1. How Do I Find My 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!)
NO Pants With Baggy Knees Or Saggy Bottoms!
Your pants don’t have to be spray painted on, but make sure they appropriately show off your figure!
Don’t Pay Attention To Size Labels.
You should always wear what fits and feels comfortable! Don’t lock yourself into the size you think you should wear because every designer is different and cuts are constantly changing. 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 you should dress skimpily! Here are examples:
- If you’re short, cuff your jacket sleeves to either elongate your arms (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 the shoe if you’re wearing booties) to elongate your legs, compliment your figure, and prevent you from looking like a long line of pants.
2. How Much Color Should I Wear?
The amount of color in your outfit definitely depends on your personal 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:
- Like the outfit above, you can have your top be the focal piece, featuring colors from your color palette. Keep the pants, cardigan and shoes neutral.
- To switch up the outfit above you can pair the colorful top with a cardigan/jacket that’s the same color as one in the pattern. So instead of a navy cardigan, it could be magenta.
- Try flip flopping it! Make your pants the pop of color and your top, cardigan/jacket, and accessories neutral.
- If you aren’t a huge fan of color, focus the color on your accessories. Try a neutral outfit with a necklace or a pair of shoes that has a pop of color!
Just don’t have a color-overload!
(Curious about your personal style? Take the ‘What’s My Style‘ quiz!)
3. How Do I Wear Neutrals?
When it comes to neutrals it’s like you’re compiling a basic uniform. If you want to create chic outfits, here are the neutrals you need:
Neutral Shoes
- Pointed Toe Heels in:
- Black
- Nude
- Brown (optional if you have the other two)
- Flats in:
- Black
- Brown
- Pop of Color (optional)
- Boots in:
- Brown (Casual)
- Black (Dressier)
(Looking for an amazing pair of flats? Check out my go-to women’s flats)
Neutral Pants In:
- Black
- Navy
- Charcoal
- Subtle Patterned Neutral
- Dark Wash Jeans
4. How Do I Create Balance?
Third time’s the 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:
- Patterns: The best way to balance a pattern is by wearing a long necklace and then softening the look with a neutral jacket or cardigan.
- Fit: Depending on what you’re wearing, there are a couple ways to balance an outfit:
- If you’re wearing tighter bottoms, then go with a flowing top and a longer jacket or cardigan.
- If you’re wearing a tight top, then consider pants with a flare bottom, boyfriend jeans, or a structured long jacket/cardigan.
- If you want to elongate your body, wear an open jacket or cardigan that creates a tall skinny rectangle between the opening! (Check out the navy cardigan from “How Much Color Should I Wear?” for a visual)
- Colors: Remember to balance out colors with neutrals; one color per outfit!
(Looking for a piece to practice your balancing? Check out this awesome 4 in 1 cardigan!)
5. How Do I Accessorize?
If you really want to look put-together like a pro, then THIS is the final piece of the puzzle! Once you’ve got clothes that fit, and you’ve balanced out the colors and patterns, you need to add a Necklace OR a Bracelet + Earrings!
Tips For Accessorizing:
- Warm Colors (Reds and Pinks)= Gold or Silver Jewelry
- Cool Colors (Blues, Purples or Greens)= Silver Jewelry
- Long necklaces pair well with patterned tops.
- Simple necklaces are the perfect dainty accent for v-necks and scoop necks.
- Instantly dress up an outfit with a clear statement necklace. The sparkles really pull your outfit together.
- Keep it more casual with a simple plain metal necklace or long necklace.
(Want more information on accessorizing? Check out How To Accessorize For Work)
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
Are You A Highly Visible Business Woman Who Wants To Show Up As Her Best Self Every Day?
If this article inspired you to take the next step and get serious about making power moves at work, then lets chat.
I’d love to help you make every outfit in your closet a go-to outfit, so you can walk into any room with confidence.
Want More Information On Looking Put Together? Check These Out:
Top 7 Women’s Briefcases That Make A Strong Statement
How To Use Your Clothes to Position Your Expertise
DIY Quarantine Closet Cleansing Tips
When To Wear Leggings vs. Tights
Simple Steps To Organize And Clean Out Your Closet
