Ladies, we know you’re busy working, studying, looking after children, and just generally being awesome. It doesn’t leave much time to worry about fashion and style — but luckily, a lot of time is something you don’t need to look good.
We’ve scoured the web and put together a list of how to look fresh and put-together with little effort and in no time at all. You’re welcome.
#1. Stick to a neutral color scheme.
The best way to save time thinking about what to wear is to prepare for it in advance. Think weeks or months ahead. When shopping, try to buy neutrals that won’t clash with the rest of your closet. That way, even when you’re running late for a date and just grabbing the first things you see, you’ll be assured you won’t end up looking like a clown.
#2. Layers, layers, layers.
You can never really go wrong with layering… you can get away with wearing a t-shirt underneath your scarf and jacket, plus it makes anyone look instantly slimmer. What’s not to love?
#3. If monochrome isn’t for you, go the pastel route.
If you’re fond of wearing colors but don’t want the headache of trying to color-coordinate ever morning, opt for a pastel palette. They go with almost anything.
#4. Messy hair, don’t care.
No time to style your mane? Don’t worry, some sea salt spray (DIY tutorial here) will make your unkempt hair look beach-ready. Besides, looking like you just rolled out of the bed is “in” now, thanks to some unsung hero who made it fashionable. Whoever you are, know that all the busy, hungover, and sleep-obsessed people of the world salute you.
#5. If all else fails, leave it in a bun.
If your hair is still acting up no matter what you do, employ this no-fail damage control strategy: twist it up, ballerina style. Or better yet, do the even easier lazy-girl updo!
#6. Learn the art of the cuff.
Make even the most unflattering pair of jeans look catwalk-worthy with just a few rolls. Practice makes perfect, and this handy guide shows you how.
#7. Invest in dresses and matching tops and bottoms.
These will instantly take the guesswork out of getting ready in the morning. Just throw them on and you’re ready to go: no more unnecessary mental debate of which blouse goes with which pant.
#8. Nail polish and glue = BFFS.
For all the girls who struggle with coloring within the lines (i.e., your nails), never fear! Glue is here! Before you start painting your polish on, apply some glue on the skin surrounding your nails. Let the glue dry for a minute or two. Then apply your polish as per usual. When your nails are nice and dry, simply peel off the glue, and voila! Perfectly polished nails.
#9. Make your ponytail really *pop!* with this trick.
Just because you’re a busy girl on the inside doesn’t mean you can’t look like a Barbie girl on the outside. Get the tutorial here.
#10. If you can’t paint, draw.
The secret to Pinterest-worthy nails without the fuss? Use a gold sharpie! So much easier than trying to draw with a flimsy nail polish wand.
#11. Highlighting doesn’t have to be complicated.
Sometimes, it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. Or if you want to follow how Joan Smalls does it, just 3. Starting at the outer third between the eyebrows, draw a number 3 down the side of the nose with your highlighter, and loop around the cheek at the highest point of the cheekbone. A neat trick to remember when you’re in a rush.
#12. Focus on the bang.
Rockin’ a fringe? If you don’t have time for a shower, just wash your bangs over the kitchen sink and towel- or blow-dry. This will keep you looking fresh, and no one will be the wiser!
#13. I do think you’re ready for this jelly.
If the way you draw on liquid eyeliner makes them more like distant relatives rather than sisters, you could always do some recon work with some petroleum jelly. Apply the tiniest bit on the “mistake” using a q-tip. Just do this before putting on the rest of your makeup because it takes everything off.
#14. Take your eye makeup from day to night without having to reapply.
Just smudge your eyeliner outward to create a smoky eye effect. You can use a q-tip or your fingers (just don’t forget to wash your hands beforehand).
#15. Have an armoury of accessories at the ready.
Set aside a few statement pieces that will liven up your basic going-out attire. While you’re at it, why not assign one accessory for every day of the week?
- Monday: dainty gold necklace
- Tuesday: scarf
- Wednesday: chunky necklace
- Thursday: hoop earrings
- Friday: anything goes
Save yourself that extra 5 or 10 minutes. On-trend and on time.
#16. Makeup wipes are a godsend for all you sleep-deprived souls.
Nothing beats a thorough washing-off of the gunk on your face before you go to bed, but some days… some days, you just can’t be bothered. The next best alternative: a pack of makeup remover wipes within an arm’s reach from your warm, comfy bed.
#17. If you’re strapped for time, focus on one area and make it amazing.
Choose just ONE feature and make it the center of attention. Either a bold red lip, fierce brows, or a wicked winged eye. This may sound like almost no effort at all, but it won’t look like it, we promise.
#18. Make sure it’s machine-washable before buying it.
Do you want to keep running to the dry-cleaners or hand-washing every time you wear a certain piece of clothing? Didn’t think so.
#19. Master the IDGAF* look.
So what if your houndstooth jacket and floral pants aren’t from the same set? And your hair is all frizzy from air-drying? Rock that shit and strut like you meant to wear those overalls.
*I don’t give a f*ck.