From her style, to her role on the screen, there are more things than one to love about actress/model/singer-songwriter, Zooey Dechanel. Her style is classic, and at times a bit vintage.
While it's not so easy to transform your face, getting a signature style can be closer than you think. But first off - try to get clothes to accentuate the most flattering areas of your body. Also, be aware of what colors go well with your skin tone. If you're like Zooey, brighter, bold colors look great on a lighter skin tone. Blue is Zooey's staple color. Navies look gorgeous with her hair color and cut. Secondly, if you're going to try a new style, you have to think creatively. One way to get a vintage look, is to not buy an outfit all at one place. This opens your mind to all sorts of outlooks. Find a main piece, maybe at a department store or outlet, sometimes you can get lucky at garage sale (you might already have the perfect piece at the back of the closet)- a nice dress or something. Check out local thrifts and antique stores for accessories such as jewelry and scarves. Be outgoing! Some things that you pick up and put together seem all wrong, but I encourage you, try new things. Some things you will find look much better on
you than than the hanger.
Last Saturday, and the Saturday before ... (we all deserve a good Saturday, right?) I decided to
get thrifty.
The last place I went, I found loads of scarves, neck-ties, and hats. But I found something even better. A a lovely light green army jacket (Old Navy) in the corner for $8. I then proceeded to find some neat sunglasses. The blue trim gave the dark lenses a pop of color. But what was the main item? I wasn't completely sure until I got home, and found a cute little white dress too plain, that had been in need of a pick-me-up. The pure white looks great with the light green, and I already had a purple and black scarf that pulled the look together (sounds kinda out there doesn't it?).
Keep in mind, good style does
not have to be expensive. Some things can look costly without the outrageous price tag. Some things ARE expensive, but can be found selling cheap from people who just need to get rid of it.
Now, on to
make up. Your make up makes up (was that a pun?) a massive roll in your look. If your going vintage, less tends to be more. A simple routine of eye-liner, some good-quality mascara, a rosy shade of blush (again, good for pale-skin) and a shade of lipstick to show off full lips, or brings life to those that are not so full (also a daily all around "skin routine"; concealer, foundation, etc). Remember: you want to bring
out your natural features, not cover them up. Sometimes something simple is all it takes.
In the photo left, Zooey's naturally beautiful features are enhanced by the way she has her make up. She is not over-done. The bigger the eyes, the better. If you apply eyeliner directly around the eye, your eyes will tend to appear small, and sometimes misshapen. Use a thin line around the bottom, allowing a little space from the lash line. Don't crowd the liner right around your eyes.
Make your eye lashes look fuller. Use a little more of a bolder line of black eyeliner on the top. Smudge it into the lash line, and go to the end. Make a wing, or curve it down into the bottom lash line. Curl your eyelashes. Heat with a blow-dryer for a few seconds. This improves lashes for some to the extent that false lashes or inserts are not needed. Use quality mascara. I've tryed the Rimmel line of mascara, and loved the newest - Lash Accelerator the most. I didn't even get it to make my lashes longer (ironically, but it was a nice plus) I was out of mascara, and always like to try something new, and also wanted some good instant volume. Within a few weeks, I had noticed that my lashes were indeed longer, and even stronger. Besides this, you can add on, but don't go over-dramatic.
Lipstick. Light plum shades shades, as well as lightly pink pigmented shades look great with white complexions. Also bright reds, even darks. If you have full, plump lips, you can pull off just about anything (with the exception of blacks and browns, etc).
Shop clothes. Some items to look for are your basic every day clothing items ... blouses, skirts, pants, dresses, jackets ... but what kind? Blouses: with bold patterns and colors. Blouses you can layer. Skirts: Mini skirts and pencil skirts look lovely with dark tights and boot heels or flats. An outfit quite simply put together
consists of this. Throw in a nice cardigan and your outfit is complete. Dress it up with big bracelets, rings, or a pretty string of pearls.
Hair. Zooey's signature hair style is bold bangs (sometimes completely straight-across), with a long body that is usually kept curled away from the face, in a dark, rich, almost-black brunette. Some loose hair is left around her face when in pony-tails and pig-tails. This cut frames her face and features. The color helps to make her eyes "pop", as well as it compliments her complexion.
I think you'll find that with a little of your own imagination and inspiration, you can get the vintage look that's right for you. Good luck!
For this convention, there is a very strict dress code. You have to wear traditional clothes from this age only. All accessories, hair styles - even how you have your ears pierced - need to meet the standards of the code. Which all makes perfect sense, because the act would be spoiled if everyone ran around in cowboy dungarees and sombreros, right? If you're looking for a new and eye-opening summer experience, sign up for one of these!
