#RealGirlStyle: 10 Steps to Look Well Put Together at All Times

We’ve all encountered these women – the ones who look like they stepped off a magazine cover even after a 16-hour flight, who seem as fresh as a daisy at 6 in the morning and remain elegantly put together even when they sport an undone look. How do these goddess-like women achieve the impossible? Are us mere mortals capable of looking so unruffled and intact at all times? The answer is: yes! With a little effort, anyone can manage it! Today we bring you 10 fool-proof steps to look well put together at all times.

1. Wake Up Early

alarm You can’t fully nail this look if you have only 5 minutes to get ready. We hate to break it to you, but looking perfect does involve some work – even if you’re aiming for the ‘I woke up like this’ look. So wake up 15 minutes earlier than your regular time, so you can really pay attention to how you look. You won’t regret it. Promise!

POPxo recommends: Deleting the word “snooze” from your dictionary!

2. All About the Hair

hair You could be wearing the most basic outfit, but if your hair is in place, you can get away with rocking that look. Take our word on this one. Whether you have time for anything else or not, always, always squeeze in a blow-dry before stepping out.

POPxo recommends: Philips HP8658 Airstyler Paddle Brush Hair Straightener, Rs 1,579

3. Maintain Your Manicure

You could be wearing the most gorgeous outfit with lustworthy shoes, and with your hair in place as well. But the sight of chipped nailpolish will make your entire look go spiralling downwards. Either sport “just out of the nail salon” nails or skip the polish altogether. And ensure that your nails are well groomed at all times. It’s all in the details!

POPxo recommends: Lakme 9 to 5 Long Wear Nail Color Red Boss, Rs 200

4. Don’t Skip Those Parlour Appointments

parlour Like we said, the devil is in the details. And it’s not just restricted to your nails. Waxing, threading, bleaching and regular facials are just as important. It shows that you care about your appearance and hygiene. Do it at home if you must, if you don’t have the time to go to the parlour, but do it for sure!

POPxo recommends: Philips HP6341-00 Lady Shaver (Rs. 1,595) is perfect for when you don’t have time for a parlour run.

5. Wear Great Shoes

shoes Christian Dior once said, “You can never take too much care over the choice of your shoes. Too many women think that they are unimportant, but the real proof of an elegant woman is what is on her feet.” We couldn’t agree more. The design maven hit the bull’s eye with his observation. We suggest you comply. And, while you’re at it, make sure your shoes are always clean!

POPxo recommends: Jenny Wedges by Steve Madden, Rs 3,000

6. Apply Some Basic Makeup

makeup We aren’t suggesting anything too elaborate, but having the basics well secured is important. You will agree that all impeccably groomed women have spotless skin and look dewy fresh at all times. And you don’t need to wipe out Sephora to achieve that (though we wouldn’t mind!). All you need is a good concealer (a smoothening base is non-negotiable), dark kohl, some mascara and gloss (or a lipstick). And this entire routine shouldn’t take you more than 5 minutes!

POPxo recommends: Maybelline Clear Glow BB Stick Concealer, Rs 260; Benefit They’re Real Mascara, Rs 3,800; Revlon Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil, Rs 225; and L’Oreal Paris Shine Caresse Eve, Rs 499

7. Wear Well-Tailored Clothes

fitting You could be wearing Alexander Wang or Manish Malhotra, for all we care, but if it doesn’t fit you well, it only takes away from your look. The mark of a well put-together woman is wearing clothes that fit her right. Anything else screams that you did not pay enough attention. And that’s not what we want, do we?

POPxo recommends: Making friends with your local tailor for those quick and essential nips and tucks!

8. Invest in Perfume

perfume The uncanny thing about all these “polished” women we so admire is that they always smell great. No exceptions. Even if they’ve sat through an hour of Mumbai’s snarling traffic. So invest in some signature fragrances. And always have one scent in your bag so you can spray it just before you make your entry.

POPxo recommends: Estee Lauder Unisex pleasures bloom Eau De Parfum Spray, Rs 3,630

9. Posture!

posture Your mom and dance instructor were right – bad posture can murder the most elegant, beautiful look. So always stand and sit up straight. Slouching makes you look lazy and frumpy. And that’s not going to help your cause!

POPxo recommends: Take note of how you sit and stand. Pull those shoulders back and straighten up that spine!

10. Smile!

smile What’s the point of being so nicely done up if you’re just going to sit in a corner with a frown or walk around with pursed lips? Smile, ladies! Look happy. It instantly elevates your look infinitely.