THE 5-MINUTE STYLE GUIDE FOR WORK

Does every morning feel like a ‘Manic Monday’? Where the rush hour begins at home, the minute you finally silence the snooze button?

The rat race begins.

Bolt down breakfast. Rush through grooming regime. Empty out wardrobe in panic (hoping to find the perfect outfit for work). Mindless of the precious time that has zoomed by.

Wouldn’t you rather focus on how to beat your deadlines, than on your dress code for the day?

Interestingly, a study conducted by Allure & GQ says men take 83 minutes a day to get ready, while women spend 79 minutes a day on their beauty regime. As a rule, women will try on two outfits each morning before making their final selection.

This leisurely pace is a luxury, few can afford on a busy workday. How about mastering the art of getting dressed in 5 minutes flat, every day?

For stress-free days, you could put into action, Plan A and Plan B: Plan Ahead and Plan Basics. Use both, for best results.

In this article we introduce you to Plan A.

Plan Ahead
Spend minutes to save hours

• Pre-Plan
  It not only ensures you have more time to do the things you love, but you stay calm and content. For starters, you can leisurely savour that morning cup of coffee or tea Give your child some TLC or spend some happy playtime together, before work. Indulge in reading, browsing, answer your e-mail, text a friend, share a joke…
• Schedule
  Slot 5 minutes every week to plan your wardrobe, and you’ll have an interesting outfit to wear Monday through Sunday. Spare some time to inventory your clothing too.
• Think it through
  As you mix and match your outfits, think about your week ahead. Meetings, get-togethers, lunches… Consider the weather and plan your ensemble accordingly. Cottons and linens for hot days, quick-drying fabrics for the rains, heavier clothing for cooler months.
• Inspect
  Rule out ill-fitting clothes; like that skirt that rides up, the shirt that gapes, the jacket with a tear, scuffed shoes… If you review your wardrobe on a weekly basis, you will eliminate items that just take up space without adding any value for you. This will ensure you use more garments that suit you, which haven’t been catching your eye in the mounds of clothes you possess.
• Shortlist
  Try out your outfits to make sure they fit right and flatter your appearance. This way, you’ll be confident of looking good in the outfit of your choice.

Your garments should be clean and pressed, or wrinkle-free.

Every night, lay out your clothes, your shoes and accessories. Or keep them ready on a hanger to wear as soon as you finish your morning grooming. Your work bag should be packed the previous night and kept by the door, ready for your exit. Make sure you remember to carry your keys, metro/railway pass, cards, and wallet. Instead of a standard alarm, choose your favourite rev-up music. You won’t feel like hitting the snooze button. Instead, you’ll awaken energised and ready to take on the day.

Good mornings begin with looking good
Begin your beauty and grooming regime the previous night.

• Save morning time
  Have an early morning meeting? Heading for an interview? Got to finish and mail a presentation to your client? Here’s how to ensure you get to work early, with a cool head.
• Before Bed
  Shave and shower the night before. If you shave the previous night, apply a cooling balm on your skin to keep your face fresh in the morning. Apply your antiperspirant deodorant before you sleep. The effects will last throughout the night and even after your morning shower, keeping you dry and smelling fresh throughout the day! Exfoliate dead skin cells with a muslin cloth wrung out in hot water, to make your skin smoother and look more radiant. Splash on cold water to tone your face. Follow up by moisturising your skin before bed. Avocado, coconut, sweet almond oil are the cure-alls that work as a night cream for your face, a hair serum, cuticle oil and lotion for your limbs. If you don’t like ironing, hang the next day’s clothes in the bathroom and let the steam from your shower smooth out your outfit. Get at least 8 hours sleep daily to be your most productive and healthy.
• On waking up
  Remember to hydrate your body immediately when you get up by drinking a glass of water. This routine will keep you looking and feeling fresh. Set a timer with 15 minutes to spare, so that you know you need to speed up your routine and keep track of time.

When you are stress-free, you can pay more attention to your appearance without the worry-lines ruining your looks. A calm mind shows a positive disposition.

NYOU can show you how to create that perfect outer and inner confident self.

Our next article, coming soon, will show you how to power dress.

For a unique style statement, talk to us for a one-on-one consultation. Till then, spritz on your favourite perfume, and carpe diem!

Coming soon, Plan B – The perfect work wardrobe to style yourself in under 5 minutes.