I am the girl in those memes of friends showing up places like it’s a runway. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not ashamed by any means of this. But sometimes, I’m just not feeling it whether it’s that time of the month, I just can’t make a decision, or don’t like anything in my closet. But I always have to look and feel put together. It’s just a part of who I am, I guess, and, well, I love it. That is why I have followed 3 rules I read once for looking put together. They aren’t necessarily groundbreaking, however, they have helped significantly in changing my mindset while getting dressed.

Being from the desert, in the summer you don’t always have the most options when it comes to getting dressed. It’s pretty much survival over anything, and I’ve always had this complex about looking too simple or boring. But really, the truth is, sometimes that might just be the best look. I love a good minimalist look. I am utterly jealous of people who can pull off these outfits day in and day out with pure ease. Trust me, my Pinterest and social feeds and filled with these looks! Being put together doesn’t exactly mean boring and that was a big lesson I’m still trying to remind myself of all the time. So if you’re just as unsure as I am, here are 3 tips for looking put-together.

HAVE A COLLECTION OF GO-TO BASICS

Sometimes getting dressed can feel like a chore. It’s hard to choose something, an outfit just isn’t coming together, or maybe it’s a regular old ugly day where I’m just not feeling it. This is when having a bunch of core basics is incredibly handy. These key separates are almost like a grab-and-go. They are pieces that can be mixed and matched in an instant to create a put-together and still very chic outfit. My collection of basics includes a blazer, jeans, and a pair of sneakers that can be combined with other closet staples to create outfits that look and feel good in a matter of minutes.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE SIMPLE

When I get dressed in a rush, I always manage to pick an outfit I call “utterly boring” and mostly complain about the entire time. But the truth is, some of the best outfits are just…simple. Not every occasion needs some outfit that is the moment, and that is okay. Minimalism is actually quite beautiful and still eye-catching. Not overthinking clothes not only saves time getting dressed, but it really allows for putting the focus on other things like the experiences and moments of the day. No outfit is ever overly simple and when you have an outfit that you are genuinely comfortable in and with, you project more confidence.

ACCESSORIZE

I know there is that old Coco Chanel quote about removing accessories, and, if you’re like me and LOVE Troop Beverly Hills, you might remember too many accessories clutter an outfit. But with the two rules above accessories are where your outfit can be taken to the next level. Adding on a layer with a button down, denim jacket, or even a loose sweater can take things up a notch. When in doubt, this is also where trendy accessories have their moment to shine. With minimalism and basics, the trendy accessory can be the statement piece that makes you look like you put way more effort into your outfit.