How to Look Better in Minutes

Mixed-print looks emerged as one of the hottest trends for the season, being shown on the runways from brands like Rebecca Minkoff, J.Crew, and Rodarte, as well as on some of our favorite celebrity style setters — and it's proven to be a fun (albeit risk-taking) look for Summer. It's much harder to get wrong than it is to get right; all you have to do is layer up with your favorite prints. Whether it's leopard and florals, stripes and tropical prints, or even paisley and polka dots, you'll create a cool, laid-back look that's all your own. Here are a few ways to make it work:

• Start with a Summer-ready striped tee and pair of plain white high-tops; this will be the perfect base for your mixed-print look.
• Add a pair of floral cutoffs (or even a flowered skirt!) for a high-powered dose of prints. As long as you stay in the same color family, it really doesn't matter what kind of prints you put together.
• If you're feeling even more bold, half-tuck your tee and cinch the waist with a leopard belt. Otherwise, keep accessories neutral, like a thin gold pendant necklace and navy leather crossbody bag.

If you're fortunate enough to get away with shorts at work, then listen up. Since Summer happy hour often turns into evening drinks and dancing (and on a good night, karaoke), it's important to make sure your shorts can do double-duty as a day and nighttime look. Truth is, it only takes a minute (or less!) to take your chic shorts from office to evening and takes just three simple steps:

• First, switch out your daytime flats for a pair of dark-colored heels. This will look totally sexy, elongate your legs, and let everyone in the bar know that you mean business.
• Add a leather jacket. It'll lend an instant rocker-cool vibe to your look, which is ideal when you're belting out a little Pat Benatar.
• Swap out your structured satchel for a crossbody bag. Ditch the 9-to-5 bag and go hands-free for your fun night out.

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We've already shown you how to jazz up your classic t-shirt and jeans look, and now we're moving on to another major style conundrum: how do you spruce up a cardigan? There are actually lots of ways, from replacing the original buttons with pretty vintage ones, layering it over a printed button-up blouse, or just rolling up the sleeves — but the quickest, most stylish way to add intrigue to your everyday sweater ensemble is simply to belt it.

• Start with a pair of pants — preferably of the bright, cropped variety — and a pretty top. Since you're cinching everything in at the waist, it doesn't matter how loose or fitted the top is. Then, throw on your cardigan. A neutral shade looks best (that way you can play around with your belt options).
• Put on your belt, paying close attention to location. This look works best when you belt at your natural waist; it creates a sexy, feminine silhouette, and looks especially lovely when your cardigan is open.
• Got a few more seconds? Add a dainty gold pendant necklace — then get on with your day!

When it comes to getting dressed in the morning, sometimes it's just easier to get up and go rather than think about making the extra effort for your ensemble — you're tired, you haven't had coffee yet, and grabbing a white t-shirt and a pair of worn-in jeans seems like your only option. Truth is, it only takes a minute (or less!) to jazz up your classic tee and denim look, and in three simple steps:

• First, throw on a chunky statement necklace. If you've been living in a hole and don't happen to have a statement necklace, you can create your own by layering a few chains.
• Add a bright blazer. If your t-shirt is fitted, a boyfriend blazer will look chic and effortless. If your tee is on the slouchier side, keep the blazer a bit more fitted.
• Tuck in your tee, even just a little. It'll look polished and put-together, not to mention very Emmanuelle Alt-esque.

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