"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 comparison, I used to wonder when they found the time, and how they made it look so easy. Determined to put my jealousy 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.
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Stylist, cryptologist–it’s all the same. In the years I spent unraveling the mystery, I simultaneously built a career helping others alike. Today, my clients’ most-asked question is not how to be the most stylish in the room, but rather how to look more put-together with relatively 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 never one of regret. Without fail, here are the six simple steps to improving your style and looking more put-together overnight–no new clothes needed.
1. Steam your clothes
I know, I know, it’s the last thing you want to do in the morning. Trust me–I get it. 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’ time for a full day’s worth of mood-boosting results. For around $30, you can snag a wrinkle-removing device that rivals some of the more expensive ones–so for that I say, “Full steam ahead!”
2. Perfect your five minute routine
Whether I have a full hour, or just five minutes, spending even the smallest bit of time in the mirror 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. Swap your athleisure
Friends, it’s not what you want to hear, but it’s something that must be said: ditch the 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 learned 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 swapping for a cashmere sweater and a pair of 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 sometimes wear mine for a leisurely stroll through the park, paired with more dressed-up elements like a trench coat or a set of loafers. Should you choose to keep yours in rotation, just make sure to style them in a way not suitable for pilates.
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) but no, the truth is: I’m more of the Lizzie variety, I’ve just learned to master the art of accessorizing. Though I’m generally under the impression 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 a few chic add-ons. 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 for absolutely no reason at all, other than to make you look twice. 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 the look, creates depth and adds interest–whether you’re headed to the office or going out for a quick coffee. While it’s generally for functionality’s sake, layering has allowed me to stretch my wardrobe by breathing new life into worn-out 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 as little as 10 minutes pinning looks you could easily see yourself recreating. 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.