May’s 7 ways

To look fabulous

Whether I wanted to write a little piece about it was the question from chef Adeline. Just so you know. Because I find it a bit pretentious myself. Like: I will just tell you how it is. On the other hand, I have been fortunate to surround myself with the most stylish (hi Calo, dear Peggy Weijergang, tasteful Simone Dernee, and so on) types from whom I have been able to learn the art. So here I go. A bit sheepishly, but okay.

1. Nails

Get them done. And well. Put on some gel polish so that chipping is not lurking around the corner. Really, a manicured hand makes a tracksuit look good. Everyone will think: yes, she’s wearing a tracksuit now, but ultimately there’s a woman with style here.

2. Hair

Same story. Go to a good hairdresser, choose a nice color and blow-dry it. I know: it takes time, but it makes the difference between sloppy and chic.

3. Eyebrows

Another neglected aspect for many. Get your eyebrows done. Don’t pluck them yourself, but let someone else (who knows what they’re doing) look at your face. Since Roya Zara came into my life, my eyebrows have been so improved. Her first sentence was: ‘You have a beautiful face, but where have your eyebrows gone?’ ‘Somewhere in the nineties,’ was my answer. Now Roya nods contentedly when she sees me. We’re almost there. But color them, have them shaped, and you’ll see what it does for your face.

4. Accessories

You can give your outfit a personal signature by using the right jewelry and accessories. Are you classic? Then go for two simple hoops. A bit creative? Mix different earrings together. I really love ‘full fingers’; lots of rings and preferably also on thumb and index finger.

5. Watch

A watch tells who you are and what type you are. Invest in it, it’s for life and you wear it every day. Every day. I’m lucky to choose between the Pilot Watch from IWC and their more classic Portofino Watch with a gold case.

6. Statement shoes

Not all of them, but make sure there’s a pair that stands out. I was in love with my yellow Fendi’s. They matched every outfit. Now I’m in a hot relationship with red Isabel Marant knee-high boots. Love.

7. Beautiful things

As much as I love Zara and H&M, I truly become happy from the keepers. Don’t go to sample sales and clearance sales and invest the money that you often waste on things you didn’t really, really, really like into something that keeps you awake at night. It can be so expensive that you looked the other way when you slid your credit card through the slot, but really: this is for life.

You can do it. And will you send me a photo of your look?