There are some women that do a load of laundry every few days, and those who wait until the weekends to get it all done.

And then there are those who wait until the last possible minute. And by last possible minute, I mean the laundry basket overflowing, and there’s a chair full of clothes that have been worn just once, perhaps twice.

If you fall under the third category, no judgment. Laundry is definitely one of the least favorite among all the chores. Besides, not everyone has the time, patience or energy to clean during the work week, especially for those who have to deal with the horrible Manila traffic during their daily commute. Additionally, not everyone has a washing machine at home. A lot of people have to visit a laundromat in order to get some clean clothes.

But procrastination does have its consequences. As the days go by, your wardrobe gets emptier and emptier, to the point that you’re left with your pang bahay, formal attire, clubbing wear, gym gear, basically clothes that you wouldn’t be wearing to the office. Thus, we resort to clothes that maybe have been worn once or twice, simply because you’re out of options.

It’s not exactly pleasant, wearing not-so-fresh clothes, but hey, it’s something that we’ve all done to survive until laundry day. Even though we all do this, it’s not really something we like to admit to each other. We want others to believe that we’re wearing clean clothes, and not pass judgment when they discover you’ve worn the same jeans three times in the last 10 days.

So how do we trick people into thinking our outfits are fresh from a fresh batch of laundry?

1. Hang clothes in the bathroom while you shower

First things first, this hack only works if you’re taking a long shower (15 mins or more), so it’s better to do this one before bed rather than when you wake up to avoid rushing in the morning. The steam from your shower is enough to get wrinkles and creases out of your blouses, pants and dresses. This takes up no extra time in your busy day, but make sure that the bathroom door is closed so that you trap enough steam in there. Also, let your clothes stand for a bit to dry off before you put them on.

2. Lint rollers are your best friend

Even if you don’t have pets, lint rollers are a must-have when it comes to finishing touches. Fibers and lint on your Korean Style Elastic High Waist Jeans aren’t a good look on anyone.

And just because lint is more obvious on dark clothing, it doesn’t mean you don’t need to be rolling off the lint on lighter colored fabrics. There are a lot of things that can catch on to your clothes, so make sure you do a lint roll before you leave the house, and maybe bring a smaller one with you to work for touch-ups.

3. Use a steamer instead of an iron

Is the shower steam not enough to get rid of the creases on your Carly Culottes, or whatever pants you want to re-wear the next day? Ironing takes so much time, not to mention it requires a bit of knowledge to navigate. While your iron might have the dial for specific fabric settings and temperatures, things can still take a wrong turn. Besides, if you don’t have time for laundry, there’s no way you have time for ironing.

A steamer, on the other hand, is quick to de-wrinkle as well as kill off those odor causing bacteria. It’s also really easy to use. So spare some time in the morning or the night before to “freshen up” your already worn clothes.

4. A little bit of perfume never hurts

Obviously, perfumes are not used as, and should never be used as, deodorizers, but a little spritz of your favorite scent can give off that feeling of freshness that you normally have with clean clothes. Plus, no one would suspect a thing when your clothes smell like the Downy perfume collection. Just don’t go overboard; otherwise you’ll smell like you just walked through the perfume section of a department store. Remember, less is more.

(INSTAGRAM // bikini.byq)

Unless you’re a Victoria’s Secret Angel or have got a body like Beyoncé, bodycon dresses are probably the most intimidating fashion items you could ever experiment with. Hugging every curve, there’s nothing you can hide in these frocks. Most of us will probably be reaching for shapewear before slipping into one. And though there is no rule book on who can and cannot wear with a bodycon, we can’t help but feel like the world is judging us for not having the “right figure” for it.

Bodycon dresses will continue to strike the fear into our hearts, therefore making some avoid the trend all together. Although this second-skin garment may not suit your taste, there may be other bodycon items you might enjoy. Other than leggings and jeggings, how do you feel about bodysuits?

Shaped like your one-piece swimsuits and lingerie items such as teddies, bodysuits are more friendly in terms of fit. They also have a little more leeway since they can be layered with different items in your wardrobe. In other words, it works as a separate, unlike a bodycon dress which serves as the focal point of an outfit. And contrary to what you see on Instagram or fashion magazines, bodysuits look perfect on every body type.

