How to AVOID OVERDRESSING | Dress to impress… not excess!

Hello everyone! This week's video is an answer to many of your comments asking how to look chic and elegant, but not over the top. So I thought I'd share with you a few tips on how to avoid overdressing. It's a delicate topic as the balance between dressing to impress and dressing to excess can be hard to achieve, but just like with any other style conundrum, with a few rules and a touch of moderation anyone can look their best, while also not looking out of place.
Hope you enjoy it!
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00:00 Intro
02:04 How to look chic in the country
06:27 Dress appropriately in a formal setting
08:33 How to deal with a work uniform
10:49 Understated travel outfits

[@GlamorousGirlyGurl]

Never dim your light. People would always say how dressed up I was, even if I had on jeans and a nice shirt. They're just mad because they don't know how to pull it together like you do. Ultimately, they end up copying you. Why would I want to go around in yoga pants or plaid every day? Ewwww 🥱

[@yasamansadri1893]

Absolutely 👍👌🏻

[@kathrynnielson5689]

Such a good video. I used to tutor non-native English speakers and had an Italian student who was frustrated because she was always getting comments from Americans and other non-natives about how she was overdressed when for her the way she dressed was completely natural. I used to love the days I would meet with her for English lessons because I couldn't wait to see what she would be wearing! After she had been here (the US) a while, she "toned" it down in the sense that she would wear the quintessential American legging outfit, but she looked a thousand times better than the way the locals were wearing that because of the Italian flair her outfits had. It was really something, and I'll tell you, my wardrobe game improved drastically. I quit going out looking like I hadn't tried, retired some old pieces that really shouldn't have been allowed in public, etc. I loved that about her, and it annoyed me that people gave her such a hard time.

[@teresanash-mcneil-hf1fo]

Elegance and smartness is always the right choice.

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

Truer words have never been spoken!

[@sparklie962]

I can relate to Agatha as a fellow Canadian. Out here on the west coast there's an almost aggressively casual vibe - alas running tights / yoga pants and a t shirt are go-to outfits for every occasion. A few years ago I just couldn't stand plastic clothes any more - and began collecting better made/better quality clothes. Yes, I do attract comments - but I"m old enough not to be intimidated by that grade 9 Mean Girl vibe. As I've stuck it out, more and more colleagues and friends have been inspired to pick up better quality pieces and explore their own style too. As others here have said, it's ok not to dress down to fit in if that's not your personal taste - maybe there are others who just need one ally to go for it themselves!

[@carlsenlifeafter60carlsen11]

When I was younger, I went to Oregon, and I had people ask me where are you going? I was in white jeans and a blouse and tennis shoes I was dressed very casually,I thought . It is the other person‘s insecurity I think is why they ask the question. Now that I’m 68 I could care less what people think I dress very nice and that’s what I like.😊🇺🇸

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

Hi Carlsen! Honestly, if a person is remarking on how you're dressed in a non-positive, passive-aggressive way, they're probably not very elegant to start with, right? I guess it's important to know how to not overdress, but it's even more important to not dim your light to make others feel better about themselves 😉

[@JaneCrossan]

I have also had rude comments about being well put together. I wear jeans most of the time but I still make sure I have on a nice top and jewellery and comfy but stylish shoes and bag. My outfit probably costs less than some of the complainers. I just make a bit more of an effort. I'm now at an age where I'm always going to dress to suit myself. My husband encourages me to be the best "me" that I can be 😊

[@rochellea9652]

Absolutely

[@mtngrl5859]

I'm one of your more mature viewers, when I was growing up in the 1970's, always had a scarf around my low pony tail. I live in the country and one can easily look stylish for the lifestyle. My outer coats are high quality in a hue that matches my complexion. Same with fabrics and textiles of my garments.

[@seattlegirl2077]

I live in Seattle which is a major city with lots of big tech. It is a very casual city full of young people in jeans and minimal makeup. I stand out like a sore thumb!

[@JaneCrossan]

Please don't lower your standards to make other people look better ❤

[@seattlegirl2077]

@@JaneCrossan That's a nice reply! I don't want people to think I'm acting superior to them especially because I'm older. I'm afraid they'll take it the wrong way.

[@americafirst9144]

I finally got all my scarf boxes into one area and neatly stacked. And ordered more storage boxes. Yippee! Getting dressed will be so much easier now.

[@ecik4157]

I totally understand Agata. I’m Polish as we living abroad but like for me I’m “old enough “ to wear what fits me, what’s make me happy. I seriously hate Tshirt and jeans. And feel uncomfortable in casual/sporty clothes. Also I noticed that people who are telling you that you are overdressed are those who feels uncomfortable about their outfit. And I’m wearing very basic, classic and always black clothes. Makeup and jewelry is “doing the job” I guess. Everyone should wear what they like with respect to the common sense of respect for others and rules of the country they are at

[@user-uo1tz3yc9e]

I just adore you and love your tips and tricks. Thank you so much for sharing❤

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

Anneli thank you! That’s so kind ☺️

[@janine8381]

I love overdressing

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

You go Janine! I bet you look fabulous 😉

[@celiathirlwall3329]

me too!

