How to Create Outfits That Feel Polished (Even on Errand Days) W/ NYC Personal Stylist Jamie Lewis

Some mornings, just getting dressed feels like one more thing on the never-ending to-do list. Between school drop-offs, running to work and everything in between, the idea of looking put-together doesn't rank high on the priority list.

But here’s the truth, and this is what we show our clients. It's just as easy to put on an outfit that you actually like and want to wear as it is to put on an outfit that makes you feel frumpy and blah.

The goal? Effortless polish. The kind that says “I’ve got it together,” even when your day is pure chaos.

Here’s a rundown of some of the most helpful tips to getting dressed in seconds but also no guesswork!

Again, just as easy to put on that blah outfit that makes you feel so mediocre as it is to put on an outfit you really like!

1. Start With Elevated Basics

So many times we go into our clients' closet's and they are just missing GOOD, SOLID basics. These are the foundation pieces to making sure you have something to wear that fits you properly.

These are just a few examples:

• Jeans: Not ones that are overstretched and sag. A pair that just fits well. If you're starting your denim assortment from scratch, my top three styles for everyday wear- straight leg, barrel leg and a wide leg (not too wide)

• T-shirts: Ones that are still crisp and hold their shape. The collar isn't an accident; it's a U-shape, and it's still a crew-neck or V-neck.

• Layering piece: This could be a denim jacket, cardigan, sweater...a piece to pop over the tee-shirt and look put together.

• Accessories: I'm not talking about your jewelry- most women wear the same piece daily, and I love that! It's your signature. I am talking about belts, sunglasses, scarves what's the piece that will easily finish the outfit. In most cases, it's just throw on a chic belt and now your outfit is interesting.

When your everyday essentials fit right and feel intentional, you can throw them on in seconds and still look pulled together.

Tip: Stick to a neutral color palette for your core pieces — it makes mixing, matching, and layering effortless. Even if your style is colorful, you still want to make sure you have some foundation pieces in good neutrals- they're your buffer and when your brain isn't working to put pieces together, you'll be happy you have them!

The above leads me to the below....

2. Add a Third Piece

Here’s one of my favorite tips: the “third piece” rule.

Outfits with two pieces (like jeans and a tee) feel basic. Just add one more layer, even as simple as a crew neck t-shirt under your sweater, seeing just a hint of that makes it feel intentional.

This is how easy the 3rd layer is for an easy everyday outfit with jeans:

• Jeans + Tee + Belt

• Jeans + Sweater+ Oversized Denim Jacket

• Jeans + Thin Knit+ Leather Jacket

Three pieces = an outfit that looks finished. Every time.

Let's take a step further with below....

3. Lean Into Texture and Shape

Even on casual days, details make the difference. Adding texture to an outfit = elevated look.

I don't want you to overcomplicate this either- adding texture works beautifully for your more elevated looks to the office or dinner.

Ofcourse, wearing the leather pants on a date night will elevate your look. But adding texture on a casual day is as simple as, instead of the sweatshirt you're wearing a cashmere sweater with the jeans.

4. Have a jewelry uniform

I don't think you should even think about swapping your jewelry every day. That's a headache and overconsumption. I also don't think you should have a crap piece that's going to tarnish in two weeks.

I LOVE the concept of a jewelry uniform, especially one that has a meaning behind it.

This could be a necklace with your kids birthstone, an important date engraved on a pendant, literally anything but there's meaning and you wear this piece every day. It becomes a part of your uniform without any thought and it grows your individual sense of personal style.

This category could take a minute to land for you, because I want you to get it right.

My jewelry uniform is a necklace with my boys birthstones, two gold bracelets and two rings, and a pair of stud earrings.

I don't think about it- just wear on repeat and am always accessorized.

Last but not least....

5. Finish With Intention

It’s the small finishing touches that make your outfit look so intentional. Our clients are shocked at the difference a rolled sleeve can do OR just tucking in the t-shirt.

Again, two seconds:

• Swipe on tinted lip balm

• Roll your sleeves, tuck your shirt, spritz your favorite perfume.

• Cuff your pants if needed

  
  

This is the last minute- zhush of an outfit that tells someone you paid attention to the detail.

Even on errand days, you want an easy outfit that, if you run into a bunch of your acquaintances, you feel good!

These are the outfits that are just as easy as grabbing leggings and a tee but now you feel more put-together.

We can obviously go on and on with more tips here- but if you read this and just thought, well I really am starting from scratch- know that it's easy!

If you need a hand to help you though, use this link to get started with Jamie, she's a NYC Personal-Stylist and works with ladies virtually.