We both know those women who always look put together, right? It always seems like they’re not even trying hard. Effortless…yeah, that’s the perfect word to describe it. I always wondered how they do it and, especially, how they must have way more time than I. Until I figured it out.
Because let’s be real for a second here. Looking put together is not all about your style. I mean, just look at the women whom you consider put together. It’s also about their aura and the way they carry themselves.
The good news is that it doesn’t take as much time to look the part. What takes way more time and effort is your aura, for sure, because that has more to do with your inner world. In this post, we’ll focus more on looking the part, but at the end, I’ll also give you some tips on how to work on your aura.
Here Are 18+ Simple Ways to Always Look Put Together
Fresh & Polished: Good Hygiene Is a Must
First things first: no great outfit can cover up a bad smell. Yes, it can be daunting to find the energy in you to take a shower after a long day. But there’s no way around it. And let’s be honest, you’ll never regret it. Ever.
Now, you don’t need to have an entire wash program and spend 30 minutes in the shower every day. 5-10 minutes is all it takes to feel fresh and clean again.
By the way, you also don’t need any fancy shower gels because the scent fades way too quickly anyway. What’s even more important: antiperspirant.
I used to have a problem with sweating, and the only thing that ever helped me was an antiperspirant. I promise you’ll never feel self-conscious again (if you struggle with that too). Just make sure you don’t use it right after you shave. I wait 12 hours after shaving before using it.
And of course: brushing your teeth and tongue and always wearing clean underwear go without saying. That’s the basics, and they’re mandatory for feeling fresh, clean, and confident.
Fresh Face = Instant Glow-Up
No one, absolutely no one, needs a 10-step skincare routine. And above all, who has the time for that anyway?
The only thing you need is a cleanser, possibly a toner and a moisturizer, and sunscreen every morning.
That’s it. No fancy stuff. Just the basics.
Staple Pieces Win the Race
You might think that the more clothes you have in your wardrobe, the better your outfits will be and the easier it will be to pick something to wear. Personally, I think it’s the opposite. Less is always more.
And I mean, it’s better to invest in a few basics for each season than to go shopping every weekend, you know.
Think of a blazer, jeans, a trench coat, a neutral sweater. They are, so to speak, the backbone of each of your outfits.
And you can mix and match them again and again. For example, wear a blazer with jeans one day and with a dress the next. That way, you’ll always look fresh.
Fit Over Fashion
If the clothes don’t fit properly, it’s basically already over.
If the clothes are too tight, they look uncomfortable, but clothes that are too loose can quickly look messy. Ideally, they should not work against your body.
Just pay attention to the shoulders, length, and waist, because that’s what makes or breaks the look. A well-fitting piece beats every trend. Plain and simple.
When in Doubt, Go Neutral
Colors can really overwhelm you quickly. If you don’t have much time and need to pick an outfit in a hurry, panic can quickly set in.
That’s why I prefer to stick to neutral colors. Beige, black, white, denim, brown, gray—these are all colors that are super easy to combine and won’t give you a headache. Plus, they make every single outfit look perfectly polished.
Tip: I also occasionally add a pop of color. It could be the sweater, the shoes, or the bag. The important thing is that there is only one piece that is loud while the rest is quiet.
Quick Fixes That Work Wonders
Small things often make the biggest difference. If you pay attention to these things, you will instantly look put together. And that lasts all day long.
Vaseline -> well-groomed lips immediately look fresh. I only use Vaseline because it keeps my lips soft all day long, and I don’t have to reapply it constantly like with conventional lip balms.
Hand cream -> it’s best to get a mini version to take with you so you can have soft hands all day long. This is especially important in winter.
Eyebrow grooming -> just shape or brush them a little and voila, you look much neater in a matter of seconds.
Fix baby hairs -> I always use this gel for this. I take an eyebrow brush and use the gel to brush my baby hairs back. It just makes for a neat look.
Layer Like a Pro
You can enhance a simple outfit just by layering.
For example, take a basic T-shirt or blouse and drape a sweater over your shoulders. Or wear a knitted sweater over a white blouse and let it peek out a little. It’s really easy and quick to do.
Oh, and also: try mixing textures and fabrics such as cotton, knitwear, denim, and silk because this will add even more visual interest to your outfit.
Find Your Quick Go-To Hairstyle
If you don’t want to get up two hours early to style your hair, you need a quick fix. A quick and easy hairstyle that makes you look pretty right away without too much effort. For me, that’s definitely an updo with a hair clip. It takes less than a minute, and you always look polished.
If you’re like me and you have a fixed hair washing schedule, your hair can look a little greasy on wash day. I always do a sleek ponytail and use gel for this. It’s super easy, and you instantly look put together. No more bad hair days over here.
