I grew up in Latvia, where looking presentable is a priority for many women, similar to other Baltic and Slavic countries.
I remember looking at my godmother when I was little (and even now!) and thinking – how does she always look so good? It is not just about the clothing but generally “being put together” – she always had some nice accessories, neat clothes, and a lovely perfume. Even as a small child, I always wanted to be like her when I grew up. And as a grown adult, I have asked her and many other Baltic women this question: how do you always look so good?
I have a huge privilege of living in Lithuania, so I have insights of two countries where I gather fashion, and lifestyle advice from women that know how it is done in generations. Let’s be honest, it is commonly agreed that Baltic and Slavic women are known to be one of the most beautiful in the world. So let’s discuss – what are the secrets of these women?
Looking great is not about buying something new every weekend. Historically,most women in our countries owned fewer clothes (as there simply were not many available), took care of what they had, and mixed timeless pieces in ways that always looked polished. When I spoke to my grandmother, she told me after WWII they had two dresses each and swapped with her sisters. All the make-up they had was some beetroot as a blush and lipstick two in one. But even then, it was a priority to do everything in order to look good that was possible.
Nowadays, we have much more available – even too much. So how do you choose what you need in order to look good? Here are the main advices I gathered from women in Baltics:
Timeless capsule wardrobe
It is not about quantity but quality. You do not need to have a new outfit every single day. Planning outfits can be exhausting and overwhelming at times. Therefore, it is better to buy fewer pieces but of good quality that can serve you for years and are timeless pieces. What are these? In my list, I would name some of these – good leather boots, nice woolen coat, good quality (thick) cotton T-shirts, some jeans (Levi’s is perfect, and did you know it has Latvian roots?). Over time you can build a capsule wardrobe, which includes some crucial timeless pieces in each season (wool scarf in winter or loafers for summer).
Tailoring
Historically, Baltic women really believed in tailoring. Depending on where you are based, this could be introduced in your own fashion journey by getting a tailor or even high street fashion brands like Zara offering tailored pieces. My mother has always believed that nothing can look better than a great tailored suit. I have bought three tailored suits (wait for discounts to buy a full suit under 100eur in Zara or Mango – yes, it is possible!), and I have gotten countless compliments over the years.
Accessories
Baltic women believe that accessories are even more important than the outfit itself. And you do not have to wear diamonds to look good. Nice neat accessories – earrings, watch, bag or even a silk scarf may be the main “cherry on the cake” that make your outfit just perfect! Here you have so much space to add your own personality. Vintage accessories, bohemian style or trends right now – anything will work in just the right amount. I am a little addicted to accessories, which can affect my pocket. This is when I first really considered Vinted, and I have never looked back. Vinted is the best saviour for second – hand shopping for me. High – quality capsule pieces, accessories and shoes for a good price – Vinted is the right place to be.
The most important reason to use Vinted is the opportunity to buy pieces in best quality (cotton, wool, silk, cashmere and others) from brands that usually cost a fortune. Did you know that I bought a Canada Goose winter coat for 15 euros that usually costs 1500+ euros? I have worn this coat for two seasons now, and it has been my best purchase on Vinted so far. I will tell you share some other time of the most efficient ways how to shop on Vinted.
Advice for an elegant look
This general advice is one I have received from Latvian and Lithuanian women that can really help your overall look to look better.
- Clean nails. Baltic women are huge fans of manicures and nail appointments for that clean nail look. However, for your elegant look on budget, just a clean nail (transparent colour) and home manicure will do nicely. Amazon has some nice manicure kits that you can purchase to keep your nails neat.
- Clean and well kept hair. I was growing up with my mum taking care of my hair from the age of three. She used henna natural hair colour to keep my hair strong and beautiful. And it really was. That taught me to take care of my hair all my life – from masks and heat protection, to rollers and blowout look that will be the final “accessory” of your final look
- Your body is your look. It is not a secret that Baltic and Slavic women keep themselves in a great shape. This is not only for overall health reasons but also to be able to wear simple outfits and still look great in them. Sport and nutrition are key ingredients for this. Visit my recipe page for simple, nutritious and delicious timeless recipes from Latvian cookbooks that my grandmother left me.
True style has never been about owning the most clothes or following every new trend. It’s about choosing quality over quantity, taking care of what you already have, and wearing pieces that make you feel confident. A well-planned capsule wardrobe, thoughtful second-hand finds, healthy habits, and attention to the little details—like neat nails, clean shoes, and a genuine smile—will always outshine a wardrobe full of impulse purchases.
At SimpleWaysLiving, I believe that living well doesn’t mean spending more. It means making smarter choices, embracing timeless style, and finding beauty in simplicity. Together, we’ll explore practical ways to build a beautiful life—one outfit, one recipe, and one thoughtful decision at a time.
Read my Creamy Spinach Mashed Potatoes recipe.
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