Pulling yourself together can be a tall order when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or otherwise bogged down with life's responsibilities. It happens to everyone, and often you’re left to get ready for the day in a hurry. While it may be easy enough to grab your reliable cardigan sweater as you head out the door, you can’t help but wish that there were some easier habits you could employ every day to make this whole getting-ready thing simpler.
The good news? It’s not as tough as it may seem to look pulled together — even if the truth might be that you feel a little less than that on some days. Again, that happens to everyone, but one universal truth is that you’ll always stand a little taller when you wear a fantastic outfit that you love and head out the door with a smile on your face. Here are some simple habits you can adopt to make that goal of looking pulled together a reality.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the chaos of the day that you may find yourself with little time to yourself at all. Aim to change that by beginning each day with an intentional habit of some kind — something that’s for you and you alone. This is key because it helps you feel stronger and more positive, both of which are conducive to a pulled-together mindset. Something as simple as wrapping up in your cozy flannel robe after a hot shower or enjoying a cup of tea while watching the sunset can make a huge difference.
Intentions also set the tone for the day and make it easier to feel more at ease. When you’re relaxed, you’ll face everything with a better frame of mind. That’s key because the idea that you’re “pulled together” really begins from within. No matter how amazing your outfit, how you feel inside is what matters the most. It allows you to go with the flow and makes it easier to handle life as it comes.
Every day, looking put together can sound like a tall order if you peek inside your closet and see nothing but a tangled web of clothes. It’s all chic, stylish, and just right for you, but you can’t find the one thing you want to wear that day. This is why it’s so important to organize your closet. By making this a little bit intentional, you can easily find what you want to wear. For example, group your work dresses and keep them separate from the lightweight T-shirt dresses you wear on weekends.
Don’t stop there, though. Take a peek at your shoes and accessories, too. If they’re in a state of disarray, you’ll have a hard time finding the right one to pair with whatever you plan to wear that day. Make it work by putting like shoes with one another and placing accessories where they belong. Keep the “special items” — the high-end clutch you carry to formal events only and the diamonds reserved for date night — out of reach, so they don’t get lost in the fray.
It’s always helpful to know what you’re going to wear the next day — but it’s one thing to think about and another to set it aside. When you do that, you can be confident you’ll have everything ready to slip into without a second thought. This makes life a little simpler, too, whether you’re wearing something easy like your favorite pair of skinny jeans with a colorful flannel shirt and suede booties or putting on something dressier.
Of course, the greatest advantage here is you can be very particular about looking as pulled together as you want. Choose the accessories that best complement your outfit and set aside the shoes you plan to wear with the outfit. You’ll buy yourself a few extra minutes in the morning, so you can use that time to sleep in if you want or spend a little more time relaxing and preparing for the day ahead.
Every wardrobe benefits from a few pieces that are no-brainers — the ones you know look great, and that will never steer you wrong. Your collection of “yes” pieces may include the ever-reliable little black dress, a structured blazer, a pair of tailored dress pants, some stretchy leggings, a soft boyfriend cardigan, and a pencil skirt. Strive for balance when choosing the pieces that you know you’ll feel comfortable in without fail. Make sure they fit you perfectly and feel as great as they look. You won’t feel pulled together if you’re uncomfortable in your clothes — but you’ll feel like every moment is a red carpet moment when you wear an outfit that’s just made for your body.
When you feel put together, you look put together! It’s as simple as that. By committing to a more mindful morning routine and cultivating a wardrobe that truly works for you, you’ll never feel rushed or stressed about wearing.