Spring is here, bringing the excitement of travel, girlfriend getaways, and sun-soaked beach days. Whether it’s for a quick weekend or an extended escape, it calls for a wardrobe that’s stylish, adaptable, and easy to pack. The trick is striking the right balance between fashion and function because the last thing you want is to overpack and wrestle with a suitcase bursting at the seams.

As a fashion stylist, I know that looking effortlessly chic doesn’t have to take hours. The secret? Strategic styling tricks that elevate your look in five minutes or less.

Most of us have a chorus of criticism in our heads. The inner voices are familiar, as they remind us of the bullies we endured during junior high and high school at lunchtime, in gym classes, in science classes, or when walking to class.