7 Style Hacks to Get You Dressed and Ready in Minutes

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When we feel good about the clothes are wearing it can in turn have a positive effect on how we feel about ourselves and can be a real boost to our self esteem. What people don’t realise, however, is that they might be spending too much time and resources on our personal style. Of course, you could just put on whatever’s available in your closet (I do this often) but sometimes we want to put together a specific look or if you are attending an event, going to work, meeting up with friends etc or maybe you just want to wear something a little extra special, colourful or fun that also makes you feel good. 

Dressing up, whether for work or leisure, requires at least a little planning and effort especially as it's often not just the clothes, but you’re also thinking about shoes and accessories that go into the overall look. All of this decision-making takes time that may be better spent doing other things. As a result, you may find yourself skipping breakfast or being late to meetings just because you took a lot of time getting yourself ready.

Fortunately, there are tricks you can use to dress up more efficiently which means you don't have to compromise on style even if you have only a couple of minutes to prepare. To get you started, here are some easy hacks you can apply to shorten the time you need to get ready.

Build a Capsule Wardrobe

Most people purchase more clothes than they need, so the garments end up unused and taking up space in their closets. This can complicate your decision-making because the more options you have, the harder it is to make a choice. Moreover, you end up spending time looking for cotton leggings in a pile of clothes rather than being able to quickly find and wear your favourite pair. Cut down this process by cutting down on your wardrobe so you only have clothes that make you look and feel good. This curated set of clothes is called your capsule wardrobe.

Building a capsule wardrobe can take time as well as some trial and error as you develop your own fashion style but it's worth it in the end. That said, there are a couple of tricks you can use to make the process easier. Consider the following:

Pick clothes that you instinctively feel good in. These are the clothes that feel right on your body and give a boost to your confidence.

Stick to a colour palette. Have pieces in neutral colours and a specific hue that matches well with your skin tones, like blues and reds.

Prioritise quality over quantity. The clothes in your capsule wardrobe are your outfit foundation pieces, so it’s important that you can wear them repeatedly without breaking down or showing signs of wear after just a few uses.

By creating your capsule wardrobe, it’ll be significantly easier to conceptualize outfits because all the pieces complement each other. Additionally, these garments serve as your wardrobe staples, and you can add other seasonal pieces without worry. In this manner, you don’t have to think too hard about matching clothes on days you have to rush.

Prepare Your Outfits Early

Another handy tip that you can use is to assemble the clothes you’ll be wearing earlier on. For most people, trying out clothes the night before and laying them out for the next day is sufficient preparation.

However, if you arrive home tired or you become preoccupied with other responsibilities, you may not have the time to do this every evening. Hence, consider preparing your outfits for the week ahead may work for you. Dedicate some of your free time for a closet check, and set aside the ensembles you’ve chosen for the upcoming days. 

Always Keep a Backup Outfit on Standby

You never know what can happen while you’re hurrying. You might accidentally spill some coffee on your top (I've done this!)  or discover that your pants had a rip you didn’t notice earlier. These things happen, so it’s smart to keep a backup outfit on standby. Ideally, your backup outfit would be a one-piece garment like a dress or a jumpsuit, so you don’t need to match tops and bottoms anymore. Keep a couple of them ready in case you need to replace one of your scheduled outfits.

Coordinate Your Accessories and Footwear

One of the most effective ways to create a cohesive look is to coordinate your accessories and footwear. Having them in similar colours or designs can significantly raise the aesthetic appeal of your ensemble and make it look more polished. Pay special attention to your bags and shoes because these larger accessories are the ones that make the most impact.

To make things easier for you, have them in neutral colours such as nude, black, or white. Rich brown colours are also popular with their rich leather-like look. By doing so, you can easily pair them with any clothes and make matching outfits go by faster.

Keep Your Toiletries and Wardrobe Organised

The last thing you want on a busy morning is a misplaced item. More often than not, it causes people to become frantic with their search and make a mess as they look for the missing item. Avoid losing time and getting stressed by keeping your possessions organised. Fold your clothes properly, place your toiletries in small baskets, and have a dedicated spot for your phone, keys, and other necessities (easier said than done, I know!). If you do make a mess, don’t forget to put things back in their proper spots once you get home. After all, it’s easier to maintain an organised space rather than letting the mess accumulate and needing more time to clean up.

Dress Smarter, Not Harder

There’s a lot of effort and time that goes into looking good, from assembling outfits to picking the right makeup look. However, time is not always on your side, especially on busy mornings or evenings when you have scheduled engagements back to back. Hence, make the most of the styling tips above, so you don’t compromise your outfits and your look with the limited time you have.