The Real Chic Life

I have to start this post by saying it is always our intention to help women look and feel beautiful. This is way more important to me than any trend I could cover, no matter how fun those are. It’s the ethos behind why we do what we do here. I’ve also written a post on how to be graceful before- you can see it here. It is one of my favorite posts to date because it was an ode to my late grandmother who had sophisticated tastes in all things style, beauty, and home. But what I really admired was the way she carried herself. One of the kindest and sometimes surprising, compliments (because it’s rare to see ourselves the way others do) I receive is in this same realm. I believe being graceful or elegant is about way more than style. And the art of looking put together is also about so much more than the clothes. Looking put together is about blending style, grooming, and confidence to create a polished appearance. 

Here are some key tips:

1. Invest in Timeless Pieces: Build your wardrobe with classic staples like a blazer, a white shirt, well-fitted jeans, and neutral-toned shoes that can easily be mixed and matched. As you can see from the pieces listed your look doesn’t have to be fussy or designer. It is about finding the staple pieces (that resonate with you). We love a capsule wardrobe on the blog. We have several old posts about them and we’ll have a new one up very soon. But for now, just choose a few items that you can interchange with the pieces listed above to create a polished wardrobe to start. I like using a portable clothing rack to create a capsule so that you can see everything together and build out from there. 

2. Wear Clothes that Fit Well: Ensure your clothes are well-fitted, neither too tight nor too loose, to enhance your body shape and create a sleek silhouette. This is an often overlooked area. Fit is everything. I see women wearing enviable designer pieces and somehow the look still misses the mark because the items simply don’t fit well.  A good tailor is a wonderful way to always ensure that your clothes fit well regardless of price point, but balance is also key here. If your top is fitted, it’s helpful to go with a looser bottom (an A-line skirt or wide-legged pants). The reverse is also helpful. A flowy or loose top needs a more structured bottom to balance it out as well.  And last but not least use brand sizing as a starting point. If I’m trying on clothing I will take my typical size as well as a size below and one above in the dressing room. So many factors influence brand sizing and most of us aren’t the exact measurements they use to determine fit. Don’t get hung up on size. Even vanity sizing which might feel good when looking at the tag, isn’t helpful unless you like what you see in the mirror too.  If you prefer shopping online like I often do, read the reviews and size notes, and if your budget allows, order two based on the notes and reviews. I find it pretty easy to send the one I don’t want back especially when I’m keeping the one that fits perfectly. 

3. Stick to a Cohesive Color Palette: Choose colors that complement each other and your skin tone. Neutrals (like black, white, navy, and beige) give an effortlessly chic appearance. While we are often drawn to bright colors they don’t always give you that effortless polished look you may be after. It is certainly okay to embrace color (it can even be a mood lifter) but use a bright, stand-out look in moderation or as a pop of color against a more classic color pattern. 

4. Accessorize Thoughtfully: Add simple, elegant accessories like a minimalist watch, a structured handbag, or delicate jewelry to complete your outfit without overdoing it. I know lots of women who love maximalism and pull it off well. There’s truly an art to it, but the easiest (and my preferred) way to accessorize is with simpler high-quality pieces that lean more elegant than trendy. If you’d like to add a statement piece make sure to balance it out with other minimalist accessories like those mentioned above.

5. Grooming is Key: Keep your hair styled (even if it’s a simple ponytail, bun, or braided style), your nails done (an at-home manicure is fine) and your skin well-moisturized. Clean grooming adds to the overall polished look. You would be surprised by how much you give away when you don’t pay attention to the small things. 

6. Iron or Steam Your Clothes: Wrinkled clothes can detract from an otherwise well-thought-out outfit. Take a few minutes to ensure your clothes are wrinkle-free. I love a good steamer. I steam everything including pajamas and workout clothes. I even travel with a portable one- but you don’t need to be as obsessed as I am. Simply taking clothes out of the dryer and folding or hanging them as soon as they are done works wonders too. 

7. Tailor Your Style to the Occasion: Dressing appropriately for the occasion while maintaining your personal style ensures you always look put together. Tom Ford once said that dressing well is a form of good manners. I completely agree. Dressing for the occasion isn’t just about style it’s about showing good etiquette too. 

8. Stay Organized: A neat bag, a clean phone case, and well-kept shoes can add subtle but impactful touches to your look. I try to clean out my bag daily. And, a good cobbler can help you keep your leather bags in good condition and get lots of mileage out of your favorite shoes. 

9. Pay Attention to Posture: Good posture instantly improves your appearance. Stand tall and confidently to convey that you’re in control of your look. A large part of looking put together is about conveying confidence. Hold your head high and remember that you belong wherever you want to be! 

These are my favorite tips for looking put together, but as always I’d love to hear yours too. 

Until next post, 

Xo Tonya Parker