tips on looking "put together" please?

[southernsky]

I never seem to manage pulling off the "put together" look. I have stopped wearing ratty or too big t-shirts, and got rid of clothes that just don't fit, but how do I make the transition from looking sort of respectable to being the kind of girl who other people look at and go "WOW she looks really put together"?

I'm in my early 20's, looking for a business job, but I really just want tips on what makes a woman look very put together whether out for the night, or just at work. I'm trying to wear more jewelry and pay attention to what fashion trends are out there right now, but I'm really a conservative dresser. I don't need to look trendy, just like I have a shred of fashion sense! Any tips are appreciated!

I also started blow-drying my hair and that made a huge difference in my overall appearance, but I need more ideas.

 

[LadyJeanne]

You've got to start watching What Not To Wear on TLC. They show women how to look put together and make the most of what they have to show off.

For business, pants in neutrals like black, navy, brown, beige, maybe with little pinstripes or subtle patterns are a good start. Add color with the tops, and layer. Button down blouse in a shape that flatters your body with a fitted jacket or even a sweater will take you a long way. Tank tops or shells will also go well with a jacket or sweater. You mix and match the tops and bottoms, throw in a few skirts. Shoes should match your pants or top, depending on if you want to highlight the color or keep it a simple neutral.

For the basics, somewhere like Ann Taylor or Ann Taylor Loft will have pretty much what you're looking for, but you'll probably want to punch it up with a few trendy pieces elsewhere. Ann Taylor really sticks to the simple styles. You probably will pay more for clothes there, but keep in mind, a good pair of black pants will last a lot longer at the dry cleaners than a cheaper pair that looks similar.

I don't accessorize too much, but usually neat hair and decently-groomed fingernails is good enough. You can add one eye-catching piece of jewelry, like a ring or necklace, but don't pile it on.

 

[Straight-8]

I know almost nothing about this except that there seems to be about a quadrillion magazines devoted to this topic.

Being a guy the only time I can say I really noticed this 'together' thing was in Paris. The women were not spectacularly attractive. I'd say you probably see more attractive women on average in a comparable US or Canadian city. But they were 'put together'. Most of them knew exactly what features to emphasize and which to draw attention away from (and I don't mean in a sleazy manner). There was an overall sense of being comfortable with their own appearance and an aura of confidence that I find lacking in many North American women. It was very sexy .


Now, mind you, I went to Paris after spending some time in London where I found exactly the opposite to be true!

 

[SweetErika]

You've got to start watching What Not To Wear on TLC. They show women how to look put together and make the most of what they have to show off.

For business, pants in neutrals like black, navy, brown, beige, maybe with little pinstripes or subtle patterns are a good start. Add color with the tops, and layer. Button down blouse in a shape that flatters your body with a fitted jacket or even a sweater will take you a long way. Tank tops or shells will also go well with a jacket or sweater. You mix and match the tops and bottoms, throw in a few skirts. Shoes should match your pants or top, depending on if you want to highlight the color or keep it a simple neutral.

For the basics, somewhere like Ann Taylor or Ann Taylor Loft will have pretty much what you're looking for, but you'll probably want to punch it up with a few trendy pieces elsewhere. Ann Taylor really sticks to the simple styles. You probably will pay more for clothes there, but keep in mind, a good pair of black pants will last a lot longer at the dry cleaners than a cheaper pair that looks similar.

I don't accessorize too much, but usually neat hair and decently-groomed fingernails is good enough. You can add one eye-catching piece of jewelry, like a ring or necklace, but don't pile it on.

Great advice, as usual. I've noticed even Target has some better basics like well-fitting and styled black pants, shells, skirts, and jackets lately. I just found a bunch of stuff on the Macys and Nordstrom Rack clearance racks as well. So those might be avenues to explore if you don't have a huge budget.

Often the little things like fit, shoes, fabric, necklines, and shade (darker jeans, for example) make a huge difference. I rarely buy anything that has a lot of synthetic fabric because I've found natural fabrics generally wear better and look nicer. Most of my shoes are neutral leather, and socks are in the same color family as pants because over the years I've noticed those types of things can make a huge difference in my impression of other women. I go for classic over trendy, so fashion magazines aren't much help, but watching and emulating well-dressed women is.

 

[southernsky]

Thank you! My mom is a huge tomboy, so I've never really even learned anything useful about makeup or hair or anything like that from her. I love her style, but I'd like to look a little more stylish, classy, put together, whatever you want to call it. Are pants and blouses good basics? I am in love with Express pants since they are really the only ones long enough for me. I'll go check out Ann Taylor too. I've heard some really good things about them.

If you had to recommend a basic wardrobe that would work for business casual and also for everyday life, what would it include?

 

[jadefirefly]

I hopped out and googled a few things for you :

http://www.bluesuitmom.com/career/powerimage/basics.html
http://magazines.ivillage.com/marieclaire/fashion/expert/qas/0,,434721_438077,00.html

Both of these offer fairly similar advice, which is excellent. Keep in mind that based on your location and/or financial situation you may need to adjust these plans to fit, but building with simple, coordinating basics is the best way to start.

