How to Be a Girly Girl and Master the Feminine Aesthetic

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A guide to becoming girly, from your look to how you act
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A girly girl is someone who wholeheartedly embraces her femininity without sacrificing her personality or strength. Being girly is a personal choice—no one should pressure you to act girly. But if you’re drawn to the feminine attitude and look, follow this easy guide to learn how to be a girly girl. We even spoke with style, beauty, and etiquette experts for tips on dressing and acting more feminine.

Easy Ways to Become a Girly Girl

Dress in feminine colors like pink and pastels. Look for clothing with girly details like ruffles or bows, and swap sneakers for heels or flats. Style your hair and wear light makeup daily to achieve a girlier look. Practice proper hygiene and grooming so you look and smell nice. Be kind and act ladylike around others.

Section 1 of 8:

Dressing Like a Girly Girl

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  1. You don’t have to wear dresses every day to be a girly girl, but it helps to wear feminine colors. Pinks, purples, and pastels are considered classic girly colors. You can also wear feminine floral patterns and prints, recommends personal stylist Tannya Bernadette.
  2. Girly silhouettes are fitted and feminine, such as dresses, blouses, tank tops, skirts, cardigans, and tailored pants. Build a wardrobe around these staples to dress more feminine . Look for clothing with details like ruffles, lace, bows, or sequins for an extra girly flair. [1]
    • When you wear a less feminine item like jeans or a T-shirt, use soft colors or cute accessories to make it feel more feminine.
    • You don’t have to follow trends or wear what everyone else is wearing. Focus on looking neat and put-together by wearing clean, comfortable, wrinkle-free clothing that makes you feel confident.
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  3. Heels and wedges are a great way to look like a girly girl. If you don’t want to wear heels, Bernadette suggests trying a pair of ballet flats instead. Be sure your shoes are clean and don’t have any tears or scuffs!
    • If you want to wear heels but don’t know how to walk in them , try stepping with your heel down first, then your toe. Practice wearing heels at home before you go out in public!
    • Sometimes, sneakers or tennis shoes are the only option. Look for styles that are sleek instead of clunky and athletic, as these are more girly.
    • In the fall and wintertime, look for white or tan ankle boots and heeled boots for a feminine, functional footwear option. Skip the heels when there’s rainy or snowy weather—you might slip!
  4. Not only is a purse a girly must-have, but it will help you easily carry feminine accessories like lip gloss, perfume, and hair clips. Your purse doesn’t have to be an expensive designer bag. Pick any purse you want in any color or style, as long as it’s in good shape and can hold all your things. [2]
    • Try getting a purse in a neutral color like white, tan, or black—it will match more of your outfits!
  5. Part of being a girly girl is taking care of your clothes so you always appear neat and presentable. Keep your clothes washed so they don’t have stains and smell nice. Iron wrinkled clothes before you wear them, or use a handheld steamer for a quick wrinkle fix.
    • Be careful to read the instructions on your clothing labels. Some clothes can’t be ironed or can only be ironed on a low setting.
    • If something has a stain that won’t come out, don’t throw it away! Save it for wearing around the house or while doing work that might damage your regular clothes.
  6. Don’t buy clothes that are too tight or too baggy. None of your clothes should be so tight that they pinch you, show your underwear, or are hard to put on and take off. They also shouldn’t hang loosely off you or need to be adjusted as you go about your day. Shop in-person instead of online so you can try on clothes to make sure they fit you properly.
    • When trying to decide if something fits, check that it falls at the right length, doesn’t restrict your breathing or movement, and sits at the right spot on your shoulders or waist. [3]
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Section 2 of 8:

Doing Girly Hair and Makeup

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  1. Make it part of your morning routine to brush out any knots or tangles before styling. How you style your hair depends on your length and preference, but you don’t need to use heat tools. Develop a signature hairstyle that works for you, whether it’s heatless curls or a cute side braid.
    • Make sure your hair is clean before styling— taking care of yourself by practicing proper hygiene is an important part of being a girly girl.
    • Your hairstyle doesn’t need to be elaborate. Your signature style could be as simple as parting it to the side and wearing a barrette ! You can also try braids, ponytails, and simple buns.
    • If you aren’t sure how to do your hair, ask a parent or friend for advice or check out easy hair tutorials online .
  2. While you may think girly girls are obsessed with makeup, the truth is that you can wear as little or as much makeup as you’re comfortable with and still be girly. Makeup simply enhances your natural beauty and femininity. If you’re new to applying makeup, keep practicing until your makeup looks natural and is easy for you to apply. [4]
    • Start with a natural makeup look . Try using just lip balm , lip gloss , and mascara .
      • If you’re not allowed to wear much makeup, find an untinted lip gloss that adds shine but not color.
    • Look for eyeshadows and blushes in soft, neutral colors like light pink, beige, or soft orange.
    • If you want to wear a full face of makeup, go for it! Practice your application and shade-match your foundation and concealer so your makeup complements your complexion.
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Section 3 of 8:

