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7 Essential Steps for the Perfect That Girl Morning Routine

Mornings set the tone for the day, and if there’s one thing I swear by, it’s starting strong.

A good morning routine isn’t about doing the most—it’s about small, intentional habits that make you feel put together, energized, and ready to take on whatever comes your way.

Being That Girl isn’t about perfection. It’s not about waking up at 5 AM just to stare at the ceiling or following a routine that feels like a chore. It’s about creating a morning that actually works for you—one that makes you feel fresh, confident, and in control of your day.

If you’re ready to romanticize your mornings, stay productive without the overwhelm, and build habits that stick, let’s get into it.

Wake Up With Intention

Cozy bedroom with soft pink decor, note books, candle, and a scrunchie on a white table by the bed.

How you wake up matters. If the first thing you do is scroll through your phone, you’re already letting someone else’s energy set the tone for your day. Instead, try this: open your eyes, take a deep breath, and give yourself a moment before reaching for anything.

A gentle alarm (or even a sunrise clock) makes waking up feel way less jarring. If you’re a chronic snoozer, placing your phone or alarm across the room forces you to get up—but let’s be real, the goal isn’t to drag yourself out of bed. It’s to wake up in a way that feels good.

Before anything else, hydrate. A glass of water first thing in the morning wakes up your body from the inside out. Bonus points if it’s lemon water, but let’s be honest—plain water works just as well. Keep a glass or bottle by your bed so it’s the first thing you reach for.

Hydrate & Refresh

Glass of sparkling water with lemon slice on countertop near pastel shampoo bottles in elegant bathroom.

Once you’re up, it’s time to shake off that grogginess and actually wake up. Washing your face with cool water instantly makes you feel more refreshed, and a simple skincare routine keeps it feeling effortless. Think gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum, and moisturizer with SPF—because glowing skin starts with good habits.

While you’re at it, don’t forget lip balm and a quick spritz of your favorite light fragrance. It’s a small step, but there’s something about feeling fresh and put together even before getting dressed that makes the morning feel more intentional.

And yes, more water—because one glass isn’t enough. Keep sipping while you move through your routine, and your body will thank you for it later.

Move Your Body (Even Just A Little)

Home yoga setup with a mat, dumbbells, and a pink water bottle, surrounded by potted plants in natural light.

Getting your body moving is a simple yet effective way to start your day. You don’t need an intense workout; even a few stretches or light weights can do wonders. Just grab a dumbbell or a bottle of water and enjoy a little movement to wake up your body.

Coffee (Or Matcha) & Mindful Moments

Open notebook, pen, candle, and steaming green tea on a beige background for a calming workspace vibe.

You don’t need an intense, hour-long workout to feel good in the morning. Even five minutes of movement can make a difference. A few stretches, a quick yoga flow, or a short walk outside—it’s less about what you do and more about just moving.

If you love a structured routine, pilates or light strength training can wake up your muscles without draining your energy. Not in the mood? Try the five-minute rule. Tell yourself you’ll move for just five minutes, and if you still don’t feel like it, you can stop. Most of the time, you’ll keep going.

The goal isn’t to force a workout but to find movement that feels good—something that makes you feel awake, strong, and ready to take on the day.

Aesthetic Yet Practical Breakfast

Smoothie bowl topped with blueberries, raspberries, cashews, and granola on a marble surface with a gold spoon.

Now for the best part—a slow, cozy moment before the day takes over. Whether it’s coffee, matcha, or tea, this isn’t just about caffeine. It’s about pausing before jumping into work, responsibilities, or endless notifications.

While sipping, take a few minutes for something that feels grounding. Journaling, reading a few pages of a book, or setting an intention for the day can shift your mindset in the best way. If journaling feels overwhelming, keep it simple—write down three things you’re grateful for or one small goal for the day.

This little ritual makes all the difference. It’s a reminder that mornings aren’t just about getting things done—they’re about setting the tone for how you want to feel.

Getting Ready: Clean Girl Aesthetic Meets Effortless Chic

Elegant vanity setup with perfume, eyeshadow palette, jewelry, and rose on a white surface.

Now that your body and mind are awake, it’s time to pull yourself together—without spending forever in front of the mirror. The goal? Fresh, polished, and effortless.

Start with a quick, natural makeup routine. Light coverage, a touch of concealer, fluffy brows, dewy skin, and a hint of lip color—just enough to enhance your features while keeping it minimal. If you’re skipping makeup, a little moisturizer and lip balm go a long way.

For hair, keep it simple. A sleek bun, soft waves, or even just brushing it out makes a difference. The trick is to have a go-to style that looks intentional but takes less than five minutes.

Then comes the outfit. Neutrals, monochrome, or a matching set always work. A put-together look doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs to feel good. Add a signature scent, a few delicate accessories, and you’re set.

The Power Of A To-Do List

Open planner with the power of a to-do list text, beside a laptop and coffee cup on a desk.

Before diving into the day, take a moment to get everything out of your head and onto paper. A simple to-do list clears mental clutter and helps you focus on what actually matters.

Keep it realistic. Instead of writing down every single thing, pick your top three priorities. These are the tasks that will make the biggest impact—once they’re done, everything else is a bonus.

If planning feels overwhelming, try time-blocking or batching similar tasks together. The goal isn’t to create a rigid schedule—it’s to give your day some structure without feeling suffocated by it. A clear plan means less stress, fewer last-minute scrambles, and more time to actually enjoy the little moments.

Romanticizing Your Morning

A morning routine isn’t about checking off a list—it’s about creating a rhythm that makes you feel your best. Some days will be slower, some more productive, and that’s okay. The point is to build habits that bring a sense of calm, confidence, and intention to your day.

Small details make all the difference. Your favorite playlist in the background, a cozy robe while sipping coffee, a fresh scent in the air—these little things turn an ordinary morning into something you actually enjoy.

At the end of the day, being That Girl isn’t about perfection. It’s about becoming the version of yourself that feels happy, energized, and in control of her own life. And that starts with how you begin your morning.

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Bedside table with journal and scrunchie in calming morning light. Text: That Girl Morning Routine.