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Nov 23, 2016

6 Genius Tricks for Getting Ready Faster in the Morning

by Nairi Najarian

When it comes to getting ready in the morning, your plan of attack is critical. Like a general going out to war, you want to have a strategy in place, shaving off inefficiencies and frivolous decisions to create a look that is simple, effective, and most importantly, stylish. Whether it’s defaulting to a highly curated office uniform or styling an off-duty outfit for a spontaneous Friday night out, a go-to bag of tricks for getting out the door quickly is something we’ll always need.

That’s why we’ve enlisted blogger Sheryl Luke of Walk in Wonderland to take you through six style hacks, beauty essentials, and time-saving tricks you need to create the ultimate go-to look that works every day. From creating a monochromatic wardrobe to utilizing multitasking beauty products, keep reading for six tips that’ll save you time (and stress!) each morning.

We’ve all been there… A last-minute meeting magically pops up on your calendar the morning in question, and yikes—the dry-cleaning stub for your silk blouse that goes perfectly with your go-to cropped trousers is still on your dresser, and sifting through your closet for backups is looking pretty bleak. This is what happens when you don’t plan ahead. Going forward, here’s what you should do: Invest in a clothing rack that lives outside of your closet and place the items you want to wear that week front and center on said rack—this way you’ll be able to streamline your outfits and make sure you have all the other pieces to finish the looks.

Straightening your hair or using a hot tool can be a time suck in the morning. Instead, we suggest going au naturel and opting for a tousled finish. But first it’s smart to start with a freshly shampooed mane (we recommend Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Shampoo). Add some prepping definition with a dollop of Dove Nourishing Curls Whipped Cream Mousse on your strands. If you need to jet, diffuse with a blow dryer (sopping wet hair isn't cute). Let the rest of your hair air-dry while you’re picking your outfit.

Got a few minutes to spare? You can blow out your hair for a straighter finish, then tie half off of it up into an easy topknot, like the below.

Keep it in the neutral family and you’re guaranteed to match without even trying. Overhauling your entire wardrobe to fit a singular color story might seem ambitious, so pick a palette and build on it over time. Gray, black, and taupe hues are our timeless favorites. The cooler tones are classic and versatile enough to coordinate with ease. Take it a step further by experimenting with of-the-moment textures and fabrics, like velvet (our seasonal fave), which can instantly make any outfit feel more elevated.

If you’re in a rush, steer clear of separates. Here’s why: There are hidden, time-consuming steps to mixing and matching pieces due to the simple fact that they require a bit more strategy. Sure, you yield some of your best and most interesting outfits this way, but time is of the essence. Avoid fussing over layers, buttons, zips, and ties; instead, grab a chic velvet wrap-around dress (from the Who What Wear collection no less!) you can quickly slip into. Finally, it’s important to consider the effect of cold weather on your finished look. The last thing you want is for dry, flaky elbows to kill your outfit (or worse–static cling from blouses and dresses!), so remember to moisturize in and out of the shower with Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash and Vaseline Advanced Repair Lotion.

Elevate an otherwise simple outfit by incorporating a third piece like a blazer that you can grab before you step out the door. It’s that extra element that can make your outfit seem thoughtful and pulled-together. Have people thinking you spent hours planning your look (when it really took you under 10 minutes).

There’s a time and a place to get a full face on, but when you're in a time crunch, opt for products that do double-duty. First things first: If you’re leaving the house with a bare face, leave with a clean face. Use a cotton swab dabbed in micellar water (our favorite is Simple Sensitive Micellar Cleansing Water) to cleanse your face of any makeup residue from the night before. If you’re one who feels naked without a touch of color, a tinted balm is the best solution. We recommend Vaseline's Lip Therapy Rosy Lip Tint. It protects, relieves dryness, and leaves lips with a glossy, rosy sheen. What's not to love?

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velvet

6 Genius Tricks for Getting Ready Faster in the Morning

Tip #1: Plan out your outfits

Tip #2: Skip the hot tools

Tip #3: Curate a Monochromatic Wardrobe

Tip #4: Opt for a dress

Tip #5: Rely on go-to third pieces

Tip #6: Reach for a Multitasking Balm