If I’m being honest, people who actually iron or steam their clothes before wearing them are on the next level. I envy them, you envy them, we all envy them. And we may even try to emulate them. But when we are unable to find the motivation to de-wrinkle our clothes the proper way, we turn to the next best method—the dryer.
Rumpled clothes are not cute. So if you’re debating on whether or not to leave the house in that wrinkled linen blazer set—don’t. De-wrinkle by tossing the garments into the dryer with a damp washcloth or hand towel. This will create the steam needed to eliminate wrinkles quickly and efficiently.
This should go without saying…but chipped nail polish is not professional. If you’re taking the time to look put together, you mustn’t neglect your nails. Lots of people (including myself) are guilty of wearing chipped nail polish at one time or another. Redoing polish takes time, effort, and/or money. It’s understandable that it happens every now and again, but it shouldn’t happen consistently.
To combat chipped nails, I recommend either getting them professionally painted so your manicure lasts longer, or painting them yourself—preferably a light or neutral shade—so that chips aren’t as noticeable. This way, you’ll always look and feel your best.
Trying to pull yourself together isn’t always easy. Thankfully, lipstick is the answer to the majority of your problems. It’s a go-to beauty product that can change your look and turn your entire day around. Even if you’re only wearing lipstick, you’ll feel like you’ve got yourself together.
Find a signature lip color that you love—the bolder, the better! Keep it with you at all times and swipe it on in moments of need. The pigmentation will instantly brighten your complexion and make you look glam. If you’d rather use a more neutral lipstick, try a natural gloss. You’ll still look like you put in the effort (even though the effort was minimal).
Of all the tips and tricks, this is one of the most useful. Investing in a quality under-eye concealer could change your life (not really, but you know what I mean). This is because concealers are able to hide dark circles, neutralize redness, and brighten under-eye circles. By finding a concealer that works for you, you’ll be able to achieve a natural makeup look in seconds.
If you stumble out of bed and are running short on time, don’t sacrifice your concealer. With the help of a beauty blender, you can quickly and easily apply concealer and look more awake. The light-reflecting ingredients will shine through, allowing you to look you best.
Yes, wearing colorful and eccentric clothing pieces can be exhilarating. But if you’re attempting to look and feel like an adult, I recommend purchasing a plethora of neutral clothing pieces. They’re easy to mix and match and they never go out of style.
2020’s monochrome trend is all about wearing neutrals in an effortless and fashion-forward way. Looking put together has never been easier. All you have to do is invest in clothing pieces that are white, cream, beige, champagne, brown, black, and/or grey. Cozy knits, chic blazers, trendy blouses, and tailored trousers and denim in these shades are sure to please. You’ll be able to create outfits you love in record time.
This may seem intuitive, but actually wearing pants is a simple way to look put together, especially if you usually wear sweatpants or leggings the majority of the time. Don’t get me wrong—I value comfort as much as the next girl, but leave the athleisure to the gym. No one wants to see you roll up to work or to class in sweats.
When you grow up and become an adult, you’re expected to upgrade your wardrobe. It’s an unspoken rule, but a rule you should follow nonetheless. This doesn’t mean you need to purchase brand name clothing or expensive accessories, but that you need to invest in tailored trousers and fitted denim. You’ll be surprised how put together these garments make you feel!
Accessorizing allows for personal expression—and I’m all about that. Next time you’re planning out an outfit, also plan out what accessories you want to wear as well. This will ensure you don’t forget this part of your wardrobe. Bracelets, necklaces, rings, watches, belts, hats, scarves, and purses can completely reinvent and add to an outfit.
Adding accessories is especially ideal if you’re choosing to wear mostly neutral tones. Different textures, colors, and styles will allow your accessories to make a statement. Accessorizing can also save you money in the long run. Instead of purchasing new clothing pieces, swap accessories to change the look of an outfit. You’ll be put together and financially savvy.
If you detest lengthy beauty routines, I’m here to let you know that you can still look put together without spending 30+ minutes a day on your makeup. All you have to do is focus on your lashes and brows. With the help of an eyebrow pencil and tube of mascara, you can completely transform your look. For brows, I recommend the Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyebrow Pencil. For lashes, I love the L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara.
For those that want even less of a makeup routine, there’s always the option of microblading, lash and brow tinting, lash lifting, and/or lash extending. These are semi-permanent cosmetic procedures that keep lashes and brows looking their best. If you’re willing to splurge on these types of beauty procedures, you can significantly cut down time spent on makeup!
Most people have a signature or “go-to” hairstyle. This is a hairstyle that’s easily mastered and extremely flattering. By having a signature style, you can almost always prevent the chaos of a bad hair day. For me, I love loose, wavy locks. I can create this look in a matter of minutes. It’s quick and consistent.
In addition to having a signature hairstyle that you wear on the good days to look put together…you should also have a go-to hairstyle for the not-so-good days. This is the hairstyle you wear when you’re feeling under the weather or when your hair looks greasier than socially acceptable. A quick top knot or a loose, low ponytail will suffice. And if that doesn’t work, use dry shampoo—one of my favorite secret weapons for looking put together!