Girly Girl Grooming

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  1. Girly girls have excellent hygiene! Bathe or shower every day and clean yourself thoroughly with soap and water. [5] Use shampoo and conditioner as often as you need to for your hair type. For an extra girly touch, try buying sweet-scented shampoo , conditioner , and body wash .
  2. Use a moisturizer or lotion on your face and body every day to keep your skin soft and hydrated. This simple act of self-care will make you feel pampered and confident, as any girly girl should feel.
    • Check the label first to see if the lotion is the best kind for your skin type—some people have oilier skin, while others are prone to dryness.
    • If you have acne, you can still be a girly girl! Try drinking lots of water and using acne treatment products to get rid of acne . If you can’t get rid of pimples, it’s okay—having acne doesn’t make you less girly.
  3. You don’t have to put on a new shade of nail polish every day, but your nails should be clean and manicured all the time. Clip and file your nails so they are even and clean under them daily. Nail artist Lindsay Yoshitomi recommends applying a cuticle oil daily to hydrate your nail beds and strengthen your nails. Check for chips when you do wear nail polish.
    • Once you develop a routine, it will be easy to care for your nails and keep them healthy and pretty.
    • If you don’t want to put on new nail polish all the time, try wearing a clear coat. It looks just as neat and girly, but you don’t have to worry about it as much.
  4. Smelling nice is an essential part of being a girly-girl! Be sure you use deodorant every single day and reapply after physical activity. [6] You can also wear perfume --many feminine women have a signature scent they wear every day. If you don’t wear much perfume, try a light floral or fruit scent first.
    • Don’t use deodorant or perfume as a substitute for bathing.
    • Use as little perfume as possible, and only use it on pulse points like your wrists and neck. Your perfume should be a subtle fragrance that people only notice when they’re next to you, not a strong smell that hangs in the air around you.
  5. To be a girly girl, you need proper hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth every day, at least twice a day. Use mouthwash or mints to keep your breath smelling fresh in-between brushing. Carry floss picks with you in case you get food stuck in your teeth after a snack or meal. [7]
    • It’s okay if your teeth are crooked or if you wear braces—you can still be a girly girl. Just make sure your teeth are clean!
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Section 4 of 8:

Acting Like a Girly Girl

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  1. Practice walking and sitting gracefully to give off a girly, refined vibe. When you walk, walk carefully and confidently, taking small steps and holding your head up and shoulders back. When you sit down, sit with your back straight and your arms by your side or in your lap. You don’t have to cross your legs or your ankles, but it can add a feminine touch.
    • To sit in a ladylike way, keep your knees and feet together, advises etiquette coach Tami Claytor. If you cross your legs, keep the lower portion of your legs close together.
    • Don’t cross your legs when wearing a long gown or a short skirt, Claytor warns. This can look unflattering or be overly revealing.
  2. Don’t play into the stereotype that girly girls are mean girls. Be nice to everyone you meet. Look them in the eye, introduce yourself if you don’t know them, and address them by name. Ask how they’re doing. People will remember your kindness.
    • This doesn’t mean that you should let people treat you badly—if you have to tell someone to stop or to leave you alone, do so clearly and firmly.
    • Avoid swearing or using explicit words. They’re impolite, and it’s hard to appear girly when you use them.
  3. Try reading books that feature girly characters and watching movies like Barbie or Legally Blonde . Of course, you can also keep reading and watching whatever you’re into, but it doesn’t hurt to get inspired by girly fictional characters.
    • To keep your inspiration in one place, create a Pinterest board of feminine characters and their wardrobes. It can help you find your personal style, says personal stylist Grace Thomas.
  4. It’s okay to have guy friends, but try to have a core group of girls that you hang out with and talk about girly things with. If you don’t have any close girlfriends, try complimenting one of your classmates on her clothes or makeup. It’s a great way to start a friendship!
    • Make sure you’re supportive and kind to your friends. Being girly doesn’t mean tearing other girls down with gossip or trying to compete with them.
  5. Practice good table manners . An easy way to seem more girly is to eat properly and politely. When you eat, don’t chew with your mouth open, lean on your elbow, or gobble your food. Practice taking small bites, keeping your hands in your lap when not eating, and chewing and swallowing neatly.
  6. Don’t change your whole look and personality just because you feel like you should be more girly or because you know other people who are girly. Dress however you feel most confident, and pursue the hobbies and interests that make you happy.
    • Don’t be afraid to change your mind about a look or hobby after you’ve tried it. It’s never too late to try something new.
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Section 5 of 8:

