5 Tips to Get Ready Quickly When Time is “Of the Essence”
As lawyers we often do everything on a time crunch. We keep time in mind because we bill by the hour and whatever we are doing that is not work related, we are cognizant of. That means that many of us develop an impatience for routine things outside of work, shopping or styling. Here are some tips to streamline your get ready for work routine, while not sacrificing style.
Find your formula. Pick a basic look that works for you and then find variations of that look to enhance your style. Many of my colleagues love a sheath dress and heels everyday. Some swear by pants and flats. Whichever look is your favorite, I’d make it a formula for your clothing in the morning. I would find some staple colors you like and feel most confident in, and mix up on trend patterns and/or accessories like scarves, shoes, and handbags. This will make getting ready in the morning a cinch.
For example:
Red or blue sheath dress (Calvin Klein, Antonio Melani, Hugo Boss are great bets for this), nude heels, colorful patterned or floral scarf, maybe a cute belt (If you are going to court, you want to have a basic blazer on hand at work…more on this later) OR
Navy or Black cigarette pant, Blazer, and statement necklace, and flats (Rothys or Torch Burch can be great options for the office) OR
A great suit that fits you well. A good quality, safe, and affordable bet, is @jCrew. Think of this as a uniform. If you find one you like, buy different colors of the same suit and switch up the heels or add in an ‘on trend’ pattern or colored shirt for a pop of color.
PRO BOSS MOM TIP: While I was breastfeeding I went to @bananarepublic and bought multiple colors of this shirt the Essential Layering T-Shirt and would pair it under different suits. The material feels cool which is great for the changing body heat (as hormones change) and they are easily washable. Another shirt I would swear by is the Thread soft wrap top @bananarepublic. This top is available every year in black, cream, and the current colors of the season, but most importantly for a mom it is a wrap top that made pumping at the office easy and allowed me to be accessible when I went by the daycare to breastfeed at lunch.
Hair. I can’t tell you how many times I have been called into a meeting, or have to meet with a client, or have to run to court to file something and my hair is a hot mess. There are still ways of getting it together when you have very little notice. I would have a brush and hairspray at your desk and in your car at all times. I love to keep Moroccan oil on hand to spruce up my hair when needed. If you know you are having a busy week I would consider blowing out your hair early in the week and adding dry shampoo later if you don’t have time and/or putting hair back in a high pony later in the week. Lastly, if you haven’t colored your hair and your roots are showing (this happens to me often), consider covering up grays with mascara for a temporary quick fix.
Makeup. Having a few pieces on hand wherever you go can be a game changer. I keep bag of tricks with me that includes my favorite mascara, longwear lipstick, a lip liner, concealer, highlighter, and a blush to brighten up my look. I find a bright red or pink lipstick makes me feel and look bright and put together. For favorite mask-approved long wear lipsticks, click here.
Shoes. Find your signature heels or pumps that you find the most comfortable and stylish and get those in multiple colors (nude, black, red, and if you are feeling adventurous animal print). My most comfortable heel for daily wear is Coach, Women's Waverly Beadchain Pointed-Toe Pumps.
Hygiene. Don’t forget the basics, even in this Covid world where we are all masked up. Freshen your breath, spritz some perfume, and don’t forget to lotion your hands and legs. My favorite fail-proof perfume this season is Gucci Bloom.