Another bonus of bodysuits is the variety of styles. There’s not much one can do with body-hugging dress, since the silhouettes are quite limited, whereas a bodysuit can take on different forms. In fact, not every bodysuit sticks to your skin like you would normally expect. One example would be our Lace Dress Lingerie. Even though it was technically made for the boudoir, it would so sexy paired with blue jeans or black high-waist slacks.

You can never go wrong with a bodysuit and jeans pairing, but you have to branch out of that combination in order to make the most out of this item.

Let’s find out all the different ways that you could wear your bodysuit:

1) High Waist Skinny Jeans

Let’s get the most obvious item out of the way first. High waist skinny jeans look good with almost anything, hiding the awkward underwear-like lines and hiding the tummy. When treating your bodysuit like a tank, you also have the option to layer it with a cardigan, or wrap a flannel shirt around your waist.

2) A-line Midi Skirt

A full skirt like an a-line midi is the perfect match for a bodysuit. A tight piece with a loose item is a classic pairing, whether you’re working with long sleeves or a tankini.

3) Pencil Skirt

Another skirt that can be worn with the bodysuit is the pencil. It’s not completely form-fitting but it still shows off your butt and hips, in case you want to accentuate those curves. And whatever you wear with a pencil skirt, you can probably wear to the office. Thus, there’s no need to fret when you’re running out of outfits for the workplace.

4) Loose pants

As we previously discussed, tight and loose go hand-in-hand in fashion. Skinny jeans may be reliable, but don’t think for a second that your other styles of pants won’t look just as chic. Think flared jeans, culottes or wide-leg palazzo pants. Loose pants look especially good with low cut bodysuits, such as our Racerback Zipper Faux Leather Lingerie. The deep v-neckline serves as a nice contrast from conservative bottoms.

5) Overalls

Looking for a casual weekend look that pays tribute to your childhood? The adult way of wearing overalls is to switch your t-shirt with a tank, crop top or sports bra. In an earlier post that detailed all the things for The Beach Holiday Packing List, we also noted that it also works as a coverup for your bikini. Because a bodysuit is pretty much a monokini, there really is no reason you can’t wear these two onesies together!

6) Denim Cutoffs

And when you can’t stand the heat, wear your bodysuit with denim cutoffs. It has that Coachella vibe that you’ll see across the many outdoor events this summer, from beach parties to music festivals. Remember to go for ones with a higher waistline.

How will you wear your bodysuit this summer?

There are certain items in your closet that we have come to know as timeless pieces, classic garments that are functional and manifest as the building blocks of your personal style. You probably identify these essentials as wardrobe basics, but the problem that some women have with these clothes are the very fact that they are, well, basic. The definition is often mixed up with terms like plain, simple and unsophisticated. While a white t-shirt may not be as statement-worthy as a feminine off-the-shoulder top, how well can the latter mix with the rest of your clothes? How much are you willing to bet that you will wear your t-shirt more times in the year than the shoulder-baring top?

Never think of wardrobe basics as boring. Think of them as versatile pieces that are not bound by season or decade, items that can be worn for casual affairs and dressier events.

Depending on the basic, these clothes can sometimes be a little difficult to dress up. Thus, some women leave the staples for everyday occurrences and refrain from including them in smart casual and and semi-formal attire. But Pretty Me is all about finding solutions to all the trials and tribulations often experienced with your clothes, and if one of the issues you currently have is with your closet essentials, we’ve got a few outfit ideas for you to upgrade your style.

How to dress up your blue jeans

Dark, black, and even white denim are quite easy to create dressier outfits out of, but it is slightly tricker with blue jeans in medium to light washes, such as our Old Style Stretch Denim Jeans. Anything with rips and distressed accents are also a bit tough. However, all you need to do to get yourself ready for a dinner party is by cuffing the pants at the right length to show off a pair of cute heels. Wear any fancy top you wish, finish the outfit with a bright clutch or casual jewelry and you are good to go. Try matching your shoes with your accessories to streamline your ensemble.

How to dress up your white button-down shirt

White button-downs and anything resembling our Front Pocket Long Sleeved Shirt are both everyday basics as well as vital pieces for an office capsule wardrobe. With that said, dressing up this item should be easier than other basics in your possession, since the tailoring can instantly add a chic quality to your look. Simply wear it with black pants or a blazer with capris. To keep things fun with a laid-back approach, wear it untucked with long shorts and heeled ankle boots.

