How to look like you’ve made more effort than you have!

Isn’t it great when your friends say “you look good” and yet you feel you haven’t done anything special/bought anything new.

Want in on the secret? Here are my 5 top tips for apparent effortlessness:

Lose the creases

My steamer is my best friend (ssshh don’t tell the BFF!) so much so that i have 2! (£32.99 on Amazon)  I ALWAYS steam new clothes before I try them on because a crumpled/lined piece never ever looks like it should and I often steam my clothes just before I wear them – just so they look a bit more fresh. Takes 30 seconds and looks like I’ve made loads of effort

Shave your jumpers

Not the razor you use for your legs – but a fabric shaver which keeps knitwear (especially cashmere) looking as new as the day you bought it. I bought my husband a Philips fabric shaver (£15.99 at Philips) and have now probably used it more than him! I can’t tell you what a difference it makes

Watch your step

Scuffed, marked & dirty shoes aren’t great. I regularly put trainers in the washing machine – in the summer they dry quickly outside and in winter they can sit on a radiator for 24 hours to dry. My tip is to chuck them in with your cleaning cloths for a better clean. I also love baby wipes or the magic sponge (£3.99 on Amazon) for getting marks off white leather. And I try to waterproof spray all leather/suede footwear before wearing

Fit is key

When I talk about body shapes (and the fact that knowing your body shape is the key to successful style) I always say that 99% of us don’t fit exactly into one bodyshape box. The same with buying off the shelf – invariably it doesn’t fit perfectly (we are talking hem/sleeve lengths, waist fit etc). Find your local tailor and make friends – she/he will be on speed dial before you know it

Accessories

When you have your outfit on – now ADD. Make sure you have some #neckmess or #armcandy or an #earparty. If in doubt add something else to FINISH your outfit. It might be a belt- choose a statement buckle or something with coloured or printed, or it might be a scarf or a bag – personally I think a crossbody bag often pulls a look together and metallic goes with everything. Just like our MicheyLoves X Abby Wood stylist Capri bag

Sign up for our newsletter

By submitting details you are opting in to receive marketing emails
Thanks for signing up. If you haven’t received confirmation, please check your spam/junk folders and add abby@abbywoodstylist.com to your safe senders link.