"You know those women who always look put-together—not a hair out of place, clothes just right… anything but in a rush? Out of jealousy, I used to wonder when they found the time and how they made it look so easy. Determined to put my comparison game to rest, I set out to crack the code. And considering there’s no genie in a bottle on my bedside table ready to grant my wish for more hours in a day, I needed the result to be a few easy, routine steps.
Stylist, cryptologist—it’s all the same. Today, my clients’ most-asked question is not how to be the most stylish in the room, but how to look more put-together with little-to-no effort. Although it’s not exactly effortless (I won’t lie), showing up as your best self is a decision that’s one you’ll never regret. Without fail, these are the six simple steps I use to feel more put-together overnight—no new clothes needed.
1. Steam your clothes
I know, I know, steaming your clothes is the last thing you want to do in the morning. Trust me: Powering up my steamer first thing is by no means something I look forward to when getting out of bed. But I promise you, it makes all the difference. Even for something as simple as a crewneck tee, I don’t leave home without a quick steam. As much as I build it up as some huge, taxing chore in my head, the reality is that it takes less than a few minutes of time for a full day’s worth of mood-boosting results.
2. Perfect your five-minute makeup
Whether I have a full hour or just five minutes, spending even the smallest bit of time getting ready before heading out usually makes me feel a lot more organized throughout the day. As someone who’s more of an all-or-nothing kind of gal, I prefer to stick to one target area. Be it a light dusting of makeup, a quick skincare regimen, or a speedy blow-out, perfecting my five-minute routine has been a game changer for feeling more put-together on the days when I’m extra pressed for time. More often than not, you can catch me in a slicked-back bun with a gelled brow and a pop of blush.
3. Ditch the leggings
Friends, it’s not what you want to hear, but it’s something that must be said: It’s time to ditch your leggings. If you’ve ever wondered why we idolize dressing like the French, there’s a good chance it’s because they aren’t wearing their athletic garb to brunch. Once I decided to reserve my leggings for the gym, my off-duty style peaked. Instead of reaching for a crewneck sweatshirt or a pair of yoga pants, try opting for a cashmere sweater and a pair of relaxed jeans. You’ll feel just as comfortable, but look considerably more polished.
However, you don’t need to rid yourself of your leggings collection entirely; I often wear mine for a leisurely stroll through the park paired with more dressed-up elements like a trench coat or a pair of loafers.
4. Master the art of accessorizing
I am nothing if not a vessel for accessories. People assume I’m more of the Kate Sanders type (quick to point the finger at an outfit repeater) the truth is I’m more of a Lizzie—I’ve just learned to master the art of accessorizing. Though I’m generally of the mindset that more is more, for the sake of looking put-together in a flash, I find it beneficial to hang onto a few key pieces for easy, everyday wear. That said, I recommend that everyone’s accessory arsenal include a small pair of hoops, a choker-style necklace, a small set of bangles, a statement ring, and a versatile belt. A simple tee-and-jeans combo, as classic as it is, looks 10x better with accessories layered on. To save time, I like to choose jewelry pieces that I can sleep and shower in. This ensures that I’m always accessorized at the ready, no matter how many times I hit snooze.
5. Learn to layer
I’m the girl who wears her sweater draped over her shoulders more days than not. Call it silly, but the added layer completely transforms the simplest of looks. You can achieve the same results by layering a tee under a sweater, wearing socks with loafers, or throwing on a last-minute jacket. Adding a layer, no matter what type, creates depth and adds visual interest to an outfit—whether you’re headed to the office or going out for a quick coffee. While it’s for functionality’s sake or not, layering has allowed me to stretch my wardrobe by breathing new life into my most-worn pieces
6. Recreate your saved pins
During your next doom-scroll, try saving a few images of creators whose outfits you feel inspired by. Better yet, switch on over to Pinterest and spend 10 minutes pinning looks you could see yourself wearing. Even I, a paid-stylist, have panic-stricken moments when getting dressed in the morning. And since the decision paralysis seems to hit at the most inconvenient of times, it’s important to have a healthy library of looks to recreate in a pinch, as well as to lay the groundwork for achieving your long-term style goals.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.