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31 Ways To Look More ~Polished~ Without A Lot Of Work

Because workin’ 9-to-5 shouldn’t mean waking up at 7 to get ready, you know?

Posted 16 hours ago

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by Ashley Schumacher

BuzzFeed Contributor

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by AnaMaria Glavan

BuzzFeed Contributor

1. Tired of despairing over how to get dressed for work in the morning? Let me introduce you to your new bestie: wide-leg trousers. Professional, sleek, chic, and the kind of comfy that means you can bend over to fix that dang paper jam again without accidentally cutting yourself in half.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I wear these for work at least once every other week. They are a professional staple." —Courtney Trace

"So stylish, these are a MUST-HAVE!!!! I look so put-together in them, absolutely divine. My mom (who is a tough fashionista to impress) gave me the compliment of a lifetime when I wore these. SCORE!" —Pamela

Get them from Amazon for $24.41+ (available in women's sizes XS–2X, in long and short lengths, and various colors).

2. Tired of going through the effort of doing your nails only to have them chip five minutes later? ENTER THE Dazzle Dry mini kit. Y'all, this is my new lazy-hot-girl secret weapon. It dries hard like gel but *isn't* gel, so it's not going to damage your nails. But it is going to last longer without chipping, let me tell you. I went camping and hiking in mine and they didn't budge an inch. 

www.amazon.com, Ashley Schumacher/BuzzFeed

Dazzle Dry is a small business that specializes in nail care products. Check out a TikTok of the Dazzle Dry system in action.

Promising review: "I absolutely love the Dazzle Dry Mini Kit! The bubblegum pink shade is beautiful and gives a fun, polished look. The 4-step system is very easy to use, and I was impressed with how quickly it dries. The best part is that it actually lasts without chipping like many other polishes. It is easy to remove and better for your nail health than gel polish. The brushes give good consistent coverage.This kit is worth every penny and is a great option for anyone who wants salon-quality nails at home." —Jonathan Weaver

Get it from Amazon for $39 (available as a kit in dozens of colors; you can shop for colors individually at the Dazzle Dry storefront here). 

3. As for your mane, sometimes you just gotta skip the shower to catch some more zzzs. We've all been there, and that's why I Dew Care dry shampoo is here to make the greasy bits go bye-bye and take your hair from oily to fluffy in a jiffy!

Amazon, www.amazon.com

This is designed to work on all hair types, though reviewers with fine or thin hair particularly love it since it provides a volume boost.

Promising review: "I was looking for a dry shampoo that would be easy to use on the go for a trip I was taking. I had no issues taking this through TSA. You literally just pat the poof on your scalp and then rub it in. I do have black hair, so dry shampoo is usually very visible in my hair, but I didn't have any harder time than usual rubbing this powder in. It did a really good job of soaking up all the oil and giving my hair volume. I'm not a fan of the price for the amount that you get, but it is lasting longer than I thought it would. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again." —Teresa

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in six styles).

4. Grab yourself a cropped tank you can pair with your trousers or use to supplement your perfect travel-capsule wardrobe for all the adventures you've got planned this year.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Don’t hesitate, just buy it. I bought it in one color, and as soon as I tried it on, I purchased three more. The material is like butter. It doesn’t have a built-in bra, but it’s lined. You could put on a bra with this if you’d like, but there’s no need. It’s cropped but still long enough that it doesn’t roll up weirdly at the bottom. Can dress this up or down! I’ll probably end up buying every color by the end of the year, it’s just that incredible." —Danijtate

Get it from Amazon for $13.97+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 16 colors).

5. Always patting away sweat marks? Swipe some Degree clinical strength deodorant on your way out the door. It offers up to 96 hours of sweat and odor protection, so no matter if you're cavorting through your fam's summer vacay or just want to run to the grocery store in the million-degree heat without breaking a sweat, YOU CAN. Nothing says "put together" like smelling lovely — even in the doldrums of summer. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I have been using this deodorant for a while now, and it has become a staple. The clinical-strength formula kept me dry and odor-free for well over 24 hours, even on the most active days. The Summer Rose scent is light and pleasant without being overpowering. The soft, solid formula applied smoothly and left no white marks or residue on clothing. I kept repurchasing because it consistently worked better than anything else I had tried. Highly recommend for anyone looking for all-day protection." —BusyMommyOf5

Get it from Amazon for $8.55.