Nailed It
You know, I used to think that people don’t even pay attention to small details like my fingernails. Like, wouldn’t they need a microscope for that? But I was so wrong. Because even if it is just subconsciously, people will notice. They won’t tell you, except if they’re your friends, but they’ll notice.
And no, you don’t need to see a nail tech every couple of weeks to look put together. What’s important is to cut and shape your nails, apply a clear coat, and maybe add a pop of color every now and then. That’s it!
Stand Tall
As I mentioned earlier, it’s not just your clothes that matter when it comes to looking polished. Your posture and how you carry yourself are just as important. Good posture instantly makes you look more elegant. Not to mention that it also makes you appear more confident.
As soon as you notice yourself slouching, pull your shoulders back and look straight ahead.
Another tip is to take things slowly. You don’t have to sprint all the time. Instead, take your time and slow down. Believe it or not, you’re not actually faster just because you’re sprinting.
Color Sandwich
When I don’t know what to wear, I make it easy for myself. I put on a top and shoes in the same color and pair them with pants in a completely different color.
Like beige shoes and a beige T-shirt with white pants. Or a white top and white shoes combined with a denim jeans. That will never look bad, and you’ll immediately feel put together.
Smell as Good as You Look
Your scent is important. I think it rounds off your look. If you have a favorite scent, that’s perfect, but if not, that’s okay too.
Just try to find a scent that you really like wearing, and not something just because it’s trendy right now.
I like to wear a perfume that smells like freshly washed laundry. You just smell clean and not too overpowering.
Signature Details
Be recognizable without having to put in a lot of effort. Your outfit will look much more deliberate and give you personality.
These details could be a scarf, a cute bow, a striking belt, a watch, jewelry you always wear, or a certain color.
A No Brainer: Clean Shoes
It’s honestly a no-brainer, but it’s so important. Because people really do look at shoes. And putting other people aside for a moment, I mean, you don’t feel comfortable with dirty shoes.
Always carry shoe wipes with you, just in case.
And it’s best to always check online to see how to keep certain shoes clean, because every shoe is different.
Plan Ahead & Live Stress Free
Nothing is worse than standing in front of your closet in the morning and not knowing what to wear. The stress you feel inside is the worst part anyway.
That’s why I’m a big fan of picking out your outfit the night before. It makes your life so much easier, trust me.
Polished With Jewelry
Jewelry can elevate even the simplest outfit. But too much bling can quickly look cheap, so make sure you find the right balance.
If you want to wear chunky earrings, it’s best to leave the necklace off. Or vice versa. Buying new ones every time doesn’t really make much sense, so stick to quality pieces.
Tip: It’s best to keep your jewelry in a matching jewelry box or tray and place it where you can see it first thing in the morning. That way, you’ll never forget to put it on.
Keep it Balanced
Your outfit will immediately look well thought out if you create balance.
Therefore, combine tight jeans with an oversized shirt or a tighter shirt with looser pants.
This isn’t a must, but this tip helps immensely if you don’t know how to put outfits together.
Steam Your Clothes
Wrinkled clothes make you look untidy. And you don’t feel particularly comfortable either.
A handheld steam iron can quickly and easily smooth out your clothes. It’s so worth it.
Tip: Don’t have time for that? Then hang your clothes on a hanger in the bathroom while you shower. And voilà, your clothes will smooth themselves out. Or you can hang the clothes directly on the hanger after washing and smooth them out yourself. That works too.
Fix Your Morning Routine
You can wear the most amazing outfit, but if you’re stressed, it will show. Get up earlier, lay out your outfit and jewelry the night before, and start your day feeling more relaxed.
That way, you’ll have some me time first thing in the morning. Then you can work through everything one step at a time without stress, from your skincare routine to your shoes.
Glow From Within – Your Aura Matters
As mentioned at the beginning of this post: your aura is important. Perhaps even more important than your outfit. Because a positive aura can even save a terrible outfit. If you are happy and satisfied with your own life, you will radiate that.
Practice gratitude and smile more. Even if you don’t feel like smiling, it’s an easy way to signal to your brain that you’re happy. Sounds weird, but it’s true. Just look up the facial feedback theory.
Let’s Wrap it Up
As you can see, if you want to always look put together, it’s not all about the clothes anymore. It’s also about how you feel and how you carry yourself. I don’t know how many times I’ve said that in this post, so I apologize in advance.
Anyway, I hope you try some of these tips and find what works for you. I know it can be difficult when you’re constantly busy, but if you start the night before and get up just a little earlier in the morning, it’s actually manageable.
Other posts you may like:
39 Office Nail Ideas for a Stylish Work Look
49 Hot Summer Nail Ideas to Get You Ready for the Season
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