Style and poise aren't just about clothes. Sometimes, it's the little things that can tarnish the splendor of an otherwise awesome outfit, or add elegance to dressed-down pieces. Here are five of my favorite tips for looking a little more put-together, no matter what you're wearing:
1. Take care of your hands and nails. Clean, manicured nails communicate that you care for yourself. Your nails don't have to be lavishly painted, gelled, or decked out with nail designs, but keeping them nicely groomed is a must. As a recovering nail biter and cuticle picker, I’ve personally found that if my nails are painted, they’re not only less likely to break or chip, but I’m much less likely to pick at them. This tip has made a huge difference to my overall appearance, and I now frequently receive compliments on my hands and nails.
I prefer the look of regular nail polish, so I have a small collection of colors that I love, as well as a go-to quick-dry top coat to make the process quick and easy. When my nails aren't painted with a color, I use a strengthening clear coat like OPI Nail Envy. If you like press-on nails, there are so many amazing options now at varying price points. And if you prefer to go to a salon, just keep your appointments regular, to avoid messily grown-out gel or polish. Regular use of cuticle oil and hand cream will keep your cuticles from drying out and tearing.
2. A good skincare routine. "Good" doesn’t necessarily mean complicated or expensive. For many, the best skincare routine is boring: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. For anti-aging, prescription tretinoin is known as the gold standard, but it also has side effects, so consult your dermatologist. If you're acne-prone or have other skin issues, you may choose to judiciously add actives like azelaic acid (my personal fave), salicylic acid, or vitamin C. Doing too much can sometimes be worse for your skin than doing too little, so keep it simple, be patient adding products to your routine, wear sunscreen daily, and don't pick at your skin.
3. Wear colorful makeup. You don’t need a full face of makeup to look great. A little concealer, groomed brows, and some color on the cheeks and lips - even if just a sheer tint - are great. Contrast is one of the visual markers of youth, so bringing a little color onto your face will look more fresh and modern than an overly-nude look, which can dull the features. If you’re a makeup minimalist, many liquid and cream blushes can pull double-duty for cheeks and lips, providing maximum color impact with minimum product investment.
4. Choose a hairstyle you’re willing to maintain. Uneven layers, poor dye jobs, and split ends instantly drag down your look. Get regular trims, and work to find a hairstyle that flatters your face shape. Make sure that whatever hairstyle you choose, you’re willing to keep up with it. If you look great in the salon when your hair is freshly styled but you know you’re never going to replicate the look at home, opt for a style with simpler daily upkeep instead.
Bonus:
Plan your outfits in advance. Trying on different outfit combinations will help you troubleshoot potential issues, identify wardrobe gaps, and save time in the future.