6. Roll on a little Kai perfume oil with the lightest of gardenia scents to give yourself a pick-me-up throughout the day. The size and oil-based formula mean it's perfect for tossing in your bag, too. No overly large perfume bottle needed here. 

Amazon

Promising review: "Fabulous!!! This is the perfect scent for every day, but it transitions beautifully into a special evening accent. I love the perfume bottle because it allows me to target specific spots without overspray. The bottle size is perfect." —Nan

Get it from Amazon for $54 (available in gardenia and rose).

7. Throw a gel lint roller in your bag so you don't turn up to brunch/work/life with pet hair all over your OOTD. This basically also turns you into a hair-vanishing magician as you roll it all over your body, which is a plus. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I travel frequently for work and keep this in my suitcase. Works so great, I no longer carry a lint roller." —Liza Przekop

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in four colors and multipacks).

8. Make your morning GRWM makeup routine as easy as pie with Maybelline Dream BB Cream on your side! This stuff is near-magic: It'll hydrate, brighten, blur, *and* has SPF 30 for sun protection all in one magic beauty balm that is easy to throw on before you dash out the door. 

www.amazon.com

This lightweight product is great for normal and dry complexions, but may not be the perfect fit for oily skin.

Promising review: "So happy I finally found something that covers my rosy cheeks, blemishes, and large pores. I have combination skin: an oily T-zone but overall dry skin, and it works for my skin. The best part is that it has SPF 30 in it. My dermatologist does not stop stressing the importance of daily use of SPF on the face, so now I'm happy I can still cover up my pimples and protect my skin from harsh UV rays from the sun. It doesn't feel heavy on my face and doesn't make it look like I caked on a pound of foundation. I have used it for about three weeks already and have not noticed an increase in pimples or skin irritation." —Davis

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in five shades).

9. Or a splurgy-but-worthy Jones Road What The Foundation you've *probably* seen all over the internet thanks to its melt-into-your-skin abilities and the fact that it's just as much skincare as it is makeup. A total lifehack for giving your skin a one-step pick-me-up on the double!

Jones Road

See it in action on TikTok here!

Promising reviews: "Love this foundation. The best I have found so far for my super dry skin. It stays fresh looking all day. It does take a while to lose the "sticky" feeling so if that is something that will bother you, you can use a light setting powder over the top." —Misty P

"This foundation goes on smooth and creamy with just the right amount coverage. It leaves my skin dewy and stays put all day, staying true to color. Love it!" —Tamara J

Get it from Jones Road for $46 (available in 16 shades). 

10. If you're tired of battling with a soggy, peeling bag, try this broken-in leather (or suede!) splurgy-and-fall-ready DeMellier New York leather bag out for size! It'll haul your laptop, work notes, and necessities with ease *and* look ✨stunning✨ while doing the schlepping for you. Made in Europe with meticulous attention to detail, get ready to be the envy of your work fam when you set this on the conference table Monday morning: They're going to think you're the most put-together person around... 'cause you totally are!

DeMellier

I actually have one of these on order myself after seeing this Tiktok, this TikTok video and a whole host of others that convinced me this is the quiet luxury-vibes of dreams! I'm convinced throwing a lovely looking tote over just about *any* outfit will make you look put-together and intentional. It also comes in a midi size if that's more your style!

Get it from DeMellier for $730+ (available in 12 styles including leather, suede, rafia, and different color options).

11. Sleep with a heatless curl headband so you can greet the sun with perfect Disney princess waves right out of bed. Since no heat tools are required, you don't have to panic about leaving your curling iron on all day while you're working, either.

www.amazon.com

According to reviewers, these work best on long, thin-to-medium hair, though they're designed to work for all hair types.

Promising review: "This product is so amazing, I bought one for all the people in my family! You clip the soft roll onto the top of your head and then continue to wrap strands of damp hair in a spiral formation, wrapping away from your face. Secure the bottoms with soft scrunchies, and you'll have gorgeous curls for days, LITERALLY. Takes a whopping five minutes if you have thick hair. Sleep with it overnight (not uncomfortable at all), and your curls will actually last for days. So simple, so awesome, so much time saved. Can't recommend enough!" —Kaitlin

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in seven colors).