How to dress up your tank

Tops like the Burn Out Sleeveless Tank Top are mostly worn as a layer underneath cardigans and outerwear, on its own with jeans or denim cut-offs, or part of workout gear. Some think that they aren’t the most fashion-forward of clothes, but tanks function more as foundational pieces to a snazzy outfit. Think of them as your starting point, a blank canvas, if you will. If you have vests, kimonos and maybe embellished accessories that you would like to balance out with something more subtle, tanks won’t distract from your statement items.

How to dress up a black turtleneck

Black turtlenecks are treated like white t-shirts in the spring and summer, only they’re used in the fall and winter. If you have a form-fitted one, similar to our Slim Long Sleeve Turtle Neck Blouse, you are in good hands. Turtlenecks like these which are less bulky in shape are already quite dressy and sophisticated on their own, perfect for highlighting accessories such as pendant necklaces. You can also wear it as a layer under a basic shift dress to diversify your silhouettes in the colder months.

How to dress up black pants

Another pair of must-have bottoms that every woman should have is black pants that make her look and feel good. Whether you have them in a cropped style, a high waist fit, or a loose leg like our Oversized Harem Wide Leg Palazzo Pants, it’s up to you. The hue and the slimming effect of the pants make it easy to mix and match it with any of your tops. For a formal vibe, opt for a beautiful silk blouse, and for an equally sophisticated look for your off-duty days, try it on with a plain white tee.

Tell us how you like to wear your basics.

A stylist to the stars and a fashion editor-at-large, Liz Uy is an influencer like no other, oozing with flair and class, and has a keen eye for style that is trusted by Filipino celebrities and beyond. She is currently starring in E! Asia’s It Girls alongside her model best friends and taking on the role of digital curator for the Singaporean magazine Style:. With a bankable clientele that consists of media personalities like Kris Aquino and the newest generation of showbiz talents like Julia Barretto, style is just something that comes naturally for Liz. 

Her Instagram is pouring with cover girl-worthy shots, often caught mid-walk to emphasize her structural shapes, tailored coats and gorgeous silhouettes. Lately, she’s been snapped wearing a wider pant leg. This is motivating us fashion conscious ladies to step back from second-skin jeans and explore other options, specifically the palazzo pant. While our skinnies have always been reliable in streamlining our final ensembles, there’s a certain sophistication that comes with a loose pant leg. Thus, women would be doing themselves and their wardrobes a favor by owning a pair or two of the ubiquitous ‘60s trend.

No worries if you don’t own any super wide-leg pants just yet. Pretty Me has got you covered with a couple of choices to keep you up to date. Both the Oversized Harem Wide Leg Palazzo Pants and the BJJS Casual Loose Pants are equally flattering and will serve as assets to your wardrobe.

Let’s see how Liz has modernized these trendy pants:

Matching her oversized pants with an oversized shirt, Liz is look tres chic in her all white outfit, jokingly calling it her PJs. With all her clothes in a white, relaxed silhouette, her blank canvas is the perfect medium to pull off some of her most eccentric accessories.

Liz makes her pleated velvet pants the star of the show by pairing it with a dark long-sleeve velvet number and must-have white sneakers. The form-fitted top exaggerates the width of the pants, making it look as though she is gliding instead of simply walking down the street.

At the MaxMara show in Hong Kong, Liz appeared in pastel pink pants which were color-blocked with a sequined sleeveless top with a plunging V neckline. Her ensemble reminds us that pastels can be treated like neutrals, since the tones are subtle enough, when composing an outfit of colorful separates.

The key takeaway from this outfit pairing is that oversized tops and bottoms are a match made in heaven. Although some might find all that extra fabric intimidating, Liz stands with poise in her large knit sweater and wide white pants.

Whenever you’re feeling doubtful about an outfit featuring these pants, go for the black cropped variety and wear white on top. There’s nothing quite as classic as this color combination, which sets up your outfit nicely for a color accent. In this instance, Liz is using her pink shoulder bag as her pop of color. Because of the shorter hem on these bottoms, they’re perfect for flashing your best heels, as the trendsetter shows off her strappy white stilettos.

Liz seems to be a huge fan of white-out ensembles. This time around, she breaks ups the all the white with a chambray shirt wrapped around her waist. The medium blue wash on the denim is a contrasting but beautiful final touch on the finished look.

As Liz has demonstrated on her Instagram, there are endless possibilities with these palazzo pants. So how will you style yours?