How to Look Put-Together

Easy Tips for a Polished Wardrobe

Feb 11, 2009 Sharael Kolberg

It's not difficult to look stylish for less. Follow a few simple steps to get the look that you've always envied.

Start the process by cleaning and organizing your closet. Then take an inventory of what you have and what you need. Keep this list with you so that when you're at the mall you won't be tempted to buy something that you think is cute or is on sale, but rather stick to the list and buy something you need to complete your wardrobe instead.

Buy the Basics

Spend the most money on basic items. If they are classic they will last for years. You want to invest in these items so they will hold up for a long time. Spend less money on trendy items that will go out of style quickly.

Some basic wardrobe items:

  • Basic black shoes (loafers)
  • Jeans
  • Khakis pants
  • A white button-down shirt
  • A nice coat
  • A stylish yet functional purse

These are just a few items to get your wardrobe started. You'll want to start with some staple pieces and add some color and prints as you go.

Find Your Style

To build a wardrobe, you'll want to decide on one type of style that fits you best. If you have a closet full of clothes that are various styles, you'll have a hard time finding something to wear because nothing will match. If you stick to one style, you can mix and match your entire wardrobe.

Here are some style ideas:

  • Classic: basic, functional clothing
  • Sporty: Comfortable, casual clothing
  • Stylish: Trendy, fashionista

Color Coordinate

Once you have decided on a style, you'll want to select which basic colors you'd like your wardrobe to be. You'll need three colors: a neutral (beige/off-white), a dark (brown/black) and a color (pink/pastel blue).

If you have some extra spending money, it would be worthwhile to meet with a color consultant to see which colors best suit you. You'll also want to look for prints can combine these colors.

After you've chosen your colors you'll want to start building your wardrobe with these colors. Again, if you have a closet full of clothes that are all different colors, it will be difficult to put together an outfit. If the clothes are in the same color scheme, it will be much easier to mix and match.

You'll want one of each of these in each of the three colors you've selected:

  • Dress pants
  • Casual pants
  • Long-sleeve shirt
  • Short-sleeve shirt
  • Dress
  • Skirt
  • Sweater/cardigan
  • Dress shoes
  • Casual shoes
  • Coat

Use these guidelines when you are shopping. Don't buy an item of clothing that is outside of your color scheme because it won't fit into your wardrobe.

Accessorize

With your clothes in order, now you can have fun and start to jazz up your look with accessories. Buy jewelry, scarves, hats that fit the colors and style of your wardrobe. A great way to add jewelry to your wardrobe for free is to host a jewelry party.

Before you know if, you'll be hearing people say, "How do you always look so put together?" It's not as hard as you think.

The copyright of the article How to Look Put-Together in Women’s Fashion is owned by Sharael Kolberg. Permission to republish How to Look Put-Together in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.