Look pulled together - even when you aren't

A scarf-tie blouse

A simple silk, chiffon or viscose-blended scarf-tie blouse in cream or white is not only an easy, sophisticated and tidy look, but it's actually trendy this season. Look for a blouse with some tailoring at the waist for a more flattering fit. Wear it alone or under a jacket.

Tailored trousers

A pair of unfussy black or grey men's-style trousers, featuring two slanted front pockets, is timelessly chic, a la Katharine Hepburn. When pushed for time, just jump into them. Wear them with a crisp blouse or cashmere top.

The right scarf

Designer Jesse Kelly-Landes prefers wearing a scarf to wearing jewellery. 'I like the way it draws attention upward, bringing colour to your face,' she says. 'Jewellery is nice, but it doesn't make your skin brighten up the way a scarf can.' The designer for Amet and Sasha says she loves knitted or woven scarves in natural fibre, anything from blended silk to nubby wool.

A few extra tips to follow so no one will ever guess you just tossed your outfit on two minutes before flying out the door:

• This might be asking the impossible, but try laying out clothes the night before, just in case. It will make the morning grind that much less daunting.
• Boni Joi, iVillage's own expert stylist, recommends trying to keep at least one of your favourite basics laundered and ready to wear at all times, because 'then at least you have one item you feel comfortable in and you know looks great on you!'
• We like blouses and shirts that are designed not to be tucked in but rather to lie gracefully and smoothly on the outside. When you're in a rush, jamming that inevitable flap back into your trousers or skirt is not really an option.
• Don't experiment when you're in a rush. Kelly-Landes points out that every woman looks best when she's dressed in a way that feels most natural and comfortable to her. 'Once a woman discovers her individual style, she'll look pulled together no matter what.'
• Knitted garments or cottons blended with polyester, rayon or Lycra will show less wrinkling and therefore maintain a fresher look.