I try to leave the house looking like I’m a TV Star.

Not a celebrity or a movie star. A TV star on a reality show like on a cable network. I’m not dripping in diamonds or high heeled boots. More like Joanna Gaines (God bless that woman). You know how she always looks pulled together but still comfortable and real? Like that.

I aim for the athleisure look most of the time, which allows me to have polish without sacrificing comfort.

Here are my rules for nailing this look every time…

1. Mix workout wear with comfortable clothing.

If you mix something polished (like work out pants) with something comfortable (like a loose top) you’re more likely to grab it. An outfit of loose sweats looks too sloppy, while tight activewear doesn’t always fit your mood. Mix the two and you’ve got a presentable and comfortable look you’ll always reach for

2. Monochromatic looks = instant polish.

The more you mix mash colors and patterns in this scenario – the less pulled together you appear. I’m not saying everything you put on to run errands must be all black. But notice how I look more dressed up than if those pants were to be pink and my top a patterned blue. And don’t hear me say you need to wear all pink, just consider outfits that flow and match more so than your regular workout wear.

3. Save some pants just for running around…town.

Saving pants for errands will help you in two ways: first, it will give you an immediate pile to choose from which will help you to get dressed faster. Second, your pants won’t look worn. Regular wear and wash cycles tends to show on clothes after a while, so if you save some of your favorite pants for just errands, you’ll have them much longer and help you cause to look more polished as you go.

4. Purposeful hair: You care.

I know “messy hair don’t care” is a thing. But if you make a quick small effort with your hair – i.e: a braid, half up style, controlled bun – it will elevate your whole look and give you the illusion of style. And trust me, when your child has just spilled something everywhere and you’re trying to clean it up, keep your eye on him while saying hi to the person you haven’t seen in five years, you want, NEED, the illusion of style in your life.

5. Take a bag you’ve cared for.

A great bag makes a big difference in your whole look. Notice I didn’t say an “expensive” bag. You can have a great bag you paid $15 for and because you’ve taken care of it, it looks like a $50 bag. Or at the very least, it looks clean and neat.

Your bag can become like your body language – a subliminal message you send out that you don’t notice but others do. Send a good message with your bag. Wipe it down, make sure nothing is poking out. Organize it, and keep it neat. Here’s a post with my tips for keeping a diaper bag organized. It makes a big difference on how you look and feel about yourself, I promise.