12. Or skip the styling entirely with some no-rinseAmika Dream Routine overnight hydration treatment formulated to be the perfect pre-bed ritual that will moisturize your hair with hyaluronic acid, blue and green algae, and bio-fermented coconut water. No morning shower needed here — you can wake up and go with happy hair that's just as ready to seize the day as you are!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "A miracle for thick, frizzy hair! I have super frizzy, thick, and coarse hair, and finding a product that actually smooths it without weighing it down has always been a struggle, until I tried Amika Dream Cream. This stuff is incredible! It makes my hair soft, shiny, and smooth like I just left the salon.

I towel-dry my hair after every shower, apply a small amount of this cream, then blow-dry — and the difference is amazing. The frizz is gone, my hair feels healthier, and it has that silky finish I’ve never been able to get with other products. Plus, it smells amazing and doesn’t leave any greasy or heavy residue.

If you have unruly or coarse hair, I can’t recommend this enough. It truly delivers on everything it promises, shine, softness, and smoothness all in one bottle." —Autumn jones

Get it from Amazon for $34.

13. If you're like me and want to get your hair done and done FAST, try out the Dreame AirStyle Pro 7-in-1 hair styler. Y'all. Y'all. I'm obsessed with this thing. Yes, I've tried that other brand — and the other other brand — but this is lighter, and I promise it works way better, especially the air-curling function. Oh, and you can't beat the price either. Grab one for yourself *and* get ahead of your holiday list (gulp) by going ahead and putting one in your cart for your fave haircare human, too. It's gonna be the perfect gift for you *and* your pals. (How put-together is that?!)

Ashley Schumacher/BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Highly recommend. I have thick, coarse, mostly straight hair that a blow dryer turns into big and poofy that I have to use heat (curling/flat iron) to smooth, calm down the frizz, and give it the direction I desire (straight or wavy). However, with the Dreame AirStyler and the various attachments that I have only just started to learn to use, the frizz is much calmer, I get the direction I want, and, with the wand-like attachments, I can curl. It's fun to do my hair to see what I can create. And I continue to be amazed by what this airstyler can do." —fluffy123

Get it from Amazon for $179.99+ (available in two styles).

14. Or there's the Laifen high-speed hair dryer (in adorable colors) if you just want a lil' gadget to point at your head, dry it, and go. Just check out the reviews — you'll see the word "fast" come up over and over again. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "So glad I gave in to spend the extra money on this blow dryer. I love the appearance and how portable it is in size. The long cord is an extra bonus. I cannot say enough about its performance. My pixie cut is dry within 2–3 minutes, at most. Will purchase again!" —Lori S

"I was skeptical but bought this to replace my other (brand-name) hair dryer. The one that costs $400, wink-wink. It is so lightweight and gets my hair dry very fast. I use it with the diffuser to have my curls nice and soft and hardly any frizz. The reviews are correct in that this hair dryer is totally worth the price!" —Amazon Addict

Get it from Amazon for $149.99 (available in three colors). 

15. Grab a versatile-as-heck maxi button-down dress that'll ensure you look your best, no matter where you've got to be. Wear it to the beach as a swimsuit cover-up, to dinner with some heels, to brunch with your fave comfy shoes... You name it, this button-down is HERE FOR YOU.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love this dress! This dress is so easy to throw on and go. It’s been a summer of extreme heat in Texas, and the material of this dress makes it bearable. So simple to throw on to run to the store or do any errands. Much more comfortable than shorts. Plus, you’ll look more put together." —ME

Get it from Amazon for $28.88+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 21 colors). 

16. Kick plucking and expensive salon appointments to the curb with a Schick dermaplaning razor that'll get your brows in order by removing stray hairs and exfoliating the skin beneath. Now you'll begin each day with the perfect canvas for your skincare routine or makeup, all in less than a couple of minutes of swiping the magic razor. (Bippity, boppity, on-fleek.)

www.amazon.com

And don't panic! This tool is super gentle, so you don't have to worry about accidental nicks and scrapes.

Promising review: "This is a 100% painless and incredibly easy alternative to waxing or plucking. A few quick swipes get rid of peach fuzz, and I never have to worry about breaking out because of it. Also, it doesn't make hair grow back coarser or darker." —Ellen R.

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $5.50.

17. And really slay that brow game by topping off your efforts with some Elizabeth Mott brow gel that will hold your brows in place, give them a bit of color to give them a thicker appearance, and all without you having to watch 100 videos on how to perfect your eyebrow shape. This perfects what you already have, no makeup expertise required!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "So incredibly happy with this. It's incredibly easy to apply (I have to really wipe my wand first, though, or else it's too thick), and the color blends in SO well with my natural color. It gives my eyebrows JUST the right amount of attention; not too much, not too little. Just killer, natural, beautiful brows!" —Monique French

Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in five shades).

