14 January 2026

Here Are 5 Outfit Formulas That Work Every Time

Outfit formulas: Trench coat, similar | Stripe shirt, similar | Jeans | Sandals | Lady Dior bag | Zoe Chicco tennis necklace

Here Are 5 Outfit Formulas That Work Every Time

If you struggle to put together outfits, this post is for you! I think it’s safe to say that many of us want easy, everyday outfit combos. We’d like to confidently throw on a great outfit every morning, without having to think too much about it. However, accomplishing this can be tricky, especially if you like to shop and get easily sidetracked 😉 Who hasn’t experienced finding a cool new “something” but not really knowing how to wear it — and then buying it anyway?

Today’s post gives you 5 outfit formulas that work every single time! Read on to get a few style tips that will help you with easy outfit-making. We’re talking simple concepts, like a jean and go-with-everything shoe, matching your top and jacket, and of course, the all-important accessories that bring it all together. Once you own these essentials, the outfit possibilities are endless! Below are new pieces that make endless outfits, and style boards that show five outfit formulas that I recommend from decades of experience in the dressing room. Cheers!

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Style Board Inspo

Loving reminder … this is a board for inspiration and you can easily make substitutions that work for you, depending on where you live 

Row 1: Ivory blazer | Parka | Plaid jacket | Denim jacket | Navy wool jacket

2: Striped top | Cable sweater | Poncho | Floral top | Striped sweater | Cardigan

Row 3: Ivory pant | Frame jeans | Paige jeans | Sweatshirt & Skirt | Ivory dress | Navy dress

4: Loewe bag | Earrings | Hat | Tote | Necklace | Sunglasses | Leopard clutch

Row 5: Slingback | Sandal | Sneaker | Flats | Sandals

 

01. Start With a Versatile Shoe/Pant Combo

As I always say: the right bottom is the starting piece of every outfit! This is something I tested in the dressing room, and trust me, it works every time. But, let’s take it a step further. Once you find the right bottom, then make sure you have several shoe options to go with your favorite bottoms. This is very important! Here’s an easy example: a classic flare jean and your favorite neutral shoes are the foundation for many many different tops and jackets. If you go with these combos, then mostly everything works on top.

All the pieces are from the above board

 

02. The “Third Piece” is Essential for Your Wardrobe

One thing I learned very early on is that investing in “third pieces” is worth every penny. I’ve said it over and over again — a great blazer, jacket or coat will complete your outfits. And, based on my own experience, these are the pieces we all still wear (and love) years later.

Alex Mill coat | VB blue shirt | Frame jeans | Slingbacks | Tote | Earrings

 

03. Match Your Top and Bottom

If you pair a matching top and bottom, then really any jacket will work — and it’ll elevate the outfit. The combos can be black/black, cream/écru, white/white or faded blue/blue. My go-to is always black/black, and a silky black blouse is one of my favorite things to wear. It works beautifully with mostly everything, and if you happen to love black, it’s an easy go-to when you’re getting dressed up. Easy, quick and elegant! When the weather warms up, try a simple white tee and white jeans. and the same rule applies: many jackets or “third pieces” work on top and you’ll have outfits for days.

Cinq a Sept blazer | Floral blouse | Paige jeans | Slingbacks | Bag | Sunglasses | Earrings

 

04. Match Your Jacket and Top

An easy way to make many different outfits is to match your jackets to your tops. From there, any bottom will work, from trousers, skirts, jeans etc. Talk about easy, and I’m guessing you already have all the pieces in your closet. One combo I love is a soft white jacket with a matching layering piece — it’s so stylish and chic! Other examples include black/black, brown/brown, camel/camel — all of these will give you endless outfits for years to come.

VB Parka | Striped tee | Aritzia pants | Floral blouse | Denim jacket | Flats | Bag | Earrings

 

05. Coordinate Your Accessories

Here’s one of my favorite tips: accessories that work together are the perfect finishing touch to every outfit. So, if you can match or coordinate your accessories (by color or pattern), you’ll have dozens of easy outfits at your fingertips! Try to put together a few sets: a bag/shoe combo, a bag/belt combo, or a scarf/bag/shoe combo in matching or coordinating colors. Go for any accessory in a rich saddle brown, a lighter beige color, or black of course — that goes without saying 😉

Poncho | Paige jeans | Silk scarf | Earrings | Sandals | Green bag | Earrings | Leopard clutch | Sunglasses | Slingbacks

 

Thank you for reading xx

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