Decorating Like a Girly Girl

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  1. Your bedroom, locker, school desk, or any other personal space can showcase your girly side. Choose a bright, soft color like pink, light purple, baby blue, or yellow and buy decorations that match. Example decorations include furniture, wall paint or wallpaper, or small accessories like decorative ribbons , aesthetic posters , and cute stickers that will make your space girly.
  2. Part of being a girly girl is being organized . Practice cleaning up after yourself every day and putting everything back where you found it. Keep your school things organized and labeled in your locker or desk.
  3. Girly girls aren’t afraid to be creative. Decorate your personal space with cute drawings, positive quotes, flowers, and other small crafts. Draw cute doodles on your pictures and posters, or learn a craft like crocheting or painting that you can use to decorate your bedroom.
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Section 6 of 8:

What does it mean to be a girly girl?

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  1. A girly girl is someone who presents herself in ways that are stereotypically girly and enjoys activities that are considered feminine. Common examples include liking the color pink, wearing makeup, styling yourself in dresses and heels, and doing girly activities like clothes shopping. [8]
    • Being girly isn’t about who you are or what you look like. It’s about what you like and how you choose to present yourself.
    • You can be girly and like things that aren’t traditionally feminine. There’s no one way to be a girly girl, and what’s considered girly can change from one generation to the next.
Section 7 of 8:

Girly Girl vs Tomboy

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  1. It’s essentially the opposite of being a girly girl. The tomboy label is usually applied to girls who like to dress in masculine ways and enjoy traditionally masculine or “boyish” activities. Examples include wearing jeans and flannel, playing sports, and liking things like trucks, bugs, or hunting. [9]
    • Everyone has interests that are more traditionally feminine or masculine. If you don’t fit neatly under the label of girly girl or tomboy, that’s normal. Your interests and style will likely change over time, anyway.
    • It’s okay to be a girly girl, a tomboy, or neither. What’s important is that you feel true to yourself. [10]
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Section 8 of 8:

Final Thoughts

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  1. Dressing in feminine clothing, doing proper grooming, hair, and makeup, and acting in girly ways may help you feel like your best self. Just don’t think you have to be girly, or that there’s one way to be a girly girl. Prioritize feeling comfortable and letting your authentic personality shine through.
    • Don’t listen to people who say that being girly is lame or outdated. Only you can decide what makes you feel happy and true to yourself.

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    Is it okay to be a girly girl even if I'm ugly?
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    You're not ugly, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. (And stop telling yourself otherwise.) Focus on your best qualities and not what you perceive as flaws. Also, it's okay for anyone to be a girly girl, regardless of what they look like.
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    I don't like being in the middle of being a tomboy and a girly girl. How can I figure out the real me?
    Community Answer
    Are you sure the real you isn't somewhere in the middle of a tomboy and a girly girl? Most girls are not 100% one way or the other. If you really want to experiment, choose which one feels most "right" and go all out in that style for a few days. If you don't like it, switch to the other one.
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    How can I be a girly girl if I can't change my room?
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    Rooms don’t define people. Dress nicely and take care of yourself. Ask a parent if you can hang up some girly posters (unicorns/horses, rainbows, cute boys, etc.).
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      • At the end of the day, remember that being yourself is what matters most.
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      • If you aren’t already girly, don’t try to change everything about yourself overnight! Take small steps towards changing your looks and attitude.
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      • If you feel uncomfortable in any way, go back to your original look. Don't try to impress anyone but yourself.
      • Just because you're girly doesn't mean you can't be different! Try new things. No girl is exactly the same.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://elegantlivingeveryday.com/how-to-dress-more-feminine/
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/q4i7ZJrI0hI?t=1019
      3. ↑ https://www.nikiwhittle.com/2017/02/how-to-get-the-best-fit-off-the-peg.html
      4. ↑ https://elegantlivingeveryday.com/how-to-dress-more-feminine/
      5. ↑ https://www.healthforteens.co.uk/health/looking-after-your-body/personal-hygiene-checklist/
      6. ↑ https://www.healthforteens.co.uk/health/looking-after-your-body/personal-hygiene-checklist/
      7. ↑ https://www.healthforteens.co.uk/health/looking-after-your-body/personal-hygiene-checklist/
      8. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/girly
      9. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/tomboy
      1. ↑ https://hellogiggles.com/the-girly-girl-vs-the-tomboy/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To be a girly girl, keep yourself looking fresh and feminine by bathing daily and keeping your skin moisturized. You can also look your best by keeping your nails manicured and styling your hair every day. Another way to enhance your femininity is to wear perfumes or sweet-smelling deodorants. Wearing makeup can also make you look more girly, so start practicing with the basics, like wearing a little lip gloss and mascara. From there, you can experiment with more elaborate makeup looks. Scroll down for more tips, including how to dress like a girly girl!

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