fashion

Easy outfit formulas to look pulled together when your life is in chaos.

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to remain optimistic, life just throws a curveball at you. One minute, things could be peachy, and the next, everything crumbles around you.

In fact, anytime life feels too peaceful, be wary, because chances are your car rego is about to creep up on you, your landlord is going to up your rent, and your cat thought now would be a great time to throw up all over your carpet.

(Can you tell I'm speaking from experience?)

Watch: Iconic Denim Outfits. Post continues below.


Video via Mamamia.

If you find yourself nodding along, screaming "YES!" then take a deep breath. I know it doesn't feel like it right now, but this too shall pass — and feeling put together will help speed up the process.

I know it's hard to look polished when you feel anything but, however, think of it as a psychological play. Adulting is all about faking it till you make it; it's the only way to beat life at its own game.

So allow me to help you change out of your three-day-old pyjamas and remind you who the heck you are.

While I may not have the answer as to why life just sucks sometimes—although I do think Mercury is in retrograde right now, so maybe that has something to do with it — I can help you look and feel your best.

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Let's get into it.

Please, iron your clothes.

Listen, I don't mean to sound like your mum but it's time to admit she has a point. The easiest, fastest and cheapest way to look polished is to iron out every single crease from your clothes.

You can wear a designer blazer worth its weight in gold, but if it's not steamed, it will look unkempt and dishevelled. I know ironing clothes takes time, but get in the habit of doing it the night before. Trust me, your outfits will go from 0-100.

Throw a blazer on top of... well... everything.

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Since the dawn of time (the year 1837 to be exact), people AKA men have been relying on blazers to look prim and proper, mainly during formal occasions.

But in 2024, you can throw a blazer on top of boxer shorts, and no one will bat an eye. In fact, you'll look sleek and very high-fashion.

If boxer shorts aren't your vibe, then pair a structured black blazer with a plain T-shirt and jeans, or even a midi skirt.

One of my favourite ways to wear a blazer is on top of a silk slip dress. The masculine blazer creates a nice contrast against the feminine silhouette of the slip dress.

Sneakers are comfortable, but get yourself a pair of loafers.

I know, I know, nothing feels better than a pair of comfortable sneakers that are now moulded to your feet because it's all you've worn for the past year. I get it.

I'm not saying to ditch the sneakers completely, but investing in a pair of loafers is a good idea.

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Sometimes, all it takes is a simple shoe swap to feel put together, and when you decide to take your landlord to tribunal because they've increased your rent for the fifth time then you're going to need some professional footwear.

Kitten heels will become your new best friend.

Now, I'm not saying you need to wear sky-high stilettos to look like you have your life in order, but it doesn't hurt to wear a teeny tiny, teensy-weensy one. The heel on a kitten shoe is the size of a Tic Tac, but it has a big impact.

They're comfortable enough to walk in, and the small lift they provide makes outfits come to life. I prefer ones with a pointed toe, but you can go square if that's more your style.

Don't be afraid to accessorise.

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When I say accessorise, I mean accessorise. Wear a giant, chunky gold necklace with a sweatshirt. Or on days you don't want to face the world, put on a cap and a pair of oversized sunglasses.

I'm not talking about the delicate, heirloom pieces. Instead, I'm telling you to pair bold jewellery with unconventional clothes.

Start collecting bodysuits.

Are T-shirts comfortable? Yes. Do they bunch up whenever you try to tuck them into anything? Also yes.

To counteract this problem, wear bodysuits instead. There are so many styles available from sleeveless, to halter neck — you can even buy bodysuit T-shirts.

They're going to make everything look so much smoother.

What are your tips for looking put together? Tell us in the comments section below.

Feature Image: Instagram @bysaher/@amybethvdl.

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