Hey pretty girl! Welcome back to the blog! I hear this question a lot “how do you always look so put together?” Although it is a question which I’m sure the person asking wants an answer for, I always take it as a compliment. Because I have been intentional about how I look and how I present myself to the world for year, I never really considered the fact that this may not come easy to others. In fact, I do it without thinking about a formula or how I do it–it has become a natural thing to me that I just do; but when I sat down and thought about it there are things that I do subconsciously that I’m going to share with you in this post.
I want to share this little tidbit with you…looking polished isn’t about perfection…it’s about intention. Whether you’re running errands, heading into a Pure Barre class, or showing up for brunch with the girls, a few thoughtful habits can elevate your look instantly. I’m sharing the effortless tips I swear by to stay chic, classic, and confidently pulled together—without overthinking a single outfit.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
If you’re new around here (or just catching up), here are some recent blog posts you’ll want to check out!
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- The Power of a Red Lip: My Go-To Red Lip Combos
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- Back to Barre: What I’m Wearing to my Return to Pure Barre
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- Summer Staples I Swear By: The Pieces I Wear on Repeat
START WITH A STRONG FOUNDATION
Your undergarments matter! A well-fitting bra and seamless underwear create the perfect base. I love Truekind’s wireless bras (use code TKROBYN20 to save). They’re supportive without compromising comfort. Bras are extremely important when it comes to looking polished. I recommend getting fitted for bras at least once a year. This ensures that you’re wearing the right size and that you’re comfortable wearing the bra. I find that the times when I couldn’t wait to take off my bra were the times when I was wearing a bra that did not fit. Don’t make this mistake, get fitted and make sure both your band and cup size fit you perfectly.
I shared this with you recently, I just started wearing shape wear…regularly this year. By regularly, I mean multiple times a week. I have amazing underwear by Spanx and Honeylove that are very comfortable to wear under clothes – I forget that it’s shape wear. Investing in your foundation pieces is essential to always looking polished. You don’t want the appearance of lumps and bumps if they don’t have to be there.
If you haven’t read this post about lingerie already, it’s a quick read! I discuss my favorite lingerie pieces that serve as great foundation pieces.
STEAM IT OR HANG IT RIGHT
Wrinkles are the enemy of polish. I don’t iron every day—but a good steamer and knowing how to hang your pieces right makes all the difference. Linen? Hang it fresh from the washer. Knits? Fold them to avoid shoulder bumps.
Ironing is one of the chores that a lot of don’t particularly care for…I’m actually different. LOL! I actually prefer ironing over steaming, but I know that there are some fabrics that prefer a steam over an iron. Having pressed clothing may not seem like a big deal, but if you’re trying to look polished, it makes a huge difference. Invest in both a good iron and a steamer to ensure you’re always wrinkle free.
The steamer I’ve been using for years is no longer available, but here is a similar one that has great reviews on Amazon. I use this iron everyday and I’ve been using it for years. I highly recommend it.
KNOW WHEN NOT TO WASH
Washing your clothes too often wears them down. I spot clean, refresh with fabric spray, and only wash delicate items after a few wears—especially linen and denim.
I swear by this and if you haven’t implemented this rule when it comes to caring for your clothes – start now! I know you’ve experienced a time doing your laundry when you pulled the garment out of the washer and it looked worse than it did when you put it in the machine! It’s the worst feeling ever! Sometimes, we think our clothes need to be washed, when they would be okay if they were simply hung and sprayed with a fabric spray. You don’t have to wash your clothes after every wear.
ACCESSORIZE WITH INTENTION
A pair of chic sunglasses, a structured tote, or a bold lip (you know I love a red pout!) can elevate a simple fit. I like to call it “effortless glamour”—those one or two touches that make a look feel finished.
You’ll never find me outside of my own without a pair of sunglasses. They don’t have to be designer, they just have to be chic! I’ve been wearing these sunglasses since I bought them. They are stylish and chic and guess what…I got them from Amazon! Two pairs for $16! Adding this simple accessory completes even the most basic outfit. Are you a handbag girl? Never leave the house without one – but go for a structured handbag instead of a backpack or a slouchy one. These little tweaks to your outfit make a difference when it comes to looking polished.
ROTATE AND REPEAT SMARTLY
Don’t be afraid to outfit repeat. The key is in how you style things differently. I’ll wear my Paige jeans three different ways in one week and no one notices—it’s all about how I layer or accessorize it.
I am the queen of repeating my looks and sometimes I don’t change a thing about the look because if it ain’t broke – don’t fix it! You spend your hard earned money (or someone else’s money) on your clothes, shoes and accessories – they are meant to be worn so wear them! And wear your favorite pieces often. Get your cost per wear out of them and don’t worry about what other people think about it!
Which of these habits do you already practice? Or is there one you’re excited to try? Let me know in the comments—and stay tuned for Sunday’s post where I share what I actually wore to Pure Barre this week (spoiler: I’ve been loving Athleta lately!).
I hope you enjoyed this post all about how to look polished without overthinking it! If you found this post helpful or if you think I missed a tip – let me know in the comments.
’til next time!
xo, Robyn
**This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may make a commission. If you’re interested in any of the pieces mentioned in the post and more of my favs and recommendations, click here!
WHAT I WORE IN ANAHEIM – PRETTY GIRL EDITION – Pretty Prim & Proper
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