This Is the Easiest Way to Always Look Polished and Picture-Perfect

1. Tall UGG boots

Tall UGG boots are so 2010. They can be clunky, annoyingly warm on the feet, and tend to make your body proportions look… funky.

Instead, opt for the UGGs all the cool girls are wearing well into winter 2025: the Classic Mini. These boots don’t rise nearly as high on your legs, lengthening and flattering your figure.

UGG even sells a shorter style called the Ultra Mini, which you can also snag in a platform silhouette.

UGGs are undoubtedly winter-ready since they’re lined with shearling on the inside to keep your toes warm. If you’re worried about snow or ice getting to them, you can get an UGG boot guard or spray your pair down in waterproof and stain-proof protectant.

2. Platform shoes

I hate to say it, but platform shoes seem to be on their way out for 2025. And I get it – platform shoes like Mary Janes and loafers can be impractical, especially if you have to commute in treacherous winter conditions like snow.

Instead, the fashion world is blowing up with lower-profile shoe designs, meaning they don’t have as much height to them.

Opt for low-lying ballet flats, loafers, and Mary Janes to keep your shoe game subtle, yet stylish in 2025.

3. Round-toe boots

We’re going to be seeing less and less round-toe boots (and round-toe shoes in general) this coming year. They were definitely popular at a point in time, but a lot of fashion fiends nowadays are wearing the more eye-catching, and even more sultry shoe designs that include square or pointed toes.

Try out these square-toe boots to instantly elevate your outfits in 2025.

Pointed-toe boots are also undeniably chic.

4. Moon boots

It could just be me living near a ton of mountain towns, but Moon boots are a winter shoe trend I’m simply tired of seeing. They stick out like a sore thumb when it comes to snow boots, plus even though they have a hefty price tag, they don’t necessarily stand out from other similar snow boots, other than the fact that they have a big logo stamped across them for curb appeal.

Moon boots have gotta go. Try other warm (and less obnoxious) snow boot styles, like the ones below.

These cozy, lined boots are way less bulky but still provide great traction and protection against snowy weather.

These insulated booties ensure you stay comfy, warm, and dry this season – all while looking stylish!

5. Chunky sneakers

I fear chunky sneakers – like the ever-popular Fila Disruptors – are simply out of style. They’ve been done over and over again, and instead, the fashion girls are showing off in something entirely brand-new.

In case you didn’t know, sleek platform sneakers – most notably the Adidas Gazelles or Handball Spezials – are so in. They’re practically the “It” girl shoes that keep on giving.

Shop my fave styles below.

The stacked soles on these shoes are everything.

This familiar shoe style is elevated even more with an edgy buckle design.

​Stop Wearing Skinny Jeans, Start Wearing Slim Leg Jeans

“You may already be aware, but there are many who have had a hard time letting [skinny jeans] go,” shared Berlin. However, she kindly made an exception and mentioned that you can “hang on to a favorite pair for over-the-knee boots in the winter but otherwise, it's time to switch to wider leg styles. This can range based on your comfort level and height, but anything from a proper straight leg (for an easy transition) to a full wide leg will do!” Liz Teich offered Sezane’s Brut Sexy jeans as a great stepping stone after the skinny jean addiction that we all faced, whether we’re ready to admit it or not.

​Stop Wearing Barbie Pink, Start Wearing Icy Blue

Barbie Pink had its moment allll year long in 2023, and we’ve just about had enough. Teich explained that “Barbie pink feels a bit costume-y but icy blue feels like luxury and less saccharine.” To easily incorporate this color into upcoming outfits, Liz suggested utilizing chambray pieces that you likely already have in your closet.

​Stop Wearing Cut-Off Shorts, Start Wearing Bermuda Shorts

Even if they’ve been with you through it all, it’s time to retire your super short denim cut-off shorts. Instead, Teich suggests opting for a more sophisticated, lengthier short, such as Argent’s suiting shorts. The tailored look is super chic and versatile, so you can dress them up or down!

​Stop Wearing Cross-body Bags, Start Wearing Practical, Roomy Handbags

“I'm not giving [the cross-body bag] up or suggesting it's not wearable given its game-changing utility,” Berlin shared with reassurance, “but the bags to invest in now are soft, larger-scale totes.” Teich chimed in with product suggestions including Songmont's Drippy Tote Bag and Paris64’s Tote, but Quince also makes a high quality tote while still hovering at an affordable price point.

​Stop wearing Dad Sneakers, Start Wearing Sleek And Colorful Sneakers

Chunky, solid, minimalist sneakers that resemble ‘dad shoes’ “dominated for quite some time,” says Berlin. She continued to mention an alternative in sneakers with color and detail for a fresh reset. To achieve this look, Liz Teich suggested either Adidas Sambas or Gazelles, and I’m particularly swooning over these retro silver Nike sneakers that are less than $100 at DSW.

​Stop Wearing Ankle Boots, Start Wearing Something New

Alison from Style Made Simple had no problem admitting that ankle boots can and should be a staple for all of us, “but it's time to put them away in favor of branching out into new territory,” she offered. “Flats like Mary Janes and ballet styles are trending, as are loafers.” Take advantage of upcoming warmer weather and try out flats this spring. Our favorites are from Rothy’s because their shoes are designed to be machine-washed again and again to keep them looking fresh and feeling clean. As for a classic pair of loafers, we love the iconic silhouette of this tasseled pair from Cole Haan.

​Stop Wearing Midi Skirts, Start Wearing Extreme Length Skirts

It’s time to retire the midi skirt and graphic tee combo this spring and opt for something a bit more dramatic and current. “You should be thinking in extremes in terms of skirts — minis or maxis,” shared Alison Berlin. In the off chance of your mini skirt riding up is a deep seeded fear of yours like it is for me, this skort is the perfect solution and a standing staple piece in my closet; the built-in shorts are not visible at all, so it still gives the illusion of being a micro mini skirt. However, if maxi skirts fit your vibe better, we love this flowy, bohemian option from Free People.

1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025

We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.

"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.

Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."

This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.

2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home

One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"

"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.

Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."

You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.

3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks

Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:

• What is the most effective use of my time right now?

4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard

Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."

According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.

5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them

Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"

They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?

Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."

6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours

I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.

"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:

• "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."

I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.

7. Please, log off from work when it's time.

Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.

Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."

As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.

8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:

• "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"