I don’t know about you, but there are a lot of days where I wonder how I even manage to get anywhere in one piece. Shuffling a child to activities, running errands, work – it all requires a lot of time and a lot of effort. I believe in being all the way real with you, and I can assure you there are days when I don’t look very good while I’m running around like a crazy person. But if I want to make sure I look pulled together (and that the Starbucks barista isn’t hardcore judging me), I have some go-to tricks and strategies to make it happen in a hurry.
*This post contains affiliate links. Although I may make a small commission, there is no additional cost to you.*
LAYERING PIECES. Nothing takes an outfit up a notch like a good layering piece. I don’t think I can say it enough. Any pant or jean paired with a white shirt is easily elevated by adding a jacket, cardigan, or vest. If you want to dress a look up, throw on a leather jacket or blazer. If you want to dress a look down, try a jean jacket or a soft, slouchy cardigan. Sometimes pieces like this are referred to as “completer” pieces and that’s really what they do. It’s a surefire way to make sure your look is finished and well thought out – even if you didn’t think about it at all!
Click to go straight to each item!
Plus size lace peplum utility jacket
Plus size faux pearl sweatshirt jacket
Plus size double breasted blazer
(this blazer reminds me of what Julia Roberts wears at the end of Pretty Woman!)
Misses sweater vest (comes in XXL)
Plus size distressed denim jacket
JEWELRY. Let me preface this by saying it’s not necessary to wear ALL the things at one time. If you want to pile on fun jewelry because it makes you happy, load up girlfriend. But if your goal is to keep it easy and polished, less is usually more. My personal go-to is big earrings. It brings attention to my face, it shows my personality, and it has an immediate wow factor. If I’m wearing statement earrings, I’ll probably be wearing a very dainty, simple necklace with it and maybe a watch or delicate bracelet. Likewise, if I go for a big, bold necklace then I’m probably wearing simple studs. For almost two years now I’ve been a jewelry stylist with Plunder Design and nothing makes me happier than helping someone find the perfect jewelry that fits their style and wardrobe. Up at the top of the blog you can click the Plunder Design tab to go to my website or click the individual links below (items are listed left to right)!
Click to go straight to each item!
Tatiana necklaceSuzie bracelet
Jumbo pearl necklace
BAGS. Bags are an easy way to add a pop of color, texture, and interest to an outfit. Even if you prefer to carry one bag until it wears out, consider branching out and adding one or two to your collection that are different than what you usually carry. You can never go wrong with a classic tote, but if you’re going out for the night, switch it up and do a clutch. For a day of running errands pop on a cross body bag. Handbags are a fun, easy way to up your style game and make your outfit feel “styled” rather than “thrown together.” I like to save on everything when I can, but bags are one thing I will spend some money on, sisters.
Click to go straight to each item!
Rebecca Minkoff Envelope Clutch
SHOES. I feel like this one goes without saying, but in case shoes aren’t really on your radar, let’s get them there. Again, whereas the rest of an outfit may be really basic, shoes are the perfect place to bring it all together. Heels, flats, ankle boots, mules, sandals – there’s a shoe for every occasion and every style. Black and brown basics will take you really far and should definitely be in your closet, but every gal needs a showstopper or two. A bright color, a fun pattern, a detail like a bow or a buckle can all make a pair of shoes feel more special and in turn, transform the feel of an outfit.
Click to go straight to each item!
Kenneth Cole Tassel Loafer Mule
ANIMAL PRINT. While I don’t believe in fashion “rules” I do follow some guidelines that make me feel my best. I am obsessed with leopard print, but I only wear one piece of it at a time. But that one piece is always enough to make me look and feel like I did something extra special. A single leopard bag, shoe, scarf, or piece of jewelry pops against even the most simple outfit. Just a dab will do ya, but it packs a solid punch in the style department! If you don’t wear leopard, get ready, because it’s going to be everywhere this fall and I couldn’t be more excited.
Click to go to straight to each item!
Link unavailable for belt, find it in-store at Target
Kate Spade Double Decker Sneakers
GLAM. Before I scare you off, just know that when I say glam, I don’t mean a full face of heavy makeup. We’re talking simple and easy ways to look pulled together, and that does not include spending an hour on highlighting and contouring. My rule of thumb is lashes, lips, and brows. If those three things are done, I’m good to go. (Go check out my post all about how I get super long, thick lashes naturally HERE) If you have time for other things, great. But when you just need to look like you’ve got it all together on a day when everything is a mess, you can do lashes, lips, and brows in under 10 minutes flat and look fabulous. Glam can be simple. Trust me. Here are my go-to favorites!
Click to go straight to each item!
Cover Girl Super Sizer MascaraL’Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara
L.A. Girl Shady Slim Brow Pencil
We live in a busy world. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. You should never feel like you have to be “dressed up” every single day to have a great day. But I often find that the better I look, the better I feel. The better I feel, the nicer I am and people are nice to me in return. Sounds silly, but how we feel about ourselves has a direct impact on the world around us. You don’t have to incorporate all six of these items and elements into every single outfit, but you can if you want. That’s the best part about fashion. YOU decide what works for your life. I hope these tips showed you that a basic white top and pair of pants or jeans can work really hard for you and take you anywhere you want to go – all you have to do is add a few finishing touches. If you have a favorite item or tip for pulling together an outfit, let me hear it. I love learning new style strategies! Until next time, thank you for reading!
