How to Get the Girl Next Door Look

The girl-next-door is the cute, fun, and drama-free girl who used to be "one of the guys," but now the guys find her desirable. She’s got a natural sweetness about her that’s evident when she walks into the room. If you want to achieve the girl-next-door look, apply your makeup conservatively, wear clothes that are both casual and attractive, and give your hair a soft, loose curl.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Applying Girl-Next-Door Makeup

Download Article

1
Even out your skin tone with a light coat of foundation. The purpose of foundation is to cover up any discolored areas so that they blend in with the rest of your face. Focus on accomplishing this goal while applying a powder or an airy liquid foundation, and be conservative with the amount you use.
- Make sure to blend well with a makeup brush or sponge.
- The goal is to look natural, so avoid applying foundation in a thick, cakey way.^{[1]XResearch source}
Since you’re going for a more subtle look, aim to tame your eyebrows instead of giving them a dramatic, dark shape. Simply fill in your brows lightly where necessary and use a brush to create a nice manicured arch.
Advertisement
3
Apply one light coat of mascara. Instead of plumping up your lashes, just give them a quick coat of mascara to provide a touch of contrast.^{[2]XResearch source} Using mascara conservatively will give you a nice middle ground between over-dramatic and bare.
- Opt for brown mascara or just a lash tint to create an even more subtle and soft contrast.^{[3]XResearch source}
Get a soft pink or peach blush that looks very natural in color. Apply it to the apples of your cheeks as you smile by making circular motions with a blush brush. Then, take a clean makeup brush and blend the blush into the rest of your face in order to achieve a naturally soft, sweet look.
Use a small, soft brush and apply a couple swipes of highlighter to the bridge of your nose, the peaks of your cheekbones, your cupid’s bow, and just underneath your eyebrows. Be sure to blend these highlighted areas into the rest of your face with a clean, fluffy makeup brush. Highlighter will give your face an attractive, bright shimmer.
6
Use a creamy lipstick that’s close to your natural lip color. It’s best to go with a subtle and soft pink lipstick that blends well with your lips in order to achieve the girl-next-door look. Using your finger, apply the lipstick more heavily towards the center of your lips and more subtly towards the outside edges.
- Try to stay away from any matte lipsticks or bright or dark colors because they’ll look intense and unnatural.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Wearing Girl-Next-Door Clothes

Download Article

Take a fitted low-cut shirt from club to coffee shop by throwing a loose-fitting cardigan overtop. This clothing combination creates a girl-next-door balance that’s both casual and sensual.^{[4]XResearch source}
Lose the flashy, chunky, glitzy jewelry and instead go with a simple piece that fits with just about everything you wear. Wearing a subtle piece of jewelry makes you look much more laid back while still adding a pretty accessory to your outfit.^{[5]XResearch source}
Soft, warm colors such as baby pink or canary yellow are sure to make you look sweet and cute. Wear this to an evening get-together in the summertime.^{[6]XResearch source}
4
Wear a chunky sweater with sneakers and jeans. In the winter time, go for a cute and cozy vibe by pairing your favorite fitted jeans with a pair of Chuck Taylors and a big comfy sweater.
- Throw on a headband to add some sweetness to this outfit.^{[7]XResearch source}
The girl-next-door style is sweet, simple and comfortable, so your accessories should reflect that as well. Try wearing a pair of white Keds and a solid-colored scarf while carrying a plain brown leather handbag. Stay away from intensely high heels, designer items, and busy colors or patterns.^{[8]XExpert SourceKalee Hewlett
Image ConsultantExpert Interview. 23 April 2019.}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Doing Your Hair

Download Article

Wash oily hair everyday but only wash non-oily hair every other day. Use conditioner after shampoo and give dry hair some extra moisture by using a leave-in conditioner. Use a deep conditioner once or twice a month.
You’ll need to make sure that your hair is completely dry before you begin styling it. If you have some time, you can towel dry your hair or just let it air dry. Blow your hair dry with a hair dryer if you’re in a rush.
Before using any heat-producing hair tools, such as curling irons, ensure hair healthiness by using a protectant spray.^{[9]XResearch source} Divide your hair into small sections and spray the protectant on each section one at a time while holding the spray bottle about 6 inches (15cm) away from your hair. Then, give it about 5 minutes to dry.^{[10]XResearch source}
Clamp your straightener down on a small chunk of your hair about a third of the way down the strand. While keeping it clamped on the hair, rotate the straightener all the way around once so that the strand wraps around the straightener. Then, loosen the clamp very slightly while pulling the straightener downward until the strand of hair is free. Repeat this process on all of your hair and you’ll have a soft, attractive, effortless-looking hairstyle.^{[11]XResearch source}
After curling all of your hair, carefully run your hands through your soft curls for about 10-15 seconds to make your hair looks a little more natural.^{[12]XResearch source} Don’t be too aggressive or extensive with this or you may make your hair straight or frizzy.
Once your hair is the way you want it to look, hold a can of hairspray nearly a foot away from your head (30cm) and keep it constantly in motion as you quickly coat your hair. Using hairspray will help your curls stay in tact all day long.^{[13]XResearch source}
Take a small piece of your hair that’s on your hairline and near your part. Twist it, pull it towards the back half of your head, and secure it away from your face with a couple bobby pins or a clip for an extra cute final touch.^{[14]XResearch source}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
What does the girl next door look mean?
Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’
Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Expert Answer
It's that sort of traditional, laid-back look that's all about keeping things simple and sleek. It's kind of associated with a suburban, preppy ethos too.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 7
Question
What does every girl-next-door wardrobe need?
Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’
Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Expert Answer
The key capsule closet pieces are absolutely essential. Black pants, a trendy trench coat, skinny jeans, leggings, a simple rollneck, and a white top. Keep things simple, classic, and clean. Avoid the busy and bold prints, and stay away from crazy colors.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5
Question
Do you need to be close to boys to be a girl next door?
Community Answer
Typically, a girl next door can get along well with guys because she's laid back, casual and easy going. If you want to be viewed as the girl-next-door, try hanging out with some potential guy friends and acting this way around them.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 9 Helpful 26

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Regular exercise is a natural remedy to keep your skin and hair healthy and glowing.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0
Smile a lot. It softens any mood and it's contagious.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Having the girl-next-door look and the girl-next door personality are two different things. If you want to actually be the girl-next-door, you many also have to make some adjustments to your attitude. Be sweet, low-key, and friendly to fit the girl-next door personality as well.
Thanks
Helpful14 Not Helpful2