9 Styling Tricks Celebs Use to Make Boring Pieces Look Cool

We talk about basics so much here at Who What Wear because pretty much every outfit includes at least one, and a strong collection of them makes life so much easier (the getting-dressed part, at least). That said, we're well aware that basics are kind of boring, but the way you wear them doesn't necessarily have to be. This is something a number of stylish celebs know well—even if they don't know that they know.

If you keep reading, you'll find an array of fresh outfits, in which celebs such as Gigi Hadid, Zoë Kravitz, and Dakota Johnson (i.e., very cool ones) took boring basics and styled them in a way that's a bit unexpected and interesting. The even better news is that the outfits are all pretty simple, and you probably already own most of these pieces. And in case you don't, I found them for you.

Scroll for celeb outfit ideas featuring boring pieces worn in the coolest of ways.

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(Image credit: MEGA/GC Images)

The "boring" item: blazer

The trick: Pair a basic blazer with a printed minidress and tall boots.

On Chrissy Teigen: The Frankie Shop Isla Blazer ($155); Saint Laurent Floral Silk Minidress ($1390); Chanel bags; The Attico Venus Boots ($952)

Shop the outfit:

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(Image credit: Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images)

The "boring" item: white T-shirt

The trick: Style a tee with a polished tweed jacket. Even with other casual pieces, the outfit will look significantly elevated.

On Meghan Markle: Celine jacket and bag; Moussy Vintage jeans, Chanel shoes

Shop the outfit:

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(Image credit: SPOT-stoianov-Lese/Backgrid)

The "boring" item: loafers

The trick: Pair them with an oversize leather jacket and loose trousers instead of more expected pieces, such as a blazer and jeans.

On Dakota Johnson: Balenciaga jacket; The Row bag; Gucci shoes

Shop the outfit:

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(Image credit: Backgrid)

The "boring" item: denim shorts

The trick: Instead of sneakers or sandals, pair denim shorts and a tee with closed-toe mules for a much chicer look.

On Zoë Kravitz: Saint Laurent T-shirt; The Row Half Moon Leather Bag ($1290) and shoes

Shop the outfit:

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(Image credit: PeBu/Backgrid)

The "boring" item: jeans

The trick: Pair them with interesting layering on top, such as a white tee, an oversize button-down, and a blazer.

On Kendall Jenner: Sandro Dual-Fabric Tailored Jacket ($448); Khaite Danielle Jeans ($380); The Row East West Top Handle Bag ($2650)

Shop the outfit:

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(Image credit: Ulices Ramales/Backgrid)

The "boring" item: khakis 

The trick: A fitted tank and oversize shirt or jacket take the pants from preppy to fashion-y.

On Gigi Hadid: Isabel Marant jacket; Prada bag; Reebok x VB sneakers; DMY by DMY Valentina Sunglasses ($170)

Shop the outfit:

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(Image credit: Ulices Ramales/Backgrid)

The "boring" item: sweats

The trick: Add cool oversize outerwear and chic accessories to dress them up.

Shop the outfit:

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(Image credit: BrosNYC/Backgrid)

The "boring" item: black pants 

The trick: Just add statement shoes.

On Katie Holmes: Saint Laurent shoes

Shop the outfit:

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(Image credit: Backgrid)

The "boring" item: baggy trousers

The trick: Wear a sweatshirt or sweater over your shoulders and put on a cool hat—that's it!

On Kaia Gerber: Adidas sneakers; Celine bag

Shop the outfit:

Next up, 8 Trend-Free Outfit Ideas We're Stealing From Celebrities

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.