how to be more put together, when you're not put together, but you got a friend who is

so you've got a friend who always makes you look like an idiot in comparison. she's the one who always has the best new jacket and shoes, and for some reason she's always spending money on clothes but never seems to run out. is she rich? maybe. is she insane? also maybe. but you don't want to tell her that you feel like an idiot next to her, and you know she'll dress up for that sunday afternoon iced coffee, so maybe you should, but you don't know how. so here's a few tips:
now that we've covered the basics, here's a few other tips:
  • wear make up. yes, I know, counter-intuitive. I'm not asking for a lot of make up, maybe a tinted moisturizer or a color correcting hydrating cream with some cream blush. not even mascara, just something that makes you look your age. and like you didn't just roll out of bed.
  • get a fragrance other than your deodorant going on for you. it doesn't have to be expensive. when I was not the rich stylish friend I used to mix essential oils with water and alcohol and used that. it didn't stain my clothes or irritated my skin, but I wouldn't go around recommending this to everyone. what I mean is, it doesn't have to be a chanel eau de parfum. but get something else, don't rely on your cosmetics to do the job for you. maybe even a scented cream will do.
  • can you stand jewellery? then try to keep a few pieces. I'd love to get a second and third hole in my ears to wear more earrings, mix and play. If not jewellery, a belt or a bag or sunglasses or even a cap will do the trick: make it look like you've made an effort.
  • keep your shoes clean (hard, I know)
  • don't always wear sneakers. birkenstocks, even. a boot? I don't know, a loafer? innovate!
  • maybe that puffer jacket being your only outwear option is what's making you feel out of place. try another type of jacket, even mid-seasonal ones.
  • go monochrome when in doubt.
  • dress proportionally: big shirt small bottom, small shirt big bottom. think of how it makes you look.
  • have an outfit formula that you fall back on. mine is levi's straight leg ribcage jeans, short sleeve black or white t shirt, a bomber jacket. chances that I am not appropriately dressed with that are slim for the type of activities I do. what are yours? think about it.
  • buy better quality clothing. yes I know, it's expensive, but your weekend drugs and the alcohol and the weed are expensive too and I am not hearing you complain!
probably your well dressed friend has gone through many stages of personal style. experimental outfits gone wrong and such. so try it, make mistakes, learn a thing or two about yourself.