[@ecik4157]

Yessss! Why to spend money on Tshirts and legging when you can buy yourself something beautiful and feel great. Even worse I know people who has a lot of beautiful pieces but they are scared to wear it because they are afraid of being overdressed!

[@adelolaadebo5868]

Great video. I struggled with this when I started my recent job, where everyone dresses so casually. Had to learn to tone it down but keep it stylish still.

[@williamkazak469]

A brilliant presentation. Very good style tips for any woman. I love your videos.

[@laylaw88]

Love your videos and choice of background music.

[@teresahalliday3680]

Great video...great advice!! Yes, I agree that Josie has really a very nice channel.

[@celiathirlwall3329]

Another great video, Mariana! I love your topics! I used to wear scrubs to work. A no brainer to get dressed each day but I always felt like I was wearing a potato sack! I'm happily retired and dress up as much as I want! Love it!!

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

Hi Celia! A new chapter in your fashion life: retired and fa-bu-lous!!!

[@robynwells8249]

Great video, there is a balance in over and under dressing. Often times, depending on the situation, over dressing can be off putting to those you are around and under dressing can be seen as disrespectful. I work in an environment where the dress is very casual but I prefer a more business casual attire so I opt for something in the middle. Thank you for the video recommendations. I watched some of both and have to say Josie’s at home wear is more aligned to mine. I live in kind of the country and I’m always getting dirty so super fancy girly clothes just doesn’t cut it. Somehow, trimming shrubs in 90 degree weather in dresses or nice pants just doesn’t work and sneakers or gardening shoes are a must.

[@lorianderson1179]

Amal Clooney is my style all the way! Love her style

[@fab50]

I love your videos they make my Saturday mornings so pleasant. ❤

[@kathleenkalt3852]

Before I traveled from the U. S. to Paris last year, I watched lots of videos showing Paris fashion. But, usually, I watch videos of people in Milan because nobody does it better than Italians.

[@isabel6554]

Great tips! I’m back from my trip and catching up on the videos I missed 😊

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

Welcome back! 😊

[@Lisa-sp5if]

Oh my gosh, I love you. I think out of the many KZbinrs I watch about history or fashion, I think you are such a natural in front of the camera. You are very witty and very wise. My husband and I are just getting ready to go to the UK for two weeks, and you better believe that I have been scouring British KZbinrs, and what to wear in Europe, and what to wear in Europe in Spring… All the things! Great, great advice, and thank you!

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

Hi Lisa! I'm so glad you like the videos 😊 Oh, how fun that you're going to the UK! I've been to London once (a looong time ago) and since then have added so many other UK places to my bucket list. My dream is to go to the magnificent Scottish Highlands. Hope you have a blast (and let me know what you wear 😉)!

[@santafilipina9020]

I would say the same thing about makeup. Unless you are a Las Vegas show girl, the overdone face is out of place in most situations.

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

Agree 100%! Especially considering that most of us don't have the skills to make a heavy face of makeup look good.

[@AliciaGomez-pp8re]

Thank u

[@reiloveable]

You are a perfect blend of brains with beauty. Elegant beautiful girl 🌷

[@agataczajkowski1096]

Hello, Agata here. I’m so glad that my comment was an inspiration for this video. You gave us great tips. I noticed that Eastern Europeans have a tendency to exaggerate the fashion and makeup. We also flash logos more often then westerners. It’s the years we lived under communism regimes that didn’t allow us access to western fashion houses. This mentality is hard to overcome. I love how you elegantly guide us through fashion, emphasizing quality versus logos

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

Hi Agata, and thank you for the inspiration for the video. I can absolutely attest to this "overcompensation" you've mentioned. In Brazil where I'm from, a country that's gone through a lot of economic instability, there's also a lot of flashiness and exaggeration going on once you reach a certain status. It's like a badge of honor in a way, of what someone managed to accomplish and overcome. It's really interesting to see, especially compared to Italy, where I'm now... how culture and history have such a deeper impact than we realise.

[@joannanaj5397]

That's a sweeping generalisation, and respectfully, I will have to disagree with you, Agata. I think it rather is a question of social class, self-awareness and priorities in life. When was the last time you were in Poland? I am from Poland, also lived in the UK for 10 years, travelled most of Europe, and your comment is rather incorrect. If you look at streets of Warsaw, or any smaller cities, you will see some fashion trend-driven styles, but you will also see that a lot of women are dressed elegantly, modestly, and in neutrals (copying their guru Kasia Tusk). So please, it's time to put to rest any stereotypes you might have about Polish women. Ukrainian women on Polish streets, that's a different topic.

[@estellasalmi9409]

Indeed, I can spot Russian women miles away. They have a very hyper feminine style and heavy make-up.

[@Neidytrozeski]

Or just move to a place where you are appreciated 💕

[@ohjinmyoung7350]

hmm. i dress as i please. people do not care much what i wear.

[@MarianaZelenjuk]

More power to you 💁🏻‍♀️

[@cassandrawest1784]

I don’t think there is such thing as overdressing. Unless you were to do something like wear a gown to the beach which I am sure people wouldn’t really do . I like dressing to suit myself . I had so-called friends call me overdressed for wearing an outfit from the thrift store which is absurd. I lived in jeans and sweats during covid and wanted to feel better about myself .