return. The french manner is much more akin to classic Pakistani style and looks good on us with our darker complexions and hair.

You need to take care of your skin and practice a good "no make up" make up look with neutrals. Get a nice haircut and make sure your highlights aren't orange- if you want some go for a dark, shiny chocolate brown. Invest in good hair and skin care and a toned body. The clean look comes from being healthy and not 'sloppy' with extra jiggles. Oh and get a compression bra and boy shorts to eliminate panty lines.

clothes- I'd tell you to go to J. crew but be careful, their quality has fallen a lot, talbots/J. Jill have more generously cut clothing that will look good on our curvier shapes. My sister is a more bohemian dresser than me and she loves J.jill and Peruvian connection. Honestly- i think like 60% of my wardrobe is Everlane. I like LL Bean b/c its so cozy and comfy but the LL bean only looks good on 'skinny' days. I like to dress modestly- not be very sexy and so this works for me as my natural style but that isn't for everyone. I think what you are drawn to is that its more natural, so you should just do that. I get cashmere sweaters and jeans from Uniqlo. I actually love my heritage but it doesn't all have to be shiny- I wear plain leather, with no embellishment pakistani joothas (men's kussa) with my jeans and a white button up all the time. Add a nice watch and one other piece of jewelry plus a scarf and you have a perfect outfit. Cup of Jo's style section has some good inspiration if you are sick of the 'Dubai Return' look.

If you are looking to splurge- Cuyana has really nice classic stuff. Thats my husband's go to for gifts for me. Want les Essentials and Clare V have nice purses/shoes that are good quality without being over the top. Madewell has reasonable priced nice stuff as well. if you want to add some rock and roll edge - get some docs/converse and pair with cropped khakis/jeans and an oxford shirt. If its cold- throw on a peacoat/parka/leather jacket/ cashmere or merino sweater. really- look up french girl style and you have the perfect clean natural style you are looking for that is also reflective of your own personality.

I hope this was helpful!

OP here. Thank you! You totally get it! I phrased my first few posts wrong. I LOVE my skin and hair and do NOT want to be white. I just want to escape the super heavily made up look Pakistani women wear. Too much makeup, too much jewelry, too many flashy brand names etc.

I notice generally white women tend to wear this understated but polished look with clean hair, barely there makeup and sleek clothes. Of course, they're also thin which helps. I am petite and skinny so that is a plus but I do have wider hips for my frame. I just need to learn to have a more cohesive, clean not fussy style.

Someone mentioned Amal, she is beautiful and very stylish but way too blingy and high maintenance. I want to look more effortless as I am lazy and hardly wear makeup.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What you are looking for is actually 'French Girl" style- google it.

I'm pakistani-born here, totally get what you are going for OP. I dress like that b/c i went to prep school and that is all i know and feel comfortable in. The pakistani fashion look right now is copied from middle eastern women- its not really authentic, my grandma only wore surma and lipstick, my mom is a natural beauty who never wore more than lipstick and eyeshadow/mascara. The super heavy middle eastern style make up plus the brand name closes are very common now for Pakistanis- very dubai return. The french manner is much more akin to classic Pakistani style and looks good on us with our darker complexions and hair.

You need to take care of your skin and practice a good "no make up" make up look with neutrals. Get a nice haircut and make sure your highlights aren't orange- if you want some go for a dark, shiny chocolate brown. Invest in good hair and skin care and a toned body. The clean look comes from being healthy and not 'sloppy' with extra jiggles. Oh and get a compression bra and boy shorts to eliminate panty lines.

clothes- I'd tell you to go to J. crew but be careful, their quality has fallen a lot, talbots/J. Jill have more generously cut clothing that will look good on our curvier shapes. My sister is a more bohemian dresser than me and she loves J.jill and Peruvian connection. Honestly- i think like 60% of my wardrobe is Everlane. I like LL Bean b/c its so cozy and comfy but the LL bean only looks good on 'skinny' days. I like to dress modestly- not be very sexy and so this works for me as my natural style but that isn't for everyone. I think what you are drawn to is that its more natural, so you should just do that. I get cashmere sweaters and jeans from Uniqlo. I actually love my heritage but it doesn't all have to be shiny- I wear plain leather, with no embellishment pakistani joothas (men's kussa) with my jeans and a white button up all the time. Add a nice watch and one other piece of jewelry plus a scarf and you have a perfect outfit. Cup of Jo's style section has some good inspiration if you are sick of the 'Dubai Return' look.

