5 Ways to Elevate Your Look Today

This week is taking on a theme, I do believe. Because I know where I’m going with the remainder of this week’s posts, I can tell you that this week is all about leveling up your outfit to a more sophisticated, elegant style. Yesterday I shared a dozen ways to style a blazer, and a jacket is a sure fire way to elevate your look. But today I’m going to pinpoint 5 ways to elevate your look that you can put into effect immediately.

Now look, I know a gal doesn’t necessarily want to elevate every look. But there are days and events for which we want to add just a little something to our outfit to achieve a more elegant, sophisticated style. We’re heading into the holidays and, while I’ll be sharing some specific holiday looks soon, I think it’s just as important to be able to elevate an everyday look to party caliber with just a tweak here and there. So that’s what I’m sharing today…little tweaks that will take your look from simple to chic.

#1 – Wear at least one structured piece.

I think this is the absolutely easiest way to add elegance and sophistication to a look. Adding structure can be as easy as picking up your structured handbag on the way out the door or slipping into that blazer before your meeting.

Here’s how this tip plays out…

Add a structured bag. This Michael Kors bag is one I purchased on deep sale last year, so it’s no longer available. But Michael Kors often offers great sales on their gorgeous structured handbags. Or you can shop the selection of satchels at Nordstrom Rack for great deals.

Add a structured blazer. For more ideas about adding a blazer to your outfit, you might want to check out this post.

Add a button up collared shirt. A plain white button up shirt or a silky one or a plaid cotton shirt. They’ll all work to varying levels. But the structure of a button up shirt will definitely elevate your outfit more than a t-shirt.

Wear a structured belt. Adding a belt even elevates the look of your outfit. Think about how different this outfit would look without the belt. In fact, the belt is the most structured piece in this entire outfit!

Can you think of other ways to add structure to your outfit?

#2 – Add black – the more the better!

Somehow adding blocks of black really elevates an outfit. I think our eyes just identify black with elegance, so when we see any of it in an outfit we elevate the look in our mind’s eye.

Check out how I’ve used black in the following outfits. You’ll notice that the more black there is, the more chic the look appears.

#3 – Add a bold lip.

This is the one tip I rarely follow myself. I usually prefer a more nude lip. But truly, adding a bold pink, deep red or even dark plum will make your overall look more elegant and chic. And some of you gals have this one mastered!

#4 – Wear manicured nails.

I struggle to keep my nails manicured, but I do indeed try. I’ve determined that we all notice other people’s hands quickly and often, but we generally feel like no one notices ours. See the problem with that thinking? Our hands actually speak up for us quite quickly and often are the game changer. Your entire outfit can look polished and elegant, but if your nail polish is chipped, your nails look ragged or your hands appear cracked and dry, your overall look is immediately diminished. And I’m preaching to myself!

If you’re interested in adding elegance and class through a manicure, you might want to check out my post about the OPI Infinite Shine nail polish system. Read the post here.

#5 – Wear heels or pointy toe shoes.

Finally, you can instantly elevate your look simply by slipping into heels or pointy toe shoes before leaving your house. Again, it’s the structure and the feminine angles of these shoes that make your overall look appear more chic to the eye. Heels will accomplish the desired result more easily, but if you choose or need to wear flats, simply choose those with a pointy toe.

So let’s review! To add instant polish and style to even your most basic outfit, simply…

• add at least one structured piece such as a structured handbag, blazer, button up shirt or belt.
• add a block of black…the more the better.
• wear a bold lip.
• keep manicured nails.
• wear heels or pointy toe shoes.

How will you elevate your look today?

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Blessed for My Day

At our ages, I think most of us gals are aware that the company we keep rubs off on us. If we spend an hour or two with someone who complains a lot, we easily become more critical ourselves. If we go to lunch with a gal who likes to gossip, we’re more prone to listen to gossip and perhaps chime in. And if we sit in front of the television news for very long we begin to grow anxious and fearful.

But it’s not enough to simply steer clear of poor company. We also need to spend time in the presence of that which is good for us. That’s why it’s so important we make time each day to spend ample time in God’s Word. That we seek Him in prayer and meditation. If you’re interested in spending more time in God’s presence, you might want to try out the Abide app. I’ve found it very beneficial and settling.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. ~ Psalm 1:1-2