18. Finally accomplish that perfect TikTok bun with some Goody spin hair pins! One spiral pin does the work of 20 traditional pins. Yep, you read that right. Less sticks in your hair and floating around on your counter? Look how put-together you already are!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I'm a nursing student and have to wear my hair in a bun every day. I've tried all the bun makers, watched YouTube videos, and spent way too much time trying to get my hair into a bun. With these, I was able to make a pretty bun that was secure in under 30 seconds. I thought it was a fluke, so I did it again, and then again. I just ordered two more packs because I know if I lose one of these, I'd have to tear the house down looking for it. I have hair to my mid-back, and three of these worked perfectly for me. If I can get my hair in a bun in under 30 seconds, trust me... anyone can." —Tina

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $8.25+ (available in two colors).

19. Go minimalist on your morning routine by combining your primer and your sunscreen in one easy step. Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 is made with sea lavender, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5 to give you that glow-from-within sheen while also nourishing your skin and protecting it from rude sun rays.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love this stuff! It was recommended to me in a Facebook group when I asked for a one-and-done face cream for someone who doesn't really wear makeup. I wanted dewy, I wanted some light refraction, I wanted sun protection, and I didn't want heavy color. This is all those things. It works really well in the Florida sun. I'm covered in freckles, and it doesn't dull or smudge them; it just brightens everything. I don't wear face makeup, other than the occasional swipe of bronzer, and this works great with that. Love it, love it, love it." —KristenB

Get it from Amazon for $19+ (available in four shades and three sizes/quantities).

20. For those days when you need to Look Like A Human but don't really want to mess with pants, the tennis dress is here to make you fashionable, cool in the in-between-season temps, and effortlessly ready to tackle your to-do list... all without shoving your legs into pant legs.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "It’s been feeling like 100 degrees this summer, and when I have to run errands, I don’t want to be dripping sweat in a bra, shirt, AND shorts. I love this because everything is built in, the bra, shorts, and the dress are so cute! Keeps me cool and I feel confident in it! Perfect for a hot day." —Jess

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 13 colors).

21. Tired of trying to decide which shoes to fish out of the pile by your door? Get yourself some new go-tos: sporty SeaVee's Espadrilles. You *and* your feet will LOVE these thanks to their INCREDIBLE cushion, support, and (frankly) downright goes-with-everything cuteness.

Ashley Schumacher/BuzzFeed, SeaVees

Look, I adore SeaVees. And they can't be beat for quality and timeless-but-trendy styles that aren't going to fall apart after one season. I've had their Acorn trainers for a hot minute now and they still look good as new. (And obvs love my Espadrilles for a pop of put-together color!) 

Promising reviews: "These shoes fit like a soft glove. I wore them right out of the box for a full day of walking on concrete and had no foot pain or blisters. I also received so many compliments!" —Carolyn H.

"Lightweight, comfortable and super cute." —Hilary E.

Get them from SeaVees for $55 (originally $110; available in women's sizes 5–11 and two colors).

22. Turn a "meh" hair day into a "SPOOKY FUN VIBE" kind of day with a Rifle Paper Co. festive baseball cap. It'll add an instant serotonin boost to your outfit and your day.

Ashley Schumacher/BuzzFeed, Rifle Paper Co.

And if you really want to be put together, there's a sturdy canvas carry-allthat can hold all your stuff to match your new hat!

I LOVE attaching a hat to my purse for the day. It's there if the sun gets too aggressive, if my hair gets too sweaty, or just to hang out as a cute charm-esque accessory. I've literally never regretted bringing it along. 

Promising reviews: "Hat fits perfectly. I feel happy and confident wearing this hat. The colors go with lots of my workout clothes. I recommend it." —Nancy W.

"I love this beautiful floral baseball cap. The material is wonderful, and the design is so sophisticated and beautiful. Definitely not your average boring baseball cap. I would call it more of a beautiful wardrobe accessory. Very pleased with this purchase and shipping was so fast.❤️" —Maryann S.

Get it from Rifle Paper Co. for $38 (available in 16 colors/patterns). 