One of my must-have clothing pieces is a blazer. In fact, I have multiple blazers in my closet—and I love and wear them all. This is because blazers are versatile. They’re trendy, chic, and powerful. Why wouldn’t you want to wear blazers on a regular basis? And this just in! They’re no longer just for the office, they’ve become a staple on the street style scene.
In order to look put together, wear a blazer. An oversized blazer can dress up a simple tee, jeans, and sneakers. A graphic tee can be layered underneath a blazer and paired with denim and heels. And a blazer dress can be worn with sneakers or heels. Because there are so many ways to wear them, your outfits will always be fresh and new.
Nothing slows your morning down like trying to decide on an outfit last minute. You’ll try on multiple outfit combinations before leaving late and in a disarray. And when you return home after a long day of work or school, your room will be littered with clothes from your frantic morning try-on session—and we all know you won’t have the motivation to put all those clothing items back on hangers!
To remedy this bad habit, check tomorrow’s weather and plan your outfit, shoes, and accessories in advance. By doing this, you’ll save yourself time and energy. If you’re really ambitious, you’ll even iron or steam wrinkled clothing items that you plan to wear.
Research shows that there’s a strong connection between music and emotions. That being said, listening to your favorite artists and songs in the morning is both therapeutic and mood-boosting. What was once known only as a source of entertainment has become a source of positivity for physical, mental, and emotional health.
As you get ready for the day, pour a cup of coffee and put on your favorite playlist. When your mood improves, so does your outlook on life. Others will see your positivity and happiness as a strength and you’ll ultimately look and feel your best.
To finish a look, add a spritz of fragrance. Perfume is an easy way to make it look like you have your life together. People will begin to imagine that you actually wake up smelling that nice. Even if you’re not wearing any makeup, wearing a sweet scent will automatically earn you points.
If you’re really trying to commit to the whole “put together” persona, invest in a scent you love and wear it daily. Having a signature scent is on a whole other level. As long as you wear just enough (and not too much), people will begin to associate you with that fragrance.
It’s likely you’ve heard confidence is attractive. That’s because it’s true. According to studies, people with self-confidence are perceived as more attractive than those who lack confidence. This psychological belief will automatically make you look and feel your best. Not only will you notice your change in mood and appearance, but others will too.
Because self-confidence and self-esteem are closely related, there are many ways to improve both. In the United States, self-confidence and self-esteem are based primarily on achievement. So, if you achieve these goals and follow this guide to looking more put together, it’s likely you’ll experience an influx of self-confidence! While looking put together is important, feeling put together is the most important. I’m rooting for you!
If you’re wanting to start your day the right way, consider creating a custom morning routine. Try waking up at different times to see what works best for you and your schedule. The time it takes to put on makeup, fix hair, and get dressed varies person to person.
Because everyone is different, I can’t give you an exact routine that will work for you. For example, I wake up, make my bed, brew my coffee, and drink said coffee while doing my hair and makeup. That’s what works for me. Take the time to figure out what works best for you!
You’ve probably heard the statement “comfort is key” more than once. That’s because it’s true, comfort is important. If you want to look and feel your best, you need to be comfortable. If you’ve ever worn an uncomfortable pair of shoes, it’s doubtful you looked your best. That’s because you couldn’t think of anything but the pain you were feeling.
Unfortunately, many women confuse comfort with laziness. Being comfortable does not mean being sloppy. There are ways to look both comfortable and trendy. I recommend investing in clothing pieces and shoes that make you feel your best. You’ll be a lot happier and look way more put together when you dress with comfort in mind.
Have you ever spilled coffee on your white blouse when at work? Or been out with friends and realized that your face is oilier than normal? Let’s face it. These types of things happen to everyone from time to time. To prevent immediate panic and worry during these moments, keep an emergency tool kit on hand.
I always keep my emergency tool kit in my bag, that way it’s with me at all times! In that tool kit, I carry: a travel size bottle of dry shampoo, safety pins, a stick of deodorant, a Tide To-Go pen, a hair brush, a bottle of pain reliever, a pressed powder, a tube of mascara, and a pack of bandaids.
There are many essentials that I recommend keeping in your purse, but I won’t overwhelm you with all of them. Instead, I will stress the importance of always carrying a pair of sunglasses with you. It doesn’t matter if it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter—a flattering pair of sunglasses are essential.
Sunglasses are first and foremost intended to protect the eyes. Light-sensitivity is a very real thing and wearing sunglasses helps protect the eyes from UV damage. As if that’s not reason enough to keep sunglasses on hand, they’re the ideal accessory for those wanting to instantly look more “put together.” Let’s say you don’t have time to use an under-eye concealer or lengthening mascara one morning. Wear sunglasses and no one will know the difference!
Finding a focus is one of the most important ways to look more put together. No, this doesn’t physically enhance your outer appearance, but by spending time doing something you love, you become a calmer, better, and more put-together version of yourself.
