1. FIT

Fit. Fit. Fit. It’s the BIGGEST KEY to looking put-together. It might seem like a no brainer but it’s something you must never forget!! (…yeah I used two exclamation points.. that’s how serious this is!)

Be mindful of:

NO pants with baggie knees or saggy butts!

Your pants don’t have to be spray painted on but make sure they appropriately show off your figure!

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Don’t pay attention to size labels. 

Wear what fits and is comfortable! This can go in either direction: don’t lock yourself into what size you think you should wear because every designer is different, cuts are constantly changing and at the end of the day it’s not the number but how you feel in it! So make sure to try a couple sizes on before you buy.

Show some skin to balance out your body 

Now I’m not saying dress skimpily! Here are examples:

• Cuff your jacket sleeves to either elongate your arms, for shorties like me- so you don’t get swallowed up by your clothes, or to take an outfit from stuffy to chic.
• Cuff your jeans (top of the ankles for flats and heels. Top of booties for booties- obviously) to elongate your legs, flatter your figure, and so you don’t look like a long line of pants.

2. COLOR

The amount of color in your outfit definitely depends on style. But as a general rule of thumb:

Have one item as your focus color and keep the rest of your outfit neutral.

Examples for balancing color in your outfit:

1. Like the outfit above: Have your top be the focal piece with colors in your color palette. Keep the pants, cardigan and shoes neutral.
2. Switching up the outfit above: You could pair the colorful top with a cardigan/jacket that’s the same color in the pattern. So instead of a navy cardigan it could be magenta.
3. Flip flop it: Instead make your pants the pop of color in which case your top, cardigan/jacket, and accessories are neutral.
4. For those who aren’t huge fans of color: Focus the color on your accessories. Have a neutral outfit with a necklace that has a pop of color or even your shoes!

Just don’t have color-overload!

3. THE RIGHT NEUTRALS

When it comes to neutrals it’s more like a uniform. If you want a chic outfit here are the neutrals you need:​

Neutral ​Shoes

1. Pointed Toe Heels
   • Black​
   • Nude
   • Brown (optional if you have the other two)
2. Flats
   • Black​
   • Brown
   • Pop of Color (optional)
3. Boots
   • Brown (Casual)​
   • Black (Dressier)

​Neutral Pants

1. Black
2. Navy
3. Charcoal
4. Subtle Patterned Neutral
5. Dark Wash Jeans

4. BALANCE

Third times a charm right? I’ve touched on balance a bit with fit and color so let’s bring it all together! When it comes to looking put-together you need to balance out your outfit in 3 ways:​

1. Patterns: The best way to tone down a pattern is by wearing a long necklace and then softening the look with a neutral jacket or cardigan.
2. Fit: Depending on what you’re wearing, there are a couple ways to balance out fit:
   • Wearing tighter bottoms? Then go with a flowy top and longer jacket or cardigan.​
   • Wearing a tighter top? Then consider pants with a flare bottom, boyfriend jeans, or a structured or long jacket/cardigan. (Just don’t go skin-tight all around!)
   • Want to elongate your body? Wear an open jacket or cardigan that creates a tall skinny rectangle between the opening! (The image above of the navy cardigan gives you a visual.)
3. Colors: Just a friendly reminder- Balance out colors with neutrals! One color/outfit!

5. FINISHING TOUCHES

If you really want to look put-together like a Pro then THIS is the final piece of the puzzle you need to follow! Once you’ve got the right clothes that fit, and you’ve balanced them out along with the colors and patterns, you need to: Add a Necklace OR a Bracelet + Earrings!

Here are some tips on accessories:

1. Warm Colors (Reds and Pinks)= Gold or Silver Jewelry
2. Cool Colors (Blues, Purples or Greens)= Silver Jewelry
3. Long necklaces are great paired with patterned tops.
4. Simple necklaces are great with v-necks and scoop necks for a dainty accent.
5. Instantly dress up an outfit with a clear statement necklace. (It’s the sparkles that really pull the outfit together.)
6. Pull an outfit together but keep it more casual with a simple plain metal necklace or long necklace.

TO RECAP

The 5 Steps to Look Put-Together Like a Pro are:

1. FIT

2. COLOR

3. THE RIGHT NEUTRALS

4. BALANCE

5. FINISHING TOUCHES