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How to Dress Sexy Retro Katy Perry Style (but on a budget)

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By Ms Charming
User-Submitted Article
(5 Ratings)
Dress to entice
Dress to entice
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Have you noticed how popular 1940s and 1950s retro pin-up style has become? Noticed how Katy Perry is in nearly every magazine?

Want to know how to dress sexy, classy using the style of the 1940s and 1950s without spending a fortune?

Whether you are dressing for yourself or for your love interest, be confident in whatever it is you are planning on wearing for the day or night. A confident woman is sexy, classy and attention-grabbing.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Blue-Red Lipstick
  • Netural/Nude Eyeshadow
  • Nude-colored Mineral Powder
  • Black Mascara
  • Black Liquid Eye liner
  • Red or even Black Nail Polish for finger & toe nails
  • Peep-toe Heels or Closed-toe Platforms
  • Satin or Poly-Cotton Floral or Solid Colored Curve Grabbing Dress
  • Headband, Haircombs
  • Fun, Spunky Accessories - bright colored bangles or simple stated pearls
  • Hosiery, even Fishnet hosiery (optional)
  1. Step 1
    Retro Beauty Cutie
     
    Retro Beauty Cutie

    Believe it or not, your make-up does make a difference.
    Stick to a natural mineral powder for your entire face, this is essential to have a natural looking canvas.
    Lipstick is a must! Wear a blue-red lipstick, this type of red is popular because it creates a teeth whitening effect.
    Skip the eye shadow, if you can't due to noticeable veins, wear a nude, natural colored eye shadow. Black eye liner, preferably in liquid because it will look smoother over the eye, place a nice medium thick line over the top and leave the lower eye untouched of liner and mascara.
    Black mascara, voluminizing, on the top eye lashes only. A good mascara is Christian Dior Black-out Mascara but for those on a budget Great Lash by Maybelline is still great, too!
    Blush is not necessary because you do not want your cheeks to clash with the red colored lips. If you feel naked without your blush, stick to a bronzer or light, natural colored blush and sweep lightly over your cheeks from under the middle of the eye to the hairline. Do not put blush on the apples of your cheeks.
    Don't forget the simple color of a deep red, or even shiny black, nail polish for your finger and toe nails. Keep the nails short, not over done. Think simple but with color. Try inexpensive brands, like Rimmel, Maybelline or Sally Hansen.

  2. Step 2
    Keep hair simple
     
    Keep hair simple

    The Hair. Ok, let's be realistic here. Not everyone can wear black hair dye and not everyone wants to dye their hair that color just for a fad. Most women wear their hair to their shoulders per Hair Design 2008 study.
    To pull off retro, it is not necessary to take excessive risks with your hair if you are not comfortable with change. A simple plaid or colorful head bead, side hair comb with rhinestones or silk flower, or even a small side-hat that is colorful - can never go wrong with red unless you are a red head then you may want to stick to yellow or black.
    Keep your hair simple and pulled back either one side or both sides leaving the back of your hair down.
    You can find accessories for your hair at different drug stores or Claire's Boutique chain stores in your local malls.

  3. Step 3
    Classy and Sexy
     
    Classy and Sexy

    Think vintage when purchasing clothing. Look for bright colors and fun patterns, like florals and high waist bottoms and outfits cinched at the waist. Even a simple snug satin shirt with a high wasted black skirt would be beautiful and classy.
    Try local consignment or vintage shops in your area when seeking retro clothing. If they do not stock vintage, ask the store to incorporate vintage type of clothing.
    Type of shoe is important because it is one of the finishing touches, go for a platform or a peep-toe pump (black is always great). They do not have to be leather, they can be vinyl and man-made. Shop at Payless Shoe store then try local discount shoe stores in your area.
    Hosiery is optional. Fishnet hosiery is not sleazy and when teamed with the right classy look and shoe so don't rule out the hosiery and even garters with thigh-highs if you are feeling sexy. There are plenty of great eBay sellers who have new, unused designer hosiery, garters and shoes for retro-girls like us. You can find great deals without spending a fortune.

Tips & Warnings
  • When on a budget, try local drugstores, Wal-mart or Target for your make-up.
  • Accessories can showcase your cool, spunky inner diva, i.e., big bangles, neon colors, silk flowers in your hair or pinned on your clothing, or big pearls.
  • Try something unusual with your retro look such as throwing on a pair of sexy mules or pumps in leopard print!
  • Be confident in your clothing because if you are not, it will show and you will not pull off the sexy, classy pin-up style.
  • Know that men will stare at you because they find your feminine style enticing and women will stare with curiosity and even envy.

Comments  

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on 5/11/2009 Thanks for the great article on dressing sexy on a budget. 5*

eresearch said

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on 4/27/2009 This is a great article, alot of wonderful tips. Thanks 5* rec

lezsays said

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on 4/26/2009 Wonderful! These are great beauty tips.

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on 4/21/2009 nice article.

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on 4/21/2009 Interesting beauty article! I love the look of old world glamour. 5*RECOMMEND

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