When running around the house in the morning, sometimes there just isn't enough time to figure out ways to feel more put together. Sometimes those first couple of hours in the day come together for a perfect storm and you find yourself scrambling instead of leisurely taking your cup of coffee out on the balcony like you planned. Instead, you're making a mad dash for the last place you put your keys while trying not to trip over your curious cat, feeling almost certain you know just where you kicked your boots to last. When there's five minutes left before you absolutely have to be out the door, doing a full study of what's missing in your outfit just isn't going to happen. You're a woman constantly on the move, and so you need your style tips to reflect that: They need to be snappy, down to the wire, and make you feel polished and effortless in 10 seconds or less.
That might sound like a tall order, but it's completely and totally doable. All you have to do is focus on one or two key pieces to elevate that "I literally woke up like this" look into something more thought-out and sophisticated. Below are five quick and easy tricks to feel more put together when you don't have the time to be.
1. Throw A Tailored Blazer Over It
[IMAGE APPROVED] The black blazer is like the fashion world's cheat code: It fixes everything. Want to add elegance to a lazy look? Put a blazer on it. Want to add edge to something too sweet? Put a blazer on it. Want to add refinement where there currently isn't any? Put a blazer on it. It's like the Swiss knife of wardrobe staples.
So it's no wonder why shrugging on the piece will instantly make you feel more put together — the basic isn't capable of delivering anything less. According to fashion writer Meghan Blalock of WhoWhatWear, tossing a well tailored blazer adds polish to casual outfits. Whether it's over a tulle skirt, skinny jeans, or a pair of sweats, this staple will nudge you up a level.
2. Add A Third Element
Have you heard of the "third element" styling trick? According to style blogger Jackie Welling of Little J Style, when she worked in high-end retail, the managers would make sure all their workers came to work with a "third piece" to ensure that they looked stylish and put together.
But what exactly is this third piece? Think of your outfit broken up into sections: You have your bottom, your top, and then a third element that adds a little something extra. Whether that's a scarf, a pair of statement earrings, or a hat, a third component to your outfit makes sure it has a touch of interest.
3. Make Sure Everything Is Ironed
I can't believe I'm giving my mom the satisfaction of my writing this, but to instantly feel more put together, make sure everything is freshly pressed. There's nothing more immaculate than a sharp pleat in your pants or a smooth run down the length of your dress. According to fashion writer Joyann King of Harper's Bazaar, "Taking the extra five minutes to steam or press your look will add instant polish to even your most worn-in wardrobe MVPs." So no matter how much you hate taking the ironing board out, just do it. It'll make a world of difference.
4. Add Something Dressy To The Mix
Whether it's a pair of stilettos, an evening clutch, or classic gold watch, adding something dressy to the mix will make you feel more polished. It gives you this luxe air that doesn't require a lot to highlight. Just think of lines like Michael Kors and Calvin Klein — the feel of them is simple and unfussy, but they're still ridiculously elegant.
Style blogger Camille Charriere of Camille Over The Rainbow says, “The thing with leather is that it makes you look like you have put some thought into something, when really you haven’t.” By adding dressy touches into your quickly put-together outfits, you'll feel refined and like you spent more than three minutes adding the trace.
5. Slick On Some Lipstick
As Elizabeth Taylor famously said, "Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together.” The woman knew that no matter how disheveled you felt and looked, a little bit of lipstick can go a hell of a long way.
When you feel like you don't have the time to spruce yourself up like you would like to, just grab your favorite color from your makeup drawer and slick it on. Your mood and your look will instantly change. According to beauty writer Augusta Falletta at StyleCaster, "Even if you have on no other makeup, you’ll look put together, and in turn feel put together." Mind over matter, and a good red can go a long way to make you feel like you've got it all together.
Some days we need that extra something to make us feel fabulous when we head to work, other days it seems like our outfit is missing an element — whatever the case us, any of these tips are quick, easy, and will make you feel even more ready to take on the day.