If you are looking to splurge- Cuyana has really nice classic stuff. Thats my husband's go to for gifts for me. Want les Essentials and Clare V have nice purses/shoes that are good quality without being over the top. Madewell has reasonable priced nice stuff as well. if you want to add some rock and roll edge - get some docs/converse and pair with cropped khakis/jeans and an oxford shirt. If its cold- throw on a peacoat/parka/leather jacket/ cashmere or merino sweater. really- look up french girl style and you have the perfect clean natural style you are looking for that is also reflective of your own personality.

I hope this was helpful!

Not the OP, but also a minority and found this quite helpful. Merci!

[Anonymous]

Check out the book "Bobbi Brown Beauty Evolution" for tips on creating that polished, understated makeup look. She addresses how to do this for several skin tones, including Middle Eastern skin.

https://www.amazon.com/Bobbi-Brown-Beauty-Evolution-Lifetime/dp/0060088826

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What you are looking for is actually 'French Girl" style- google it.

I'm pakistani-born here, totally get what you are going for OP. I dress like that b/c i went to prep school and that is all i know and feel comfortable in. The pakistani fashion look right now is copied from middle eastern women- its not really authentic, my grandma only wore surma and lipstick, my mom is a natural beauty who never wore more than lipstick and eyeshadow/mascara. The super heavy middle eastern style make up plus the brand name closes are very common now for Pakistanis- very dubai return. The french manner is much more akin to classic Pakistani style and looks good on us with our darker complexions and hair.

You need to take care of your skin and practice a good "no make up" make up look with neutrals. Get a nice haircut and make sure your highlights aren't orange- if you want some go for a dark, shiny chocolate brown. Invest in good hair and skin care and a toned body. The clean look comes from being healthy and not 'sloppy' with extra jiggles. Oh and get a compression bra and boy shorts to eliminate panty lines.

clothes- I'd tell you to go to J. crew but be careful, their quality has fallen a lot, talbots/J. Jill have more generously cut clothing that will look good on our curvier shapes. My sister is a more bohemian dresser than me and she loves J.jill and Peruvian connection. Honestly- i think like 60% of my wardrobe is Everlane. I like LL Bean b/c its so cozy and comfy but the LL bean only looks good on 'skinny' days. I like to dress modestly- not be very sexy and so this works for me as my natural style but that isn't for everyone. I think what you are drawn to is that its more natural, so you should just do that. I get cashmere sweaters and jeans from Uniqlo. I actually love my heritage but it doesn't all have to be shiny- I wear plain leather, with no embellishment pakistani joothas (men's kussa) with my jeans and a white button up all the time. Add a nice watch and one other piece of jewelry plus a scarf and you have a perfect outfit. Cup of Jo's style section has some good inspiration if you are sick of the 'Dubai Return' look.

If you are looking to splurge- Cuyana has really nice classic stuff. Thats my husband's go to for gifts for me. Want les Essentials and Clare V have nice purses/shoes that are good quality without being over the top. Madewell has reasonable priced nice stuff as well. if you want to add some rock and roll edge - get some docs/converse and pair with cropped khakis/jeans and an oxford shirt. If its cold- throw on a peacoat/parka/leather jacket/ cashmere or merino sweater. really- look up french girl style and you have the perfect clean natural style you are looking for that is also reflective of your own personality.

I hope this was helpful!

Totally WASPY background and I really found the long post useful. Thanks!

Now if I could just find things that fit my plump, apple-shaped, really long (tall + super long torso) I would be really set!

Guru of 10:25, any ideas!?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What you are looking for is actually 'French Girl" style- google it.

I'm pakistani-born here, totally get what you are going for OP. I dress like that b/c i went to prep school and that is all i know and feel comfortable in. The pakistani fashion look right now is copied from middle eastern women- its not really authentic, my grandma only wore surma and lipstick, my mom is a natural beauty who never wore more than lipstick and eyeshadow/mascara. The super heavy middle eastern style make up plus the brand name closes are very common now for Pakistanis- very dubai return. The french manner is much more akin to classic Pakistani style and looks good on us with our darker complexions and hair.

