Most of us have that one friend who always looks great and feels confident, whether they’re in jeans and a t-shirt or a red-carpet outfit. If you want to be more put together like that friend, then we’ve got some not-so-secret tips and tricks for you! From using anti-aging skincare to getting your clothes tailored, here’s some of our best advice for looking and feeling more put together:
Develop your style uniform
Everyone has a certain aesthetic that they prefer, as well as certain colors that look better on them. Whenever you go through your closet or shop for clothes, take note of what styles, silhouettes and colors you tend to gravitate toward. You can also try picking out a couple of your favorite outfits and identifying what factors they have in common.
Pay attention to clothing fit
Ill-fitting clothing that is too tight or too loose will instantly make you look sloppy. Since off-the-rack clothing rarely fits perfectly, taking in clothes is an essential skill to have. If you have access to a sewing machine, you can do simple alterations like taking up a hem or shortening sleeves. More complicated alterations will need a professional tailor’s help, but it’s so worth it to feel like your clothing was made for you.
Opt for dark colors instead of light
Light colors show stains and wrinkles instantly and are harder to keep clean. If you want to look more presentable, opt for dark colors, especially when it comes to your bottom half (pants, shorts, skirts and shoes). If you want, you can choose a lighter or brighter top for a pop of color.
Invest in high-quality basics
When it comes to staple pieces that never go out of style, it’s worth investing in higher-quality, better-fitting clothes since you will be able to wear them for years. While these staple pieces might not seem as exciting, they are key for building your capsule wardrobe and ensuring that you have pieces that will pull together the more trendy pieces in very specific colors or styles.
Accessorize your outfits
If you want to spice up your basics, then you definitely need a collection of fun shoes, purses, belts, jewelry, scarves and hats to take your outfits to the next level. Choose accessories in similar colors and styles so that you can mix and match them easily.
Build your outerwear collection
Outerwear doesn’t just keep you warm; it can also totally pull together your outfit, even if you’re just wearing dark jeans and a white t-shirt. Investing in pieces like a black or camel peacoat and a navy blazer will keep you feeling cozy and looking fashionable all at once.
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Select the right underwear
Wearing the wrong undergarments beneath your outfit can result in unsightly lumps and lines, not to mention make you really uncomfortable. Choose comfortable, well-fitting underwear in colors that won’t show through your outfits, and you will instantly feel better about yourself and your outfit.
Buy new clothing selectively
Have you even bought a garment you were really excited about, only to realize that it didn’t match anything else in your closet when you got home? This happens to the best of us, but you can avoid this by making sure that any new piece can be used to make at least three different outfits. This way, you won’t end up with a garment that still has tags on it gathering dust in the back of your closet.
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Take care of your things
You won’t look put together if your clothing is wrinkled, stained and covered in lint or if your shoes are scuffed or dirty. Get in the habit of taking good care of your clothing and accessories, cleaning them gently and often according to the directions. Schedule time for regular maintenance like dropping off your dry cleaning and conditioning leather goods such as purses and belts.
Learn how to steam and iron
While natural fibers like cotton and silk feel and look great, they do wrinkle very easily. If you want to look put together, then you will need to learn how to steam and iron various fabrics according to the directions. You can also take them to the dry cleaners, but many people find it easier to do these easier tasks at home and save the dry cleaning for more fragile pieces.
Choose fabrics wisely.
If you know that you won’t steam or iron things at home, and that you won’t go to the dry cleaners either, then you need to invest in some wrinkle-resistant fabrics that will look presentable right out of the dryer. Look for clothing that uses terms like “wrinkle free,” “wrinkle resistance” and “non iron” when shopping.
Stay on top of your skincare routine
Having clear, glowing, hydrated skin will instantly make you feel put together, whether or not you are wearing makeup. Devising a skincare routine that fits your specific needs — whether that’s skincare for wrinkles or skincare for combination skin — will improve the look and feel of your skin over time and help you feel confident in your appearance.
Take care of your hair
Having healthy, strong, shiny hair will instantly make you look more put together. Get to know your hair’s texture and needs and how to style it in a way that works with it instead of against it. For instance, if you have curly hair, then straightening it might not be worth the time and effort, especially if it frizzes right away.
Don’t forget about the rest of your body.
When it comes to your personal care routine, the neck down matters just as much as the neck up! Don’t forget to clean, trim and file your nails on a regular basis. You should also go beyond basic wash, exfoliating and moisturizing your body after you cleanse.
Have you tried any of these ideas already, such as getting your clothes tailored? What other hacks do you use to look more put together? Let us know in the comments below!
