Life

5 Ways To Instantly Look More Put Together, Even When You’re Crunched For Time

by Britni de la Cretaz

I don’t usually have a ton of time to get myself ready in the morning. Time management is not my forte, and I will happily take 20 minutes of sleep over some extra time in the shower (unless there’s a chance to orgasm). After hitting the snooze button 16 times and tending to my children’s needs, I have just enough time to pull an outfit off the clean laundry pile and take a swig of coffee before running out the door. Still, I have figured out a few tricks for somehow looking put together (or, at least, partially there). 

As a femme-identified person, I like to look good and often feel like I need extra time to make myself look presentable. But I’ve come to realize that’s total BS. Just because I don’t have a ton of time to plan and execute a perfectly polished ensemble doesn’t mean I can’t look my best. In order to achieve that “I woke up like this – (faux) flawless” look, I’ve developed some time-saving hacks help me look put together even (and especially) when I feel frazzled to the point of wishing I had coffee on an IV drip. Here are five simple ways you can look fabulous and femme without sacrificing sleep.  

1

Wear a Signature Lip Color

Draw attention away from your appearance with a bold lip color. The intense hue brightens up your entire face, making it look like you spent some serious time getting ready. Add a swipe of mascara and voila! Instant face.

2

Add a Piece of Statement Jewelry

You can spruce up even the simplest jeans and t-shirt combo with a giant, glamorous necklace. When you add an accessory, your look instantly goes from slapdash to well-thought out.

3

Slip Into Ballet Flats

Flip flops are an afterthought; something you throw on as you run out the door. A pair of flats gives you a cleaner look that doesn’t imply you were on your way to the beach but wound up at the grocery store instead. 

4

Accessorize Your ‘Do

You don’t have to bust out the blow dryer and hairspray to get an amazing mane. Trade your boring brown bobby pins for a more eye-catching clip or headband. Or, if you prefer a ponytail, wrap and pin a piece of hair around the elastic for a sleek look. These small touches can have a huge impact.

5

Carry a Real Purse

Upgrading your bag makes a huge difference. Carry a large purse or nice messenger bag instead of a disheveled diaper bag. You’ll automatically look more profesh, even if you’re just using it to carry some spare makeup and snacks.

Images: william87/Fotolia; Giphy (5)