How to Always Look Put Together (Even if You're a Hot Mess)
Today's blog post is a fun one, because we are talking how to always look put together even if you are a hot mess. As a hot mess mom over here, I can definitely attest that these tips work great. Do I always follow them? No, I fail often. But let me tell you when I do, I really do feel a lot more confident and presentable.
As a millennial mom of a toddler and a baby who works from home, I have often been guilty of putting minimal effort into my everyday look. But like fair, right?
However, I have been committed to trying to be my best self, and honestly it's a lot easier to adopt that mindset when you look put together! And not so much when you haven't showered in two days and you're wearing a formula-stained ratty sweatshirt with your hair in a messy bun.
So when it's my turn to do school drop-off and I have to actually venture into the public eye, I try my best to employ these practices for looking and feeling more put together. If I can do it, anyone can!
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Basically if you are low on time, low on funds, or low on f*cks to give, these are my best tips for pulling yourself together to look actually presentable that never fail.
Clean and Confident: Hygiene is Your Foundation
The first step to any put-together look is feeling fresh and clean. I get it, some days we don't have enough time for a full shower. But even a quick body rinse or what I call a "faux shower" (washing your face, applying deodorant, spritzing some clean girl aesthetic-approved perfume, and hitting the roots with dry shampoo) goes a long way.
Bare minimum: At the very least brush your teeth and change into clean underwear and socks, and you'll instantly feel more like yourself.
The truth is, it's the little things that make a big difference in your overall appearance. You don’t have to give your all every single day, but a tiny effort to refresh can go a long way toward boosting confidence and feeling good in your skin.
Care for Your Clothes: Wear Clothes That Look Good (and Are in Good Condition)
The best way to elevate your look without buying anything new is to simply take care of what you already own. Avoid wearing clothes with visible stains, pilling, or heavy wrinkles. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference little tweaks like steaming or lint rolling your clothes can make in your overall look.
Read the tags and care labels. Some natural fibers like linen or cotton need different handling than your polyester blend favorites. When your clothes look clean and intentional, so do you. It’s about maintaining the integrity of your wardrobe. A high-quality item doesn’t stay that way unless you treat it like one!
Dress for Success: Outfit Planning & Formulas
We don’t all have much time in the mornings, which is why I swear by little advance planning. Picking out your outfit the night before is a game changer when you're rushing out the door. And even when I forget to plan, I keep a few go-to outfits I can reach for in a pinch. Think of them as a style uniform that you know works for your body shape and life stage.
A matching sweat set or a shorts-and-tank combo in warmer months is a great way to stay comfy while looking intentional. You don’t need a massive clothing haul to have stylish options. Using outfit formulas (like well-fitted jeans + basic tee + white sneaker) helps take the guesswork out of getting dressed. It also helps define your personal style, which can make future shopping a lot easier.
Hair Hacks: Quick Fixes for Bad Hair Days
Hair not cooperating? No problem. A cute baseball cap paired with a statement piece like hoop earrings or gold studs instantly makes your look feel styled. It's one of the easiest ways to hide a greasy hair day.
Another favorite: headbands, claw clips, or hair scarves. These quick additions make you look like you tried—even if you didn’t. They're simple accessories that elevate the entire look. When your hair feels like a lost cause, lean into these effortless tools for a pulled-together outfit that still feels like you.
Nailed It: Polished Nails Without the Fuss
You don't need a full-blown manicure to feel more put together, but having clean, well-kept nails always makes a huge difference. If you love going to the salon, UV gel nails or hard gel nails are my personal favorite because they do not chip, and they survive the chaos of mom life.
If that’s not your thing, no worries. My favorite low-effort option is the Kur Nail Concealer. It gives your nails a clean, glossy finish in just a couple swipes. No skill needed. It's one of those little things that boosts your confidence without requiring much attention or effort.
Skincare Basics: Healthy Skin, Happier You
You don’t need flawless makeup if your skin is happy. Keeping your skin moisturized and your lips hydrated is the best advice I can give. On rushed mornings, a simple face wash, moisturizer, and some SPF can work wonders.
Clear skin doesn’t have to mean perfect skin—it just means cared-for skin. You don’t have to do a 10-step routine to feel glowy and confident. Just keeping your skin healthy with a few targeted products is enough for that fresh, chic look.
Makeup Minimalism: Choose Your Power Pieces
Makeup can be overwhelming, especially when you're short on time. That’s why I like to pick 1–2 products that give me the biggest impact. For me, it’s under-eye concealer and a lip liner/lip oil combo. That’s it.
Your power products might be mascara and blush, or brow gel and tinted moisturizer. Whatever makes YOU feel most confident, focus on that. The best thing you can do is simplify your routine so it’s manageable even on your less-than-stellar days. A quick makeup routine goes a long way in making your whole face feel fresher, brighter, and more awake.
Finishing Touches: Jewelry, Posture, and Confidence
This is the fun part: the little details that take your look to the next level. Throw on a pair of gold hoops, stack a few rings, or add a pop of color with your bag or shoes. These are the touches that create a put-together look without feeling fussy.
Your posture is another underrated secret. Standing tall instantly adds to your overall appearance. Even on days when you're faking it, good posture can help you feel a little more in control.
And the most important thing? Confidence. The best doing you can offer is showing up, as you are, with a bit of effort. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to feel like you.
Looking put together doesn’t mean polished to perfection. It means taking small steps to support how you want to feel. On bad hair days, less-than-stellar days, or just the regular busy days—we all have them—leaning on a few easy ways to elevate your look makes a huge difference.
You don’t need the perfect closet, timeless pieces, or the latest statement pieces to look presentable. You just need a few go-to habits, some high-quality basics, and a little mindset shift.
You've got this!
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