1. Stay in Contact

Maybe you put off emails for weeks or you forget to answer text messages from friends. Being put together means attending to these communications shortly after they arrive. I'm not saying you have to send something back immediately, but maintaining connections is important for your work life and fostering friendships improves your personal life. It's one of the best ways to look like you've got your shit together.

2. Plan the Week

Instead of winging it, make a plan for what you want to accomplish each week. This ensures that you cross everything off your to do list, but also makes it easier to find time for the fun stuff. Plus, you look way more competent and put together when you aren't forgetting stuff.

3. Get a Manicure

You don't have to have your nails painted all the time, but keeping them clean and trim is vital to looking put together. If you do choose to polish your nails, coordinate the color with your wardrobe so they aren't glaringly obvious every time you move your hands.

4. Stick to Routines

This helps streamline things you have to get done every day so that it's effortless to go from start to finish. You'll be more productive and will waste less time. Maybe that means laying out your clothes for the next day and packing your lunch before bed. Maybe it means setting the alarm 15 minutes early so you can walk the dog. Whatever it is, stick with it and you'll get so much more done.

5. Create a Signature Style

We all have types and pieces of clothing that we like wearing more than others. Don't worry too much about what's trendy right now because looking put together means having your own signature style. Instead of wasting money on items you don't love or don't end up wearing, spend that money on classic pieces that suit your style.

6. Keep Your Space Neat

This includes your desk at work and your home. It's not always easy to keep up with the mess, especially if you share an office or have kids at home. But clearing the clutter makes you feel more put together and will increase your productivity at work and your peace of mind at home. Less clutter in your space means less clutter in your mind.

7. Believe You're Put Together

Even if you're not quite as put together as you'd like, believe that you are and that will keep you motivated to keep on trying. You're never going to be perfect, but if you're comfortable with yourself and follow the steps listed here, you should be feeling and looking as put together as possible most of the time.

How do you stay put together?