How to Achieve a Polished Look

Hello lovelies!

Today we're dipping our toes back into femininity content and discussing achieving a polished look, day in and day out, with tips that work for all our beautiful ladies - from professional babes to stay-at-home darlings.

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As a disclaimer, I truly believe what matters most is who we are on the inside each day. Our kindness, gentleness, generosity, and patience will always go much farther than lipstick and beautifully coiffed hair. There may be seasons of life where our caring for our outer appearance needs to take a back seat to caring for our inner health. The idea of creating a polished look is meant to be lighthearted and optional, not necessary for navigating life.

That said, let's dive in!

1. Know how to get ready quickly

Have you seen the social media video trend going around where ladies are showing their "high maintenance habits to stay low maintenance?" If you haven't, maybe give it a quick search. They have some great ideas! 

The point here is to have a few tricks up your sleeve that ensure you can get ready in ten minutes or less. Have a regular hair routine and an easy hairstyle that means your hair is passable (read: not greasy) in a few minutes. Keep your brows maintained, your nails clean and polish unchipped, your purse organized, and your laundry done. 

Lay out your clothes the night before, pick out your accessories, and pack the bags you'll need to leave the house.

Hopefully you have more leisure time as you get ready for the day, but should you need to get ready quickly, knowing your priorities and moving with confidence can mean the difference between "disheveled" and "polished" as you step out the door.

2. Wear clothes that fit

It doesn't matter what your body type, age, or weight is, it is universally true that you won't look polished if your clothes are too tight or overly large. 

Try things on, return them if they don't fit, get them tailored, and buy one well-fitting piece over five cheaper, ill-fitting pieces. 

For extra credit, learn your body type (I love the Kibbe ID system!) and look for clothes that flatter your figure. 

3. Lose weight

I might get in a bit of trouble for this one, but losing weight helped me look better overall, and I'm passing that information along to each of you.

I fit into clothes better, was able to find clothing that fit my body type, and had a healthier, more vibrant appearance.

Vibrancy and polish go hand in hand, and losing weight can help.

4. Wear appropriate makeup

Wearing makeup, like each of these tips, is optional. Should you choose to wear makeup, make sure that your look is appropriate for the occasion.

Full glam doesn't belong at your 9 to 5 business casual job. Know when to tone it down, wear feature-enhancing instead of feature-changing looks, and when uncertain, shoot for minimal, natural, barely-there looks.

5. Accessorize

The difference between putting on clothes and dressing with intention (i.e. creating a "look") is accessorizing. 

A simple dress turns into an outfit with the addition of earrings, a ring, and a goes-with-everything handbag. A basic T-shirt and skirt combo comes alive with a pretty hair clip and fantastic boots. 

Accessories don't have to take over your closet or be different every day. Adding dainty jewelry and carefully choosing a bag and shoes that go with your wardrobe can enhance any outfit!

6. Wear shoes and a bag with some life left in them

Take care of your things. If your handbag handles are fraying, get them fixed. If your shoes are scuffed or mud-caked, clean them. If you have truly worn your bag and shoes so many times that they've breathed their last breath, replace them.

Shoes and handbags have a way of showing wear and age in a way that makes a look go from polished and impressive to "well, she tried..." in a heartbeat. 

7. Have a hairstyle - not a messy bun

Okay, okay, a messy bun is a style. But so often, we ladies are putting our hair in messy buns because we need it up out of our faces quickly, or because we didn't wash it and it looks greasy, or because we don't have a good style and can't be bothered. The messy bun isn't intentional, it's an afterthought, and it looks like an afterthought.

Commit to a hairstyle. Have a few simple, go-to looks. Know how to get your hair out of your eyes or off of your neck in a way that looks put-together instead of last minute and sloppy. Try a half-up look, a low bun, or a French twist for quick, pulled-back options. Go sleek and straight or romantic and curly. Rock your natural texture or change things up! Polished is not a particular style or texture, but putting thought into your look.

8. Smile

Last but not least, smile. Smiling is free, it's easy, and if you've started the day a bit grumpy you can change in a heartbeat (as opposed to leaving the house in your pajamas, which might only be fixed if you go back home). 

Ladies who are angry or overly stressed are not polished. They give the appearance of an individual rushed and out-of-control of her emotions. A polished look involves a calm outward appearance, and smiling can help!

That's all for today ladies! Let me know in the comments below your favorite tip for looking polished.

All the love,

Emily

P.S. Feel free to contact me at admin@tulipsandbasil.com!