Here’s a few tips to avoid being fashionably late for functions.
I’m going to tell you a secret.
Most of the time, I’m late. I always joke that I’ll probably be late to my funeral. There’s nothing fun about being late to a party, business meeting, or even to the carpool line. I’ve been working towards being on time to everything lately. I feel like there are only so many variables in my day that I can control and making a conscious effort to be on time is one of them. Tatiana is also one of the biggest reasons that I’m trying to change always being fashionably late. She is a big stickler for being on time. It makes her angry when we’re late to things because she likes to be punctual so she doesn’t miss out on anything. I don’t blame her one bit.
So after the last couple of weeks, I’ve been making tiny adjustments in an effort to show up on time and be present in every moment.
How to Avoid Being Fashionably Late
1. Plan your outfits in advance.
This is something that I’ve always done but sometimes I overthink it and change my mind at the last minute. I try to plan a few outfits at a time that would work for different occasions. If I’m really struggling with what looks to put together, I just put a few of my timeless wardrobe essentials together. Once all of the outfits are planned, I keep them in a separate section of my closet so that I can just grab and go. I do the same thing for Tatiana. It makes things so much easier especially when we’re in a hurry. I try to keep things simple and casual when I can.
2. Double check your travel time.
Whenever we’ve got to be somewhere at a certain time I make sure to check how long it will take us to get there. If it’s somewhere new I make sure to take a mental note of that because I might not be familiar with the route. Once we’re in the car, I use the GPS to guide me instead of trying to figure out the best or quickest way to get there.
3. Schedule the event in your calendar at least 15 minutes before it actually starts.
This has been a major help for me! We keep a family calendar for all of our activities. I always schedule them 15-30 minutes before they actually start to account for any last minute mishaps. Sometimes traffic is bad or we forget something and have to turn around, or we just might have to stop for gas on the way. Allowing yourself extra time to get to your destination is essential.
4. Have an accountability partner.
Whether I’m going to a blogger meetup, dinner party or work event, I always coordinate with someone who I know is bound to be on time. They usually stay on top of me so that we can make it there at the same time because no one wants to show up to the party alone. When we’re doing things together as a family, my husband and Tatiana are my accountability partners. They’re quick to keep me in check and able to get me out of the door on time.
Do you have any tips that help keep you from being fashionably late?
Shop my look:
Skirt: Macy’s (exact here), similar here, here, here | Bodysuit: Walmart (similar here, here, here) | Shoes: Sugar Brand (exact here) similar here
Photos by Emma Shourds Photography
Lucy Valdez says
That tank top would be perfect for my friend Jenny!
ellebstyles says
It’s awesome and it’s under $10!
Erika Bennett says
Love that skirt!!
Erika Bennett says
Love that skirt!!
ellebstyles says
Thank you!
Jaclyn Anne says
These are terrific tips. I used to be pretty much always early or on-time, but now that I have a son is makes getting out the door so much more difficult!
Jeanette says
Oh my gosh I love that outfit on you! It looks so good. I am very rarely late to something. I’m a bit OCD about being on time somewhere. But these are some great tips for when I am running a little bit late.
Muna Kenny says
I hate being late so much I sometimes arrive an hour earlier. I love your outfit but I’m not sure if I can pull off the skirt (too shy) 🙂
Ann Snook-Moreau says
Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always set my clothes out the night before so I don’t have to worry about it. I also don’t have a car and am at the mercy of the (usually late) bus, so I end up planning for that and getting places super early instead of late! My parents were always sticklers for timeliness and they definitely passed that down to me haha.
Jeni Hawkins says
Ohhhh yes, have an accountability partner. That’s a MUST! I absolutely LOVE your outfit and those shoes are poppin’!!!!
Claudia Krusch says
I am always early, but it bothers me so much when my friends are late! Love your post!
Reesa Lewandowski says
I love your top! I absolutely hate being late! It’s one of my biggest pet peeves actually!
Dawn Lopez says
I’m so bad about being on time! I’m always rushing around trying to pick the perfect outfit at the last minute. I could definitely be more efficient and pick out my clothes in advance.
Heather says
Being late bring me so much nervousness. I absolutely hate it. These are great tips for making sure I get where I need to be. With a few extra minutes to play with, I’ll end up with a lot less stress.
Rachel says
I am not late when it is just me. If kids are involved then it is a whole other matter. They just dont get my urgency.
Ronnie says
Great list of tips AND great outfit! I follow your #1 rule a lot… I prefer to take the time in the evening to pick out my wardrobe for the next day and get an extra 10-15min sleep in the morning. That way, I’m ready to look chic with little effort.
Melissa says
These are great tips! On Friday night I was talking with two friends who are always late. Not necessarily fashionably late either. I love your style and tips for making sure that you aren’t late because of fashion. Thanks!