Looking put together doesn't have to take hours in the morning, or heaps of effort. Most of the time, you can look put together with minimal effort, all you need is strategy! Today, I'm helping you all crack down on your strategy on always looking put together, without sacrificing your precious time!
1. Quality Basics
Do not underestimate the power of having quality basics in your wardrobe! Often times, people think that looking put together requires a plethora of statement pieces and a wardrobe the size of Kylie Jenner's. However, basics are the true underdogs of your closet and you should spend the time developing a good chunk of basic pieces. Having quality basics will not only be helpful when shopping on a budget, but they're often much easier to pair together and you don't need to do any outfit planning to run out of the door.
Check out my recent post on basic wardrobe essentials to help you figure out which basics are the most useful to have in your closet!
2. Statement Jewelry
Throwing on a few pieces of jewelry will never fail you. Personally, I have a few pieces of jewelry that I just never take off (until it's time to clean them, of course). For that purpose exactly, I highly recommend investing in precious metals when jewelry hunting because you'll get more for your money and you won't have to worry about wear & tear. However, if you're not ready to make the full commitment yet, but you still want higher quality pieces, I suggest checking out plated jewelry. Many fashion and trendy jewelry brands offer gold plated jewelry, at a fraction of the cost of gold-filled.
3. Monochrome Outfits
Although they're relatively simple, monochrome outfits always have a way of elevating your look - they make you look chic and like you've got places to go! Two-piece sets are always really convenient to have because they're often monochrome already and they don't take much styling, at all. When amplifying your monochrome outfits, I suggest throwing on a blazer and your favorite sneakers to make your outfit look more put together, with minimal effort!
4. Quality Sunglasses
Honestly, sunglasses are one of the most useful accessories in the fashion world. Not only do they amplify your looks, but they're necessary in protecting your eyes from UV rays, especially in the summer. Now, I'm not saying to go stop by your nearest Chanel store and pick up a pair of $500 sunglasses, but, I would say that finding a pair of sunglasses that match most of your outfits will be super helpful when styling your looks.
5. Layering
Layering isn't just for the fall and winter! Although, I know that summer layering can get pretty difficult because most of the time we just want to throw on a tank top and shorts, and call it a day. However, I encourage you to take the time to find a few pieces that you can layer in the summer without breaking too much of a sweat. Pieces like cardigans, lightweight blazers, and tank tops will come in handy when you want to layer up during the summer months.
Bonus tip: If you want to wear a lightweight blazer during the summer, I recommend pairing it with matching shorts!
6. Quality/Trendy Sneakers
Now, not all of us can afford hopping on the Balenciaga dad-shoe trend, but there are plenty of sneakers out there that have similar a similar look and won't break the bank. Sneakers are essential in your closet because when you're rushing out of the house and looking to just throw on some shoes, they will provide you comfort all day while maintaining your stylish outfit. I suggest getting your hands on a couple white sneakers and a dad-shoe or two - they are the easiest to pair with any outfit.
7. Up Your Nail Game
I understand that weekly and bi-weekly mani-pedi's aren't in the budget for everyone, but it won't hurt to give yourself a fresh paint job when your nails are in desperate need of attention. Stepping up your nail game will not only make you look more put together, but it will also give you a sense of self care that you can integrate into your weekly routine. When deciding which colors to paint your nails, I suggest leaning towards nudes and light pinks - they match everything and usually look the most chic.
8. Skincare/Makeup Routine
When it comes to looking put together, your face has to be one of your main focuses. Personally, I believe that developing the perfect skincare routine for your skin is the most important because your face is the focal point of your body. Having a good base for your makeup is also super important so that your makeup will apply easier and look cleaner. For your makeup routine, it's usually better to go with the "less is more" mantra - your skin will thank you for it later.
Check out my skincare routine on YouTube to see how I take care of my skin in just 3 steps every morning!
9. Statement Bags
Often times, your bag is what gets most of the attention when it comes to your outfit. Taking the time to find a few nice simple, but elegant, bags will benefit you in the future because you will be able to pair them with any outfit. When I'm on the hunt for a new simple bag, I often go for the 90's shoulder bag - they're the perfect size to fit what I need, without carrying my whole house with me, and they match essentially every outfit (especially if they're black). Statement bags are nice to have because even if you're wearing a simple outfit, your bag will pick up the slack and elevate your outfit to the next level!
Check out my post on popular designer bag dupes if you're in need of guidance on which bags to buy for statement pieces!
10. Go-To Easy Hairstyle
Hair styles are usually what people struggle the most with when it comes to looking put together every day. I think that finding the perfect go-to simple hairstyle will be super beneficial because you won't have to think too much about your hair in the morning; you'll already have your mental library of easy styles! Usually, throwing your hair up in a low bun, adding clips, or putting your hair in a messy ponytail are the safest bets when it comes to easy hairstyles.
What do you usually do to help yourself look more put together?
Until next time,
xoxo
"Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path"
Psalms 119:105