How to Make Relaxed Styles Look Polished
How to Make Relaxed Styles Feel Polished and Put Together
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
After such a long period of working from home and sporting leggings and sweatshirts, we've decided that as we head back out to the office and public life, we're prioritizing comfort — and refuse to wear clothes that make us feel constricted just for the sake of looking put-together.
Luckily, you don't have to sacrifice style for comfort. With a few accessories and techniques, you can feel great (and look great) every day. Below you'll find a guide to making those relaxed styles look a little more polished. From deliberate accessorizing to a simple tuck of an oversized top, you'll be able to dress for a day out and about while still maintaining that feel-good WFH vibe.
Do a Tuck
We love a pair of wide-legged pants ($48). They're airy, comfortable to wear, and endlessly versatile. If you're looking to wear them with a relaxed top (like an oversized sweater ($30) or blouse), exercise a full tuck. This will give your body just a little bit of shape right at your waist. It's a tiny technique but makes a world of difference between frumpy and chic.
Or Go for a French Tuck
Another way to style an oversized blouse ($33) and pants ($54) is to do a half-tuck or French tuck. This still accentuates your waist and gives you shape without disrupting the relaxed look of your outfit. It can also be especially useful if you're looking to tuck in a really chunky sweater. Just tuck in a portion for an effortless, stylish look.
Throw on a Belt
Whether you're going with a pair of chinos ($42) or a flowy dress ($60), a belt is a surefire way to give your outfit some shape and polish. Whichever belt you choose is up to you. We love this leather double-wrap belt ($50), but a thick single-wrap would also do the trick.
Choose Shoes Wisely
Sometimes, all that really matters is the shoes. If you're wearing a particularly boxy dress ($30) for example, pop on a pair of heels ($54) for an instant fashion (and height!) lift. Of course, if you don't feel like wearing heels, that's okay too. Try a pair of leather mules ($60) for an off-duty model type look.
Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize
So we covered belts and shoes, but there are other accessories that can make an otherwise relaxed outfit ($60) look runway-ready. Let's start with a scarf ($27). Wrap it around your neck for a French-girl look or tuck it into a blazer pocket. It'll provide a pop of color and style that will spiff up any outfit you choose. Then there's jewelry. Of all the options out there, we love a big cuff ($21). It's easy to throw on, won't weigh down your ears, and instantly delivers on elegance and casual cool.