23. For days when you really want to stay in bed but have to run a few errands, try this lounge set on for cozy size. It's waffle-knit, looks chic, and is almost as good as running to the grocery store in your PJs. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I have two sets from Free People. At $130, they are a splurge, but I fell in love with them. I wanted more colors and couldn’t justify it, so I’m so glad I gave this set a try. This Amazon one is definitely thinner, but I really like the fabric of this one too, and it’s perfect for fall and winter in Texas. I love being comfy and still looking somewhat put together in this." —Lily McAninch

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and in 17 colors).

24. And if you'd rather skip a wire bra, too, try out the bestselling Harper Wilde Bliss Bralette. Humans of all chest sizes ADORE the buttery soft material and the near-magic ability to lift and support *without* a pesky underwire getting in the way. 

Harper Wilde

As a certified Big Chested Human™️ I can't rec this enough! Finally folded and bought one after seeing it literally in all of my own searches and y'all: It's the kind of DURABLE thin you want in a bra. Even my husband knows it's my fave and will be sure it gets Top Laundry Priority so I can wear it again ASAP. (Bless.) 

Promising reviews: "It is such a relief to find a bra that lifts and supports without underwires! I’ve tried so many types, but none do the job that the Harper Wilde Bliss Bralette in terms of comfort and style. My clothes look great over this bra." —Susan Altan

"So comfy! I’m a 32J and these are great for when I don’t want to wear a wire bra! Loveeee these!" —Briaunna

Get it from Harper Wilde for $23+ (originally $46; available in sizes XS–4XL and 10 colors).

25. Try out some TikTok styling tips that we've corralled into one spot for you. To give a taste of said tips, it includes how to tuck an oversize sweatshirt into a sports bra to turn it into a cropped sweatshirt.

BuzzFeed

To learn more, check out "I Tested 10 TikTok Fashion Hacks".

26. Or! Give this easy cropping method a go to make all your oversized concert tees look a ~little more~ intentional. (And therefore way more wearable in a variety of settings.)

Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF

BuzzFeed

To learn more, check out "I Tested 10 TikTok Fashion Hacks".

27. If you *must* wear pants but want them to be chill both fashionably and temperature-wise, give some linen ones a go. They are breathable and comfy, and they give you that structured look without strangling your legs. Perfect for throwing in your carry-on if you've got travel days ahead!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I bought these for a summer trip to Europe and want to wear them every single day. They’re very lightweight, comfortable, and were great for travel days on trains." —Alyssa

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 13 colors).

28. Tell those baby hairs and flyaways to chill with an easy-to-use gel cream that comes with a mascara wand for a totally breezy application. No more having to arrange your ponytail or part to try and prevent looking like a cockatoo. A few swipes of this nongreasy formula will have your hair looking runway-ready in less than a minute!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I have super fine hair with lots of breakage, and no matter how I put my hair up, I have bad flyaways. This stuff is great! So easy and it stays better and looks smoother than stiff hair spray." —Jill Stilfield

Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in six styles).

29. If you are so over trying to figure out what matches in your closet, snag this tank and skirt set that is the perfect base for all your fave accessories, no matter the occasion!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Purchased to wear to work with a soft pink blazer, and I got so many compliments. It looks way more expensive than what I paid. Great material, great color, and great fit. You can probably dress it down with flats also, but I wore heels." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and in 20 colors). 

30. Wipe away scuffs and dirt from your fave suede shoes with this magic wand of a cleaning brush that will instantly rejuvenate your footwear.

www.amazon.com

This brush has a welted surface, nylon bristles, an arched half-circle shape, and a protruding tip that lets you clean different types of suede without harsh rubbing or scrubbing.

Promising review: "I was amazed. After spending about five minutes cleaning suede boots with fairly significant smudges, they came out almost completely clean and are looking really good." —The Perks

Get it from Amazon for $6.99.

31. Tired of trying to perfect your eye-swoosh in a reasonable amount of time? Snag this smudge-proof eyeliner stamp if you're like me and would rather press-and-go your winged look than the alternative. (Which is totally just crying in front of the mirror for a good 20 minutes, trying to make both sides look the same.) Fret no more with this superhero of a beauty tool our makeup ancestors could only dream of!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Okay, so I am as shakey as shakey gets when it comes to putting eyeliner on... but this is a miracle sent from above! It honestly is the most amazing eye makeup product I own at the moment. It is as easy as it sounds. Literally. I like that it is double-ended and you have two pens: one for the left eye and one for the right. The opposite end on both is just every day liquid liner pen, but it goes on soooo much smoother than any other liquid liner I've tried or owned." —Heather Olsen

Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in two sizes).

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Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity. 

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