What’s an It Girl? And why do we all want to be her?
She might be your favourite influencer. Or a socialite to some. But in the context of this post (and in my mind) an It Girl is a woman who always shows up for herself. She lives with intention, invests in her happiness, and prioritises her wellbeing. Not because she has to, but because she actually wants to.
This post is all about how to build your it girl morning routine, in 5 simple steps.
Maybe you’re already her, or maybe you’d like to embody that energy more. Either way, a solid morning routine is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to build that sense of soft confidence. One that helps you romanticise your days, and moves you closer to the life you’re crafting.
I really believe that how you start your morning matters. On the days where I’ve had a restful night, made time for myself, and slowly eased into the day with rituals I genuinely enjoy; I notice it. There’s a subtle shift. I feel a little more in tune with myself, and just… lighter.
The guide below outlines some key steps you can include in your morning routine to help you feel calmer, more grounded, and better prepared to face the day, whether it’s a full day of work or just running errands in your favourite hoodie.
Note: This post includes a few affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to shop through them — at no extra cost to you. I only share things I genuinely love or think you’ll find helpful!
There’s probably some actual science behind all this and why it works so well, but don’t quote me on that. I’m just sharing what I’ve seen in myself and others: routines really do shape how we move through the world.
1. Good Sleep Hygiene Is Key For Your It Girl Morning Routine
This one might be such an obvious suggestion that you’re tempted to skip it. But please don’t.
There’s a reason sleep is constantly at the centre of any conversation about health and wellbeing. Entire billion-pound industries are built around it. And it’s not just about how long you sleep, it’s also about how well.
Think of this step as the foundation. Your morning energy, mood, and mindset are all shaped by how you slept the night before. So let’s give you the best chance possible.
Here’s what I’ve found helpful:
- Create a calm sleep environment. Soft lighting makes a huge difference. I love using warm-toned Himalayan salt lamps instead of harsh ceiling lights.
- Invest in supportive, breathable bedding. If your sheets are scratchy or your pillow makes your neck ache, it’s time for a little upgrade. These ultra-soft microfiber bed sheets are affordable and actually feel luxe.
- Try a sleep spray or essential oil diffuser. Lavender oil is my go-to. This Neal’s Yard Remedies sleep mist feels like a tiny bedtime luxury.
- Cut back on blue light. Even just 30 minutes away from your phone before bed can help more than you’d expect.
2. Skincare as a Ritual
Yes, skincare helps your skin (duh!). But honestly? It’s also about the act itself.
I think of it as a tiny daily ritual where I get to show up for myself. The process of cleansing, patting on a toner, pressing in serums. There’s something grounding about it, even if it only takes 5 minutes.
And if you’re someone who loves a bit of beauty inspo, this step is extra satisfying. You know those aesthetic “get ready with me” videos that make skincare look like an art form? You can create that moment for yourself, even on a budget.
I personally enjoy Korean and Japanese skincare, especially for their emphasis on hydration and gentle ingredients. YesStyle is great for that, but if you’re looking for Amazon friendly options, and want to avoid long shipping times, I recommend:
- Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Cleanser – simple, effective, and doesn’t strip your skin.
- Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum – for a glass skin finish on a budget.
Even a quick cleanse and moisturiser can be enough to shift your energy for the day.
3. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
You’ve probably heard this one too many times. But here I am, saying it again. Because staying hydrated genuinely makes a difference to how you feel, both mentally and physically.
A small trick that’s helped me? Romanticising my water intake. Yep. I keep a pretty glass bottle next to my bed and pour myself a glass first thing in the morning. It sounds silly, but it makes it feel more special, more intentional.
Here are a few favourites:
- Aesthetic glass water bottles – they look so cute on a desk or bedside table.
- Portable blender bottles – great for morning smoothies on-the-go.
I also often enjoy making myself a pretty matcha latte, and you can find my go to Blueberry Matcha recipe here. If you’d like an in depth guide on tools to make matcha at home, you can also find my suggestions here.
4. Stretch or Move Gently
You don’t have to be a 6am gym girlie to benefit from some gentle movement in the morning.
Sometimes I just do a quick 5 minute stretch to open up my shoulders and back, which is especially helpful if I’ve been sleeping in a weird position. On other days, I’ll follow a slow pilates video on YouTube or take a walk while listening to a calming playlist or podcast. Blogilates on youtube has been my absolute fave for more than a decade, so do check her out.
Movement doesn’t have to be intense. The goal here is to reconnect with your body and give it a loving start to the day.
A few things I use and love:
- Thick non-slip yoga mat – makes floor stretches so much more comfortable.
- Resistance bands – for light toning without needing heavy equipment.
And again, even if it’s just five minutes, just let it be your version of movement.
5. A Quick Tidy Leads To A Clearer Mind
This one’s underrated but so powerful.
Even a quick 5 to 10 minute tidy of your space can shift how you feel. It’s not about perfection but about creating visual calm. I always notice how much more flustered I feel when my room or desk is a mess.
Try making your bed first thing (yes, you’ve heard that before), clearing your desk, or putting away yesterday’s clothes. It doesn’t have to be a deep clean.
I like to keep a few storage items nearby for quick resets:
- Neutral fabric storage cubes – they blend in nicely and hide clutter.
- Minimalist bamboo laundry basket – pretty enough that you won’t mind seeing it.
- Mini desk vacuum – makes cleaning up crumbs and dust weirdly fun.
Trust me: walking back into a clean space after a long day hits different.
To be completely honest becoming an “It Girl” shouldn’t be about becoming someone else. Instead it should be all about becoming more you. And if it helps; the softer, slower, intentional you. I really believe that starts in the morning.
You don’t need to follow all five steps every day. Start with one or two that feel realistic, and build from there. Your routine doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. And you don’t need to spend a lot to make it feel like a treat.
I hope this helped spark a few ideas for your own version of an It Girl morning.