How to Look Polished Even When You’re Not

Do you ever have a day where you feel that nothing you do makes you feel polished and put together? As a mom, I have some of those days. I think back, longingly, to the days before children when I had all the time in the world to look effortless and put together. I have kids now, which makes it very hard to look polished for more than five minutes at a time, but I’ve figured out a few tips and tricks that help me look elegant, polished, and put together even with two little girls doing everything in their power to make me look like a homeless woman with two cute kids.

Bad Hair Days

When my girls get syrup in my hair, or won’t do what I want them to long enough for me to straighten my hair, I do a messy knot. To make it look chic, I add a pretty brooch or flower to it. It takes less than a second to add an accessory, and in that time I go from frazzled looking mom to deliberately casual fashionista.

Blazers

My six-inch Jimmy Choos and Louboutins spend more time in the closet than on my feet now that there are kids in the picture. It’s difficult to stay balanced in those while carrying two kids, a diaper bag, and my handbag. To make sure I don’t look like a wreck, I throw on a blazer when I’m out with my kids. A great pair of skinny jeans, a white tee, and a pair of ballet flats look instantly sophisticated with a light blazer.

Accessories Make the Difference

Since I can’t wear many of the favorite outfits all that often anymore (I love my dresses but they aren’t always appropriate with little ones) I’ve resorted to making sure my accessories are fabulous. A big, structured bag always pulls together an outfit. Great shoes and jewelry always pull together an outfit so that it looks chick and classic.