Get Polished

As a model most of my life, I can tell you most of us need work. I’m not talking about cosmetic surgery work, I’m talking about the basics like hair, makeup, clothing, all of it.

If you try too hard, you look disingenuous and overdone, don’t try hard enough and you will be seen as undone, slacking or downright lazy.

Take hair, for instance. It’s called our crowning glory for good reason since it can top off any look or, in turn, destroy it. A cute top knot looks great at the gym, but wear that to the boardroom and they’ll assume you didn’t have time to shower after pilates.

So here are ten ways to look more polished with minimal effort (because that’s always in style):

10. A low or high pony works for just about any situation.
Pull it all back or leave a few wispy pieces to frame your face – either works. Just try not to pull to tight so you don’t break off any delicate hair. I always carry neutral bobby pins and a black non-metal band in my purse just in case.

9. A hat.
A hat can be seasonal and rudimentary (big, chunky beanies come to mind), but it can also instantly class up a casual dress day. Whether it’s a wide brimmed beauty to top off a cute jeans and sweater ensemble or a jaunty, sassy beret or newsboy cap in a bright color with a t-shirt and cardigan with a cute mini.

8. A matte, clean complexion with shiny lips.
Gloss can quite literally light up your entire look. There’s something about a matte face and glossy pout that just instantly seems more sophisticated and is SO easy to pull off. (Matte lips work best for evening.)

7. Working with your coloring.
Whether you covet neon colors or have fifteen pairs of the same black pants, this one’s for you. The idea of having a “base” color to your skin tone may seem so old-fashioned and blasé, but there’s some serious science to it. Don’t believe me? Try on different shades of the same color, like green. You may be stunning in emerald, yet look like a plague victim in olive (me). There are plenty of sites online to help guide you if you’re new to this.

6. Snip snip.
No, not hair, but loose threads. You can’t imagine how much a bunch of frazzled ends on your clothing can bring an outfit right down. If you’re looking to appear put together, this is a no brainer. Check your
fit as well. Oversized clothing can look slovenly and undersized clothing can come off as inappropriate.

5. Hands/feet/nails/toenails.
This seems so basic, but is something a lot of people sleep on. You don’t have to have French tipped diamond adorned coffin acrylics on your fingers and toes, but a well manicured hand and foot will always look better than the alternativce. I’m a cheapskate, so I generally do my own at home, so easy these days with all the tools you can snatch on the cheap online.

4. Shoes.
Your shoes do make a difference. No, they don’t have to be hella expensive, but even the cheapest shoes look best when well taken care of. They don’t have to shine, but at least keep those laces clean
(ish) and take a magic eraser to those scuff marks. You can spot treat areas of wear with one trip to the shoe aisle at just about any mega store.

3. Appropriate jewelry.
I get it. You like to hit em with the razzle dazzle by layering those gleaming blingy blings. No judgement here. BUT, hear me out: Unless you’re auditioning for a music video, maybe scale things down just a
smidge by focusing on glitzing up one body part. Love those huge gold hoops? Great. Maybe stick with an equally stunning gold bracelet or rings versus necklace that will be competing with those lovely lobes.

2. Teeth.
I know, I know. Daily brushing and flossing can be a bore. Even if you aren’t headed to the dentist any time soon, keeping those chompers neat and tidy will not only help make a great impression, it will keep our breath from being declared a biohazard. Win win.

1. Attitude.
I’m not saying to fake your feelings If that makes you uncomfortable, but maybe just “try on” a better mood long enough to get your through that afternoon meeting or first date or zoom? You don’t have to go full-on Joker, but smiling and thinking positively really can alter your mood for the better. I’ve never, not once, regretted forcing a positive mood or smiling when I didn’t feel like it. People remember positivity fondly, but more importantly, having a smile be your umbrella just may turn your day around in all sorts of great ways.