To put it briefly, Ladylike style is defined by natural elegance. This way of dressing is purely about embracing your femininity.
Unfortunately, in a world where women are still fighting for equality and demanding respect from men, the charming ladylike style is fading. I have found that inspiration on feminine dressing is scarce and this is very frustrating for a ladylike lover, such as myself. Personal style should always be about expressing the internal through the sartorial and I believe that how you dress should never dictate as to how you are treated. Therefore, I am taking it upon myself to place more importance on feminine dressing and how it can be just as empowering as wearing masculine pieces.
Although you would think that dressing girly in Spring would be rather easy. Ladylike style is about achieving the right balance of sophistication and femininity. Therefore, it can actually be more difficult than it may initially seem. Dressing Ladylike is actually a tough balancing act to achieve. A bow too big or a ruffle too frilly, and your outfit can suddenly look as sophisticated as a 6-year-old on an Easter-egg hunt!
Here are my top tips to avoid that fine line between sophisticated chic and child-like wannabe.
EternallyElle uses affiliate links. Read the disclaimer for more info. This post was not sponsored. However, the bag in this shoot was gifted to me for a previous collaboration post.
The Midi Dress
A key component in Ladylike style is dressing demure. Although shorter lengths can be just as Ladylike, the midi cut is the sweet spot to mastering the art of classic feminine dressing. You are unlikely to risk flashing anyone with a longer skirt length and it shows just enough skin. Moreover the midi is universally flattering as it elongates the figure. Therefore, if you are petite like myself, then this dress length is quickly going to be your classic cut essential. In addition, Spring time weather can be a little unreliable with the cold temperatures still making an appearance, despite the sun shining. Therefore, having a midi length dress or skirt is going to help keep your legs a little warmer without having to wear trousers.
This darling Coast Midi Dress is a beautiful option for a Spring Ladylike dress. The lace detailing is tastefully designed so as to not be too over bearing. It’s no secret that lace is the fabric for the Spring season and is also perceived a feminine detail. Therefore, finding a midi dress that incorporates lace is a great way to achieve the ladylike style. In addition, this dress also features a sweet ribbon waist band. This really enhances the womanly aura of the look as well as adding definition to your figure.
Shop the 10 best ladylike dresses
Pleated Skirt
In addition to the midi length being perfect for Ladylike lovers, the pleated skirt is also recommended. This feminine essential usually comes in a longer length so there’s no need to double check if it’s midi. Moreover, the cinched in waist and subtle pleats flatters all figures, creating a womanly silhouette.
It’s worth noting, however that there are various pleat types. Some of which are more trend driven and will be difficult to achieve the classic elegance that is the Ladylike style. Personally, I recommend opting for one in a lightweight fabric such as chiffon or cotton. Heavier fabrics such as faux leather or velvet is going to lack in channelling those beautiful feminine vibes. The pleated skirt needs to float and have movement to be ideally considered Ladylike.
Shop Pleated Skirts
Soft Shades
Light colours and pastel tones are the ideal colour palette for easy Ladylike styling. Especially when it comes to spring! Whilst darker shades such as olive and burgundy can look equally as darling in Ladylike attire. It is advisable to stick to softer shades for most of your outfit. Think; white, cream, ivory, beige, light pink, sky blue, lilac, blush and powder grey. The best ladylike looks ooze romance hence why these colours are the ideal shades.
Of course, this is only if your personal style works with lighter shades. Ladylike outfits are certainly not restricted to one particular colour palette. However, this charming style form does usually focus on reflecting the natural beauty of the wearers environment. Despite this, it is most likely that a ladylike lover will naturally gravitate to soft shades, anyway. As this style is all about channeling your beautiful femininity.
It is worth noting that the Ladylike style is about classic dressing. As a result, too many colours incorporated into one outfit can unsophisticated. I find that the easiest way to combat this is to choose two-three complimentary colours. You could use one of these colours as your accessory shade and match your bag and shoes through the same colour. Likewise, you could mix up the colours with different tones as I have done here with a light pink dress and a darker rose bag. I also chose a pair of white heels and matching white faux pearl earrings. This is due to believing that using a neutral colour elevates the sophistication to my ladylike look. As long as your outfit doesn’t outshine your charming personality, you will be twirling down the streets in no time!
Simple Details
If you gather together a collection of Ladylike looks, there will be one consistent detail. (Or lack of.) The key to any classic feminine outfit is keeping your look simple and minimal when it comes to details.
My favourite way to do this is by simply opting for accessories which are minimalistic in their design. My stunning, ethical pink bag from Expressions NYC is basic in design but unique in its shape. Adding just enough interest without dominating the darling lace on my dress. Likewise, my dainty heart diamond necklace and small pearl earrings are very discrete. As such they elevate the classiness of the outfit and achieve everything which the Ladylike style stands for.
If there wasn’t a ribbon tie waist on my dress, I would have opted for tying a thin bow in my hair.
The reason why I adore Ladylike style as much as I do, is that it isn’t exclusive to one set age range. I can wear this outfit just as easily in my 20’s as I could in my 30’s, 40’s and 60’s! It is the epitome of classic feminine and will stay relevant as you mature. Whilst I understand this way of dressing isn’t for everyone, if you are like myself and adore refined, feminine clothing then this may be a style to consider.
Do you have any Ladylike tips for dressing in the Spring?