With a bit of careful planning, you should be able to find 9-12 items that, when put together the right way, can get you through a week or more without repeating the same outfit.

As one of the smarter girls above said, too: be careful not to just wear "more" jewelry, but to wear the right jewelry. Make sure metal tones go together, and that they match with your outfits. Make sure that if you're wearing two or three pieces of jewelry that go together, those are all the pieces you wear (aside from necessities like wedding rings, etc.).

I hope these linkies are useful to you!

 

[darling05]

Club Monaco do great work clothes... also, perhaps consider investing in a classic handbag and a girl can never have too many nice shoes!

 

[Kelly_Liscious]

Invest in a good pair of shoes, a pair of shoes that can take you from work to a night out.

I also have this lovely woman who does all my fittings, she will hem.. etc all my clothes so they fit my body.

Hope these little pieces of advice help you.

 

[captain snakebite]

Excuse the buttinski from a bloke, but IMHO feeling comfortable in your clothes goes a long way towards 'put together'.

I know guys aren't supposed to say things like this, but try everything on! Get yourself a shopping buddy and parade!! The law of averages dictates that sooner or later you'll come across something (more probably some things) that look like you were born to wear 'em.

Don't be afraid to attempt the outrageous. Just because you've never tried tadziki doesn't mean it won't be delicious!

Hear your buddies' opinions but listen to yourself - better to go for an 'okay' outfit you can wear than a 'gorgeous' piece that wears you.




Also - when you've found your 'knock their socks off' look - post a piccy for your LIT buds!

Have fun...

 

[glynndah]

I worked years in retail selling career wear. My advice:

1. Find a store or couple of them whose "look" you want to try. Browse the stores and just look at the displays.
2. Ask a clerk or manager in that store to help you put together your new look. (If you can't find a helpful clerk to work from "scratch", locate a mannequin and use that look. ) It's perfectly acceptable to bring some clothes from home and work with them. It's best to shop during "down times" when the store isn't so busy.
3. Pick a neutral color palette that you like and look good in. Black, brown, and navy are good ones to start with. Try a blazer in each of the colors. If one looks better on you than the other two, go with it.
4. Now that you've found the basic color you like, pick out a blazer or its equivalent, pants or skirt, in solid fabric. Try everything on and check out the clothes in the 3 way mirror. Many department stores offer alterations. Use them to get the best fit possible. Generally, you should fit to the hips and bust, not the waist.
5. Buy the highest quality you can afford for the classics. A few great pieces will take you farther than a bunch of "closet filler".
6. Using your basic pieces, choose the secondary items. Blouses, sweaters, a dress, etc. can be in other colors that flatter your complexion and go with your basics. Try everything on in all the combinations. Does it look good together?
7. If you're still having a hard time putting things together, use catalogs and
get the whole outfit shown.
8. Keep your "edges polished". Hair (a great cut will work wonders towards a great look), nails (not necessarily polished or manicured, but neat),purse (briefcase, portfolio, etc.) and shoes should all be in the best possible condition.

Good luck!

 

[Mr. Mann]

My advice, and from a professional male point of view...

Professional dress is not, and should not, also be good for outside the office. Just my opinion.

Figure out your "season" to help determine which colors and shades compliment your complexion and hair color, etc. You can use this knowledge to select certain clothes and accessories, as well as make up.

On make up... less is more. It would be well worth the time and effort to truly learn how to choose and apply make up.

For jewelry, (1) watch; (1) ring, (1) set of earings, (1) necklace. Avoid big dangly earings. Avoid broaches on your jacket. Avoid flashy clasps on scarves. Think conservative and classic, not big and flashy.

Please, PLEASE, in the name of everthing that is Holy and Good... PLEASE avoid chopping all your hair off in some misguided and illconceived attempt to "look professional". Being professional does NOT mean denying, repressing, or losing your femininity!!! Long hair can be a pain to maintain, but it looks beautiful and is very versatile as to choosing styles from day to day. A stylist can help you select a style that suits the shape of your face and hair type.

For truly professional conservative suits... your basic colors should be navy blue, charcoal grey, or black. Yes, yes... I know they make a bunch of stuff in tan and peach... whatever. Hear me and hear me now... that is fine in business casual... but in a truly conservative business setting, you'll want to stick to the same suit colors as the guys. Save the chartreuse pants suit for casual settings.

Actually... avoid pants suits alltogether. Skirts look absolutely amazing, and can actually look more professional. Again... *please* don't deny your femininity.


As a general rule, dress one step above everyone else to set yourself apart in a subtle way.

For casual attire that would be appropriate for wear to an office ... avoid sport shoes and denim.

The above recomendation son Ann Taylor, etc. are spot on. Also... most large department stores will have some selections suitable for professional office wear.

