How To Unleash Your Femininity
Styles of beauty are always changing and, historically, women have gone to extremes in the pursuit of a feminine image as defined by their culture and time.
The History of FemininityAncient Greek women would colour themselves a pale hue with a base which contained lead. Women in China endured painful foot binding, which produced unnaturally small feet. In some Eastern and African cultures, women voluntarily consumed, or were force-fed, excessive quantities of food to maintain their corpulence.
During the 15th century, upper-class ladies of Northern Europe painfully plucked their hairline to make their foreheads seem higher, and scraped their hair back under an elaborate headdress.
In Victorian times, fashionable ladies sometimes had ribs removed to achieve hand-span waists and, in the early twentieth-century United States and Europe, women wore restricting corsets that constrained their movement and caused a variety of health problems – all because they wanted to achieve the feminine, waspish waist that was de rigueur in those times.
All of these examples, which seem drastic in modern times, were seen as beautifying and enhancing a woman’s femininity. More recently, Levi's jeans were first featured in Vogue magazine in 1935, and are now a staple in every modern girl’s wardrobe. During the Golden Age of Hollywood - from the 30s to the 50s - all-out glamour was the trend. Women wanted to look like a screen goddess. Jean Harlow made the platinum blonde a beauty icon, while Rita Hayworth propelled redheads into the spotlight. But it was Veronica Lake’s sexy peek-a-boo style that really struck a chord with women.
Through the ages, Women have always enjoyed revelling in their femininity, in whatever form it takes - from the 40s movie starlets to the sun-kissed Bergasol girls of the 70s, through to the power-dressed Supermodels of the 80s and the quirky beauties we regard as role models today.
Notably, throughout these historical and cultural changes, long hair has endured as a constant
indicator of beauty and femininity.
For many women, long hair is her passport to feeling feminine, and our other halves tend to agree: “Many men think that the longer the woman’s hair is, the more sensual and pretty she is,” says celebrity stylist Ben Cooke, Herbal Essences brand ambassador.
“If long hair is healthy and thick, it can be an amazing asset, but it must be well maintained - a specifically formulated shampoo and conditioner is essential as it will contain the best ingredients to nourish and protect longer hair,” says Cooke.
Herbal Essences new Long Term Relationship Shampoo & Conditioner (RRP $6.59 each) and Split End Protector Mask (RRP $8.49) can really push the boundaries when it comes to caring for long, lustrous hair. Scientifically formulated specifically for long tresses, the new three step regimen contains the highest level of conditioning agents in the range and leaves strands stronger against damage, while significantly reducing breakage and split ends.
In addition to using the right products on your crowning glory, what else can you do to promote and maintain the ultimate head of long hair?
“Brushing hair 100 times a day may sound old-school, but it does help to stimulate the scalp’s natural oils which will naturally nourish your locks,” says Cooke. “Also, be careful not to over style longer hair, less is often more and as long as it’s in great condition, it’s often more beautiful to leave it as natural as possible.
“If you want to style it however, why not create two big plaits and pin them over your head Helga-style, or twist hair back into a bun when its damp, and allow the last 30% to dry before unravelling - you’ll be left with fabulous, natural movement,” Cooke advises.
Quick-fix Femininity
Some women still adhere to the ‘no pain, no gain’ philosophy – whether enduring the sting of waxing, threading or tweezing to remove hairs or undergoing the surgeon’s knife to remove the signs of aging.
“Look at length and print - wear ankle-skimming dresses, and bold or daintier floral prints similar to those seen at Dolce & Gabbana spring/summer shows,” says celebrity fashion stylist Caroline Baxter, who has dressed Kelly Brook, Dita Von Teese and Girls Aloud. “Keep textures luxurious with layered chiffon, organza, silk and butter-soft leather - feminine looks always translate better with soft, fluid tailoring that moves with your body.”
Colour is also key in honing a pretty, romantic look. Baxter recommends a soft, fresh palette of blush pink, soft grey and white, as well as berry reds, raspberry and fuchsia to make a stronger statement. “You can also accent with red - a taffeta 50s style skirt or high-shine patent wedge, as seen at Patrick Cox this season, teamed with a great pedicure, will really rev up your personal style.
“Long hair looks modern in a luxe way, and worn loose, wavy and shiny, really works with florals, paisley prints and colour,” continues Baxter. “But for spring/summer don’t think hippy - it’s all about the groomed, sophisticated 70’s bohemian.”
Here are ten easy ways make the most of your assets and to help unleash your femininity:
1. Wear high-heeled shoes
Every woman feels more feminine when she’s wearing a pair of ultra-sexy heels. Keep those trainers for the gym and running and invest in a great pair of shoes that will make your legs look longer and give your hips and bottom an alluring, Monroe-esque wiggle.
2. Dress to suit your shape
Pay attention to what suits you and take an honest, good friend along for invaluable advice when shopping for clothes. This season, it’s all about the full, swishy skirt which suits pretty much everyone - this ultra-feminine skirt shape is ideal at disguising heavier hips and thighs or giving the illusion of curves when you aren’t blessed with them.
3. Wear great underwear
Chuck out underwear that is old, faded or simply tatty, and treat yourself to a beautiful matching lingerie set or two in silk, satin or lace. For a touch of old-fashioned glamour, wear seamed stockings and/or suspenders - not only will you feel impossibly womanly, the man in your life should also approve!
4. Draw the eye
Take a leaf out of the page of celebrity stylists and ‘draw the eye’ to your best feature! Whatever her shape or size, every woman takes pride in at least one ‘part’. For example, if you’ve perfectly even, white teeth, accentuate that asset by framing your smile with lip liner and a succulent lipstick, creating a beautifully made up mouth. Lucky enough to have lovely hands? Treat yourself to regular manicures to show them in their best light. Care for delicate, pretty feet with regular pedicures and put them on display by wearing decorative sandals in summer. If you are not sure of your bra size, go for a professional fitting as the right bra can work wonders – whatever your size!
5. Have heavenly hair
Lavish your hair with TLC and make sure it smells good enough to eat by using beautifully scented shampoos and conditioners. Regular haircutting and treatments will give you a well-groomed air. Long hair is a feminine charm, so help it to look luscious by following a beauty-boosting diet which includes antioxidants, such as berries, and by keeping to a careful haircare regime. Get growing!
6. Keep make-up subtle
Make-up is a wonderful tool but you really don’t need to overdo it - mascara, lip-gloss and a skin-enhancing foundation or tinted moisturiser will enhance your natural beauty. Work on achieving and maintaining perfect skin as this will give you a glowy, healthy radiance that is ultra-feminine. And don’t forget to spritz on a sensual fragrance!
7. Learn to love yourself
Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not reed-thin like the celebs in the magazines - don’t compare yourself to A-listers, as they get a LOT of help with their looks, especially in the airbrushing department!
8. Get into grooming
Make time for good grooming, or have it done professionally. Keep your eyebrows well shaped, your eyelashes tinted and remove unwanted hair. And don’t forget your nails - whatever length you favour, make sure they are neat, tidy and naturally buffed or painted in your favourite pretty shade.
9. Be visually feminine
Incorporate pretty, feminine clothing into your wardrobe. Wear clothes that are more fitted to appear streamlined, and substitute trainers for trendy ballet shoes or kitten heels. If you only buy one thing this season, make it a floral printed tea dress which is not only bang on trend, but ultra-feminine too.
10. Be posture perfect
Stand or sit up straight and be aware of your body shape. By improving posture, you’ll feel more confident and look slimmer and more feminine; slouching makes you appear shorter and less shapely and can make your whole body look saggy!