One of my goals this year is to upgrade my style and look more “put together”. For me, I think a big part of looking put together is about feeling put together. It’s not about the clothes, accessories, or shoes—those things are just props. What really matters is how you carry yourself while wearing them.
Now, let’s be clear: This is NOT a guide on how to be “That Girl” or how to appear put together like some internet trend that makes women feel like they’re constantly falling short. Nope. This isn’t even a list of tips—it’s just me sharing the things that make me feel like I’ve got it together. On a perfect day, in a perfect world, all these things would happen and I would simply float through the day. In reality, how well I manage to achieve the below very much depends on the time of year, the time of the month, and honestly just what’s going on in my life at the time. So here’s my personal list of (mostly) little things that make me feel “put together”:
- Fresh Nails | there’s nothing like a fresh mani pedi to activate that instant star girl feeling. Ok fine, in the winter months, no one can see my feet and even my hands are hidden away in gloves but as soon as the gloves come off, you get these nails! My go-to for nail colour is fire-engine red but recently I’ve been dabbling in nail art too. Basically, fresh nails means fresh me!
- Matching Underwear | this one’s just between me, God and my partner (God you can do it…or at least send me a sneaky link!). Matching undies? Instance confidence boost. It doesn’t need to be La Perla; just the fact it’s matching, has me feeling like the sexiest thing that ever liveth. Actually, speaking of sexy…
- Waxing | we’re all adults here (I hope o!) so I can speak freely. A fresh wax has me feeling so fresh, so clean, so smooth, so… you get the picture. The funniest thing is that after a fresh wax, I could throw on my baggiest tracksuit and be strutting through the streets like Tyra. I’m glowing…in a very smooth way *wink wink*
- A Good Skin Day | as I’ve said many times on here, make up is unfortunately not my gift so I make sure to invest in my skin. When my skin is behaving and giving me radiant glowy vibes, I just know it’s going to be the best day.
- A Good Hair Day | I’m convinced that hair is the MVP of feeling put together. Am I the only one? It’s not about wearing a specific hairstyle. A bun that sits just right or a defined twistout or a fresh silk press – whatever the day calls for, if my hair is on point, I’m feeling on point. Period.
- Time | there’s no such thing as “put together” when I’m in a rush. I need time to get myself in order – usually about 20-25mins to do my skincare, make up and hair to be exact, all whilst getting dressed in that same timeframe. So if I’m scrambling to get them all done in 5 minutes because I slept in or spent too much time in the shower, even if I do manage to get myself together, I won’t feel put together. I can feel the chaos which is more likely to reflect in my final look.
- Feeling Rested | a good night’s sleep (or a solid nap) can work wonders for my mood. When I feel rested, I’m sure I look rested too and everyone wants that right? There’s no space here for eye bags and tired dull skin – be gone!
- Smelling Good | There really is no better compliment than “you smell good” – is there? Fragrance is such a personal thing so no recommendations here, but what I will say is that wearing one of my favourite scents will have me feeling like I run these streets. Yeah!
- Earrings | okay, maybe it’s the African in me (or maybe I should narrow it down further to being Nigerian). Earrings are non-negotiable for me. I might as well be naked if I’m not wearing earrings. The only times I am not wearing them are in the shower and when sleeping. I’ve legit left work to go buy earrings because I forgot them or lost one. I can’t be the only one…right?
- A Clean and Tidy Home | just knowing that my home is clean and organised makes me feel like such a boss. It’s ready for guests, but more importantly, it’s ready for ME. And let me tell you, when everything is in its place, I feel like I’m ruling my own little kingdom.
If you’ve enjoyed these little things that make me feel put together, check out Ten Things That Spark Joy for Me. Also, feel free to share what makes YOU feel put together—or sparks joy for you!