HTH

 

[southernsky]

thank you all so much! Can you be more specific on the office wear? I have a hunter green skirt and jacket suit that looks good and fits well, but what blouse? white? I'm really inept at this, in case you can't tell. My mom either wears hippie clothes or jeans, and there's nobody else in the household to learn from. I do have long hair and it isn't going anywhere. Is wearing it down and loose considered unprofessional?

 

[cfuhrer]

Yes, yes, yes. That was everything I was going to say.
I will however highlight that fit of your clothes is almost more important that anything- avoid frumpy. I always wear my hair pulled back, never curled and fluffed. Nails done but also make sure your hands are free of scrathes and rough patches as well (so if you garden or farm on the side like I do gloves are a must). Make up is better subtle, I always keep a day color set and a night color set. Here is my shameless plug- I am a Mary Kay cosmetics consultant, let me know if there is anything I can get for you.
Best of luck. As someone who works in an office and came from a very tomboy background I know how hard it can be to feel out of place and wondering where to start to rectify that.

I worked years in retail selling career wear. My advice:

1. Find a store or couple of them whose "look" you want to try. Browse the stores and just look at the displays.
2. Ask a clerk or manager in that store to help you put together your new look. (If you can't find a helpful clerk to work from "scratch", locate a mannequin and use that look. ) It's perfectly acceptable to bring some clothes from home and work with them. It's best to shop during "down times" when the store isn't so busy.
3. Pick a neutral color palette that you like and look good in. Black, brown, and navy are good ones to start with. Try a blazer in each of the colors. If one looks better on you than the other two, go with it.
4. Now that you've found the basic color you like, pick out a blazer or its equivalent, pants or skirt, in solid fabric. Try everything on and check out the clothes in the 3 way mirror. Many department stores offer alterations. Use them to get the best fit possible. Generally, you should fit to the hips and bust, not the waist.
5. Buy the highest quality you can afford for the classics. A few great pieces will take you farther than a bunch of "closet filler".
6. Using your basic pieces, choose the secondary items. Blouses, sweaters, a dress, etc. can be in other colors that flatter your complexion and go with your basics. Try everything on in all the combinations. Does it look good together?
7. If you're still having a hard time putting things together, use catalogs and
get the whole outfit shown.
8. Keep your "edges polished". Hair (a great cut will work wonders towards a great look), nails (not necessarily polished or manicured, but neat),purse (briefcase, portfolio, etc.) and shoes should all be in the best possible condition.

Good luck!

 

[jadefirefly]

thank you all so much! Can you be more specific on the office wear? I have a hunter green skirt and jacket suit that looks good and fits well, but what blouse? white? I'm really inept at this, in case you can't tell. My mom either wears hippie clothes or jeans, and there's nobody else in the household to learn from. I do have long hair and it isn't going anywhere. Is wearing it down and loose considered unprofessional?

Aim for white, *maybe* a dark grey. Anything else will be too flashy with green. Do try to find yourself an outfit or two that isn't in a color, though, like black or grey or brown. Some people or places do tend to equate the dark neutral colors with being more professional, for some reason.

Depending on the level of professionalism required, wearing long hair (generally if it falls behind your shoulders) down and loose is somewhat frowned upon. Try at least pulling the top part back with a clip, fastened at the crown of your head, if you don't want to keep it all pulled back. It greatly depends on the general appearance of your hair; if it's generally fine, or is currently "between styles", it should probably not be left loose. If you're one of those insanely lucky people who has thick healthy shiny hair that just makes all the other women jealous, then sometimes it's okay. Just make sure you don't shed on people -- I used to leave hairs behind everywhere, until I cut it all off! So embarrassing.

Good luck in your search, don't hesitate to ask more if you need it! (Some days I love my job even more; we don't have wardrobe issues. )

 

[pinkeden]

Trinny and Susannah are pretty incredible.

They have a book, and also their website tells you the basics, and has an "interactive" section that gives you tips on what to wear depending on your body type.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/lifestyle/tv_and_radio/what_not_to_wear/styleguide_index.shtml (Basic rules, according to Trinny and Susannah [similar to advice given here])

http://www.bbc.co.uk/lifestyle/tv_and_radio/what_not_to_wear/whattowear_index.shtml (Interactive section)


Advice everyone else has given is great too. Good luck and I hope you manage to pull it together the way you want to

 

[leanoir]

Don't forget the confidence to go with your new look! If you put together an outfit that you think looks good, it's okay to ask a friend, but DON'T ask your coworkers, because it will just tell them you don't know what you're doing.

If you wear something with confidence, people will assume you are put together. If you don't, then even if the outfit is perfect, they'll find something to pick at.

Also, one that no one has mentioned that's pretty good for basics is Old Navy. Yes, they have some crazy ass jackets that I would never, ever recommend for anyone (and I worked there for almost two years), but they've been coming out with more and more shells and plain camis that are perfect for layering. Plus they're cheap!

Good luck