There are many ways to focus on yourself. And it doesn’t matter if you take this time to practice mindfulness before beginning your day or after ending your day. Meditation, yoga, and fitness classes are physical ways to focus on yourself. Writing, reading, and journaling are mental ways to focus on yourself. Find what works for you and make alone time a priority!
This may seem tedious, but keeping a cardigan or sweater in your bag or in your car will change your life. Invest in a neutral cardigan or sweater that you love. It will definitely be a clothing piece that you’ll get your use out of.
You’ll feel like you have it all together when you’re cold and in need of another layer. We’ve all experienced a chilly day at the office or an evening when the temperature drops. It’s times like these that your emergency cardigan will be put to good use!
An essential part of looking put together is actually being put together. As someone who sees organization as a way of life, I’ve always organized my thoughts into lists. For others, this might not be as natural. If you don’t typically make to-do lists, it’s time to start.
There’s no feeling like crossing and checking items off of your to-do list. I recommend making one every morning so you can keep yourself on track throughout the day. Nothing feels better than crossing and checking items off of your list!
You wouldn’t believe what a difference good posture makes. Standing and sitting up straight is an easy way to look and feel more confident. And the best part is that good posture matters. It increases range of motion, improves muscle strength, and positively affects balance.
In addition to being conscious of your posture, there are exercises you can do to improve your posture. Balance workouts are a great way to address posture issues, as well as core strength activities and stretches that increase flexibility.
If you want to look like you always have your life together, start by only buying clothing pieces that you absolutely love. Why add items to your wardrobe that you don’t plan on wearing very often? It’s a waste of money. Instead, only buy outfits and clothing pieces that you plan to wear often.
To do this, shop with intentionality. Think about what items you’ll actually wear on a regular basis and what items can be mixed and matched to create new outfits. I recommend splurging on a few closet staples (a trendy pair of denim, a white button-down, an oversized blazer, a pair of fitted trousers…) so you can wear and rewear these items a 100 times!
Part of looking put together is looking trendy. If you don’t already keep up with current trends, I’m here to help. Let’s start with denim. Nice denim is an investment. The majority of my “beloved” denim pieces have cost me more than $100. That being said, this is the denim that lasts.
If you’re needing a new pair of jeans, be bold and experiment with a new style of denim that you can wear for years to come. Trade in your skinny jeans for something new and fresh! High-waisted, straight leg, cropped and flared, and raw-hemmed jeans are so in right now.
While some tees and sweaters are cute untucked, others just look sloppy when worn loose. With that being said, I recommend half-tucking oversized tees and sweaters so that you look more put together.
If you’ve never heard of the half-tuck (or the front-tuck), let me explain! It’s when you tuck in the extra fabric of your tee or sweater into your jeans, trousers, skirts, or shorts. This keeps your shirt from looking baggy by giving you the silhouette of a waist. To look even more put together, add a trendy belt to your outfit. The half-tuck will allow it to be seen.
I know what you’re thinking—a lint roller of all things? Yes. I rarely leave the house without my mini lint roller. It may seem silly to keep one with me at all times, but I can’t even tell you how useful it’s been.
It’s especially useful if you’re like me and wear black on the regular. I’m the worst about lint-rolling my clothes before leaving the house. Most of the time, I don’t even notice the lint, fuzz, or dog hair until I’m in my car in the sunlight. And this is where the lint roller comes in! It always keeps me looking put together.
Earlier, I mentioned the importance of keeping a bottle of dry shampoo in your emergency tool kit. This tip is for the women who either dislike dry shampoo or don’t have any on hand. When you’re having a bad hair day or you’ve gone too many days without washing your hair—add a hat to your outfit.
Hats are the perfect solution to bad hair days. They cover up uncooperative hair in mere seconds. I recommend investing in a classic black fedora and a tan rancher hat. These will instantly make you look like a trendy woman who has her sh*t together.
If your wardrobe is feeling dull and in need of an update, purchase a new pair of shoes. Looking put together isn’t difficult if you follow the right advice. And a new pair of mules, heels, or platform sneakers can make all the difference.
I say this because feeling put together usually makes you look more put together. So if you’re not vibing with your current wardrobe, updating your shoe collection is an easy way to transform your closet. All outfits look different with a new pair of shoes. And you can never have too many pairs of shoes…right?
As tedious as it is, having your clothing tailored is so worth it. I especially recommend this if you struggle to find clothes that fit properly. You definitely don’t need to have your entire closet tailored, but there are some pieces that you probably use a little extra help.
Tailoring dress pants, blazers, and dresses is key to looking put together. These are professional clothing pieces that need to fit properly. By getting them tailored to your body, you’re ensuring that you’ll look your very best when wearing them.
Pinterest is one of my favorite apps. And if you already have it downloaded on one of your devices, create a Pinterest board that you can look to for fashion inspiration. This will become your new best friend.
Having a virtual board of inspiration will allow you to curate your own style. You’ll get ideas of what you love and what you don’t love. And then you can buy pieces similar to the ones you find! It’s a great way to keep your wardrobe trendy and fresh. With your newfound inspo, you’ll look and feel better than you have in years.
