What Makes a Hairstyle Stylish

Woman with a stylish short hairstyle wearing a turtleneck
Photo: Shutterstock
Style and stylish are the most commonly used words when it comes to describing hair or an outfit. But what is it that makes something stylish? Is it enough to just have the latest look, right out of a fashion magazine or is there more to it?
 
Some women seem to effortlessly have that "je ne sais quoi", that special element that no one can describe but everyone knows it is there. And when you look around, you will notice that this phenomenon of a naturally "stylish look" includes women of all ages; all walks of life and with very different fashion habits.
 
Of course, a good haircut helps a lot. That might only be the beginning. Even the best cut does not look its best when it is on the wrong head. So the most important of these basic thoughts is:
 
Find the Perfect Haircut for your Type
 
Together with your hairdresser explore your features and find the best shape that will flatter your beauty. Short or long hair doesn't matter, as long as it is "you," an expression of your personality and shaped to balance or enhance your shape.
 
Keep up the Maintenance
 
Make sure you have enough time and skill to style and take care of your new hairstyle. It is no use to have a fancy cut if you cannot replicate the blow drying technique or the fun gel styling when you are at home. One element of a "stylish" appearance is a finished look that includes keeping some good styling products around.
 
Put in the extra Effort
 
It doesn't take much to make drab look on top. Sometimes a small effort like a good brushing and a piece of hair jewelry can do the trick. Keep the hair neat by getting your regular maintenance cut to avoid split ends and ragged edges.
 
There are no Bad Hair Days
 
Forget the myth of the sudden onset of a bad hair day. There is only hair that is uncared for and often a lack of time and patience can make the difference between sassy and sad. If you are in a rush, cannot wash or style your hair, try a fun hat, a cute updo, a ponytail, or a cool bandana to create a different look.
 
Brunette wearing a yellow buttoned blouse
Photo: Shutterstock
Clothes and Hairstyle
 
For a polished look, the way that the clothes and the hairstyle harmonize is most important. Again, it's all about balance and using techniques to bring out your best and tone down challenging areas. The long-time favorite turtlenecks are back in style and they look great with a snazzy short cut, a bob, or an ear-showing style. The same goes for blouses with high collars. Low-cut dresses with or without sleeves look good with longer hairstyles, but that again depends on the person's overall proportions.
 
Picture a heavily ruffled top with a lot of bulk and movement, then add a long, opulent, and curly mane. This combination swallows the whole person and no matter how great the hair or how exquisite the top is, it just does not go well together and is far from stylish. Also, a conservative pleated dress might not benefit from an overall look with a punky short cut and vice versa. So look at "stylish" in an overall sense, incorporating all elements of fashion that you put on your body. So keep the balance and watch the proportions.
 
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