Do you ever see that woman who walks into a room and just instantly has “it”? She’s pulled together, she’s confident, and something about her tells the world she’s got it going on. Looking pulled together doesn’t have to be complicated but it does take some effort. Whether it’s a job interview or coffee with the moms, taking time to look polished will make a great impression. And it goes way beyond how you look on the outside. Putting your best foot forward also has a tremendous effect on how you feel about yourself on the inside… guaranteed! We are breaking down 10 tips for how to look polished and have that certain je ne sais quoi that says everything about you well before you speak a single word, no matter the occasion.
In case you missed it, we share 50 outfit ideas for every occasion you have coming up this spring/summer here. It’s a fabulous resource!
How To Look Polished
#1) Pay Attention To Details
Let’s start with one of the most obvious, but often overlooked tips. Pay attention to how you look before you leave the house. Yes, check the full-length mirror and check the rearview too. Be on the lookout for…
Lipstick on your teeth
White deodorant streaks on your top or dress
Visible panty lines (VPL’s)
Undergarments that are bunching or gathering under your clothes
Exposed bra straps
Missing or gaping buttons
Stained clothes and wrinkled clothes
Stretched-out clothing
Clothing covered with lint or dog hair
Too-tight, faded, or pilled clothing
If you just throw “any old thing” on, you might just feel like “any old thing” throughout the day! These seemingly small details make a big difference in your first impression.
Easy Style Fix Gadgets & Tools
Here are a couple of tools we’ve used over the years to help with the fashion mishaps. This fabric shaver and lint remover is game-changing for removing pills on sweaters. This bra clip helps keep unsightly straps out of sight if you’re wearing a racerback top or dress. And these nippies are great if you want to avoid straps altogether and go braless. A fabric steamer is a must when you don’t feel like dragging out the ironing board. This one heats up in 30 seconds! This deodorant sponge will magically erase those white streaks that are impossible to remove. If you have a blouse that gapes, just lost a button, or a hem is coming loose and you need a quick fix, this stitchy gun adds a stitch with just a click. It ended up being that gadget we wonder how we ever lived without! Also, this fashion tape is great for keeping low-cut tops or straps in place.
#2) Rule of One
If you’ve been a subscriber for a while, you’ve probably heard of Erin’s Rule of One before. It boils down to choosing one part of your body to highlight with your outfit. For example, if you’re wearing shorts or a mini-skirt that highlights your legs, you might want to wear something that doesn’t highlight your chest or arms. If you have on a low-cut top that shows some cleavage, consider keeping your hemline longer. You get the idea. The Rule of One is a fail-safe way to keep your outfit stylish, elegant, and classy. You can still look sexy and look polished and put together with this tip!
#3) Add a Third Layer
One of the simplest tricks for looking polished in a pinch is just adding a third layer to your outfit. It really is that easy! A third layer adds interest and makes your outfit look more intentional and stylish. This can be a denim jacket, bomber jacket, blazer, trench, or a moto jacket or sweater draped over your shoulders. You can take a simple jeans and t-shirt that looks fine, but when you add that third layer, violá! It really doesn’t get any easier than that.
#4) Accessorize
Choosing impactful accessories can really ramp up the look of your outfits and add that final polished touch. It’s like the icing on the cake! A bold pair of sunnies, stacked bracelets and/or necklaces, a cool handbag, or statement earrings will add excitement and personality to your looks. They also offer versatility in terms of dressing up or dressing down your outfits and changing the overall feel. Take a basic tee and jeans as an example. You can turn up the edgy volume by accessorizing with a metallic statement necklace and large hoop earrings. Or, put a feminine spin on the same combo with an elegant handbag and strappy heels.
You’ll find all of Erin’s latest summer accessories in this post.
#5) Posture Matters
This tip is critical but can be easily forgotten. If you want to look polished and put together, start with having great posture. Aside from a host of health benefits like relieving muscle tension, pain, and fatigue, when you have great posture you look confident and secure. Body language can greatly influence how we are perceived by others. It’s tough to discount someone who confidently strides into a room, right?
#6) Hair & Makeup
It goes without saying that being thoughtful about your hair and makeup will complete your look and give you a polished appearance. Both also have the unique ability to make you look more (or less!) youthful, fresh, and current. When it comes to makeup, a bold lip, pop of pretty blush, cheek highlight, or lash-lengthening mascara are impactful but easy ways to put your best face forward! We’ll link a few of Erin’s faves below.
By the way, if you’re looking for fabulous makeup tips for a more youthful appearance, check out this post next.
#7) Invest in High-Quality Basics
A structured blazer, great fitting jeans, a fresh white button-down…investing in high-quality basics that fit and flatter your figure AND that you feel amazing in will make all the difference in your appearance. You don’t want to just check the box. Make sure these closet essentials are pieces you are excited to wear and that elevate your wardrobe. Not sure where to start? This post breaks down key wardrobe basics for every budget. It’s a must-read.
When you become a subscriber, you’ll automatically receive seasonal wardrobe basic checklists so you can see if you have any holes in your wardrobe. Sign up here.
#8) Ditch Activewear for Chic Loungewear
Being comfortable doesn’t mean sacrificing style. You can look polished and feel your best while also loving the feel of your clothes. While Erin was in Spain three years ago, she noticed women only wore activewear to exercise. Leggings and a sports bra weren’t an all-day look. Instead, women wore chic loungewear. An elevated matching set or separates gives you that pulled-together and intentional appearance for running errands, traveling, and working or lounging at home. Erin has several loungewear sets she loves, and we’ll link a few below!
#9) Stylish Details
When it comes to looking polished, there are a few tricks Erin has up her sleeve (literally!) to make a statement. It can be as simple as rolling up or cuffing your sleeves, draping a jacket or blazer over your shoulders, front-tucking your top, or adding a waist belt. These seemingly small details will give your looks an added dose of chic effortlessness.
#10) Pick A Trend, Any Trend
Our last tip for looking polished, modern, and pulled together is to wear a current trend. It doesn’t matter which trend…the one that speaks to you most! There are so many trends to choose from each season. Erin shared her favorite, most wearable trends in this post if you need inspiration. Polka dots, all things feminine, metallics, sheer pieces, pops of color…wearing a trend is a unique way to showcase your personal style. Have some fun with it!
How about you? Is there anything you do specifically to make yourself feel polished and put together? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!
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