You need to take care of your skin and practice a good "no make up" make up look with neutrals. Get a nice haircut and make sure your highlights aren't orange- if you want some go for a dark, shiny chocolate brown. Invest in good hair and skin care and a toned body. The clean look comes from being healthy and not 'sloppy' with extra jiggles. Oh and get a compression bra and boy shorts to eliminate panty lines.

clothes- I'd tell you to go to J. crew but be careful, their quality has fallen a lot, talbots/J. Jill have more generously cut clothing that will look good on our curvier shapes. My sister is a more bohemian dresser than me and she loves J.jill and Peruvian connection. Honestly- i think like 60% of my wardrobe is Everlane. I like LL Bean b/c its so cozy and comfy but the LL bean only looks good on 'skinny' days. I like to dress modestly- not be very sexy and so this works for me as my natural style but that isn't for everyone. I think what you are drawn to is that its more natural, so you should just do that. I get cashmere sweaters and jeans from Uniqlo. I actually love my heritage but it doesn't all have to be shiny- I wear plain leather, with no embellishment pakistani joothas (men's kussa) with my jeans and a white button up all the time. Add a nice watch and one other piece of jewelry plus a scarf and you have a perfect outfit. Cup of Jo's style section has some good inspiration if you are sick of the 'Dubai Return' look.

If you are looking to splurge- Cuyana has really nice classic stuff. Thats my husband's go to for gifts for me. Want les Essentials and Clare V have nice purses/shoes that are good quality without being over the top. Madewell has reasonable priced nice stuff as well. if you want to add some rock and roll edge - get some docs/converse and pair with cropped khakis/jeans and an oxford shirt. If its cold- throw on a peacoat/parka/leather jacket/ cashmere or merino sweater. really- look up french girl style and you have the perfect clean natural style you are looking for that is also reflective of your own personality.

I hope this was helpful!

Not OP but this is a great post!

I agree. But why the compression bra??

[Anonymous]

So you want to put a lot of effort into looking like someone else that doesn't look like they put in a lot of effort?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What you are looking for is actually 'French Girl" style- google it.

I'm pakistani-born here, totally get what you are going for OP. I dress like that b/c i went to prep school and that is all i know and feel comfortable in. The pakistani fashion look right now is copied from middle eastern women- its not really authentic, my grandma only wore surma and lipstick, my mom is a natural beauty who never wore more than lipstick and eyeshadow/mascara. The super heavy middle eastern style make up plus the brand name closes are very common now for Pakistanis- very dubai return. The french manner is much more akin to classic Pakistani style and looks good on us with our darker complexions and hair.

You need to take care of your skin and practice a good "no make up" make up look with neutrals. Get a nice haircut and make sure your highlights aren't orange- if you want some go for a dark, shiny chocolate brown. Invest in good hair and skin care and a toned body. The clean look comes from being healthy and not 'sloppy' with extra jiggles. Oh and get a compression bra and boy shorts to eliminate panty lines.

clothes- I'd tell you to go to J. crew but be careful, their quality has fallen a lot, talbots/J. Jill have more generously cut clothing that will look good on our curvier shapes. My sister is a more bohemian dresser than me and she loves J.jill and Peruvian connection. Honestly- i think like 60% of my wardrobe is Everlane. I like LL Bean b/c its so cozy and comfy but the LL bean only looks good on 'skinny' days. I like to dress modestly- not be very sexy and so this works for me as my natural style but that isn't for everyone. I think what you are drawn to is that its more natural, so you should just do that. I get cashmere sweaters and jeans from Uniqlo. I actually love my heritage but it doesn't all have to be shiny- I wear plain leather, with no embellishment pakistani joothas (men's kussa) with my jeans and a white button up all the time. Add a nice watch and one other piece of jewelry plus a scarf and you have a perfect outfit. Cup of Jo's style section has some good inspiration if you are sick of the 'Dubai Return' look.

If you are looking to splurge- Cuyana has really nice classic stuff. Thats my husband's go to for gifts for me. Want les Essentials and Clare V have nice purses/shoes that are good quality without being over the top. Madewell has reasonable priced nice stuff as well. if you want to add some rock and roll edge - get some docs/converse and pair with cropped khakis/jeans and an oxford shirt. If its cold- throw on a peacoat/parka/leather jacket/ cashmere or merino sweater. really- look up french girl style and you have the perfect clean natural style you are looking for that is also reflective of your own personality.

I hope this was helpful!

I agree that everything here is reasonable and pretty basic, but this had me lol. since when are converse, khakis and an oxford shirt rock and roll?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So you want to put a lot of effort into looking like someone else that doesn't look like they put in a lot of effort?

NP here. The effortlessly chic look does require effort. But no more effort than the overly made up, label/logo to death look.

[Anonymous]

Also, Talbots and J.Jill? Hi, Mom!