How to Look Polished and Put Together

We're all pressed for time - but that doesn't mean we can't look polished and put together! Check out my time-saving tips for presenting a polished look, while saving time in the morning by focusing on only the most important aspects!

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​*Post updated January, 2020

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Polished & Put Together: The Method

You may not know from my constant blogging, but for the last 4 years, I was actually a busy, big firm lawyer! In a job based on how many hours you can work, I started wondering how I could cut down on the time I spent getting dressed each morning, without sacrificing the required professional polish of the job.

Over time, I've slimmed down the routine to the essentials described below. Obviously, for special events, this routine is greatly expanded, but for day-to-day professionalism on the lawyer job (and these days, just in general!), these are the basics elements to looking polished and put together!

How to Look Polished and Put Together:
Invest smartly, in the right pieces

This first tip is by far the hardest tip to master, but if you succeed, it'll make a massive difference in your overall polish. When looking at your clothing budget, spend the most money in the right places and don't be afraid to splurge with purpose.

Saving money on trendy items

Generally, avoid spending large amounts of money on "trendy" items, such as (at least for this year) leopard. Pick these up at Target/T.J. Maxx and transition them to a charity shop or eco-friendly recycler when they go out of style.

​Even though buying a large amount of cheap clothing is definitely where we are as a society right now, this type of shopping is bad for the environment, these types of items just don't hold up well in the long fun. And, of course, after often just one wear, don't look polished, as these clothes slowly start going limp, or the hems come down, or the sweaters start to pill.

​As enticing as buying a bunch of cheap, trendy clothes is - if it looks too good to be true...it is.

How to splurge with purpose

Build your wardrobe slowly, over a number of years, rather than all at once. Add just a few classic items each season, and focus on the essentials: 

• Wool, winter coat: in the winter, no one sees anything else when it's cold out! So why not focus your spending on this much-seen essential? For a few classic options: Bloomingdale's. You also can't go wrong with a classic trench coat all year 'round.
• Classic jewelry: you'll wear it for years, if you pick the right pieces! Personally, I love David Yurman.
• Comfortable leather shoes: loafers and flats are my go-to. You can wear them to work, on the weekends, and on vacation, and they'll last for years! I love everything from Sam Edelman.
• A leather purse or tote: no matter what else you're wearing, a nice purse makes a statement. Select a style that can survive the ebb and flow of trends. Don't get a massive purse or a tiny purse, as this changes every few years. 

For clothes, my favorites are Eileen Fisher and J McLaughlin - their clothes are very high quality, with sturdy, heavy fabrics, and most are machine washable. Their styles change each season (obviously), but retain generally similar silhouettes, which allows me to add without having to totally change out my wardrobe. I search for deals off-season, and frankly, the deals just aren't that hard to find!

​And finally, part of investing in the right pieces is getting things tailored that need it. If you're going to spend, you might as well take the final step. If you find a great winter coat, don't be afraid to get the sleeves shortened, or the hem on new pants altered to hit your shoes perfectly. People do notice when something fits well and it's part of an overall polished look.

Shopping at discount retailers

Don't be afraid to buy items at the end of a season when they're on sale, knowing that you'll still love them next year! Especially keep an eye on discount retailers of quality products, such as Saks Off Fifth and Nordstrom Rack.

A key word of warning. I worked at a major retailer in college: Don't buy brands you've never heard of from these discounted retailers. Some of their products are purchased only for the discount arm, not for the "main" stores, thus defeating the entire purpose of what we're trying to accomplish!

How to Look Polished and Put Together:
Schedule time for nails

Of all my tips, this one took me the most time to get 'nailed' down.

I LOVE having freshly manicured nails, but it can be hard to find the time when you work full time - especially unreliable hours. So, to make sure I keep to my schedule, I have a recurring appointment - Tuesday mornings, when I'm more likely to be free. When I was a lawyer, I never got out of the office at the same time each day, but if you do, after work makes sense as well! If you have a reliable lunch break, lunch can be a great time, too, to sneak out and keep those nails looking fresh!

If going to the salon isn't your style, paint your nails every Sunday night. There's nothing else going on and it's a relaxing way to do some self-care and spend a slow evening! While we're on the topic of self-care, check out my "favourite" British mystery shows, to keep you occupied!

How to Look Polished and Put Together:
Add a Scarf

Many people think of scarves only as a winter accessory. Why not add a scarf, regardless of season? Invest in a few "fancy" scarves in addition to your winter scarves - one silk, one flowy, and one huge (think shawl). Nordstrom Rack generally has good options - you may just have to dig!

You can re-work those in so many different ways. French fashion powerhouse Hermes offers great tips on how to tie scarves - I watch these videos all the time when I forget what I learned in Paris!

How to Look Polished and Put Together:
Hair cuts every 6 weeks!

Like the nails, make the hair appointments in advance to make sure you don't skip out. Even if you don't have time to fix up your hair each morning, if you have good, clean ends, your hair will look well-kept.

​Find (via trial and error) the simplest way you can do your hair that looks finished - for me it's wash, blow dry with the concentrator nozzle (the opposite of the diffusor), and pull back the top with a few bobby pins (a "hair grip" for by U.K. friends).

 How to Look Polished and Put Together:
Wear Only Essential Make-up

One of the top ways I save time on work mornings is by wearing only minimal make-up for everyday. It gets the job done and, let's be real, everyone's make-up is a hot mess by the end of a full day.

Everyone is different, but select the items that have the most impact for you. For me, you can't go wrong with Bobbi Brown - it's the perfect blend of high end and reasonably priced. As far as my essentials, that means mascara, eye brow pencil, and a really good primer with SPF. If I'm feeling fancy, I throw on some quick bronzer as well. And ta da!

How to Look Polished and Put Together:
Keep Your Clothes Looking Fresh

Dealing with wrinkles

First, all clothes get wrinkled - either from being packed in a suitcase, folded in a drawer, or just hanging the wrong way in a closet. I never had much faith in the ability of handheld steamers to remedy this, until my husband bought us one! We opted for a relatively inexpensive one, but it does a great job. When I pull out something I don't wear frequently, it's so quick and easy to just steam it up really fast to make sure it's looking crisp and fresh!

Eliminating deodorant stains

Second - ugh, deodorant stains!!!!! For years, I looked up remedies and just could not figure out how to remove those nasty white blotches on my clothes, short of professional dry cleaning. Finally, I found the most amazing deodorant removing sponge and it's as though my clothes have been given new life!! Just rub vigorously - and watch the ugly white stuff come off!! ​

Hope you found these tips as helpful as I do and that they save you oodles of time tomorrow morning!! 
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Thanks so much for stopping by!! xx

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