Have you ever stood in front of your closet in the morning and failed to find a single thing you want to wear? As a mom of two little ones, I find this happens to me often, and it's usually when I have to get out the door in less than 10 minutes. For moments like this, I keep an array of effortless outfit formulas in my back pocket—no-brainer ensembles that are easy to pull off and don't sacrifice style.
When collecting these outfit ideas, I look for ensembles that have a no-fuss wearability factor and feel classic while still being current. This usually means focusing on simple yet elevated basics like tees, jeans, button-downs, and blazers along with trendy shoe styles and accessories that have a refined vibe. Keep scrolling to check out six outfit formulas I swear by for when I am in a major style rut. One note: Swap out the shoes as needed depending on the season.
1. Black Maxi Dress + Sweater
Shop the Look
The whole look is a winner.
To wear forever.
Minimalistic goodness.
If you prefer a V-neckline.
2. White Tee + Statement Belt + Jeans
Shop the Look
The perfect tee.
Statement belt indeed.
These can be worn year-round.
This looks designer.
Great layered or worn over your shoulders.
3. Blazer + Jeans + Sleek Shoes
Shop the Look
The silhouette!
Classic jeans.
I said sleek, didn't I?
Another chic pick.
4. Oversize Top + Slip Skirt
Shop the Look
Love the distressed feel.
Endless styling possibilities.
I want these in every color.
A modern take on the sweatshirt.
Yes, please.
Mesh flats are trending.
5. Button-Down + Jeans + Trendy Shoes
Shop the Look
Timeless blue.
These are already cuffed, so you're good to go.
Another trendy flats style.
A chic linen take.
Levi's forever.
An affordable take on the trend.
6. Trench Coat + Sweater + Pants
Shop the Look
It's the perfect time to shop for a trench coat.
Say no more.
Simple yet chic.
Nothing like a white T-shirt.
Easily dressed up or down.
These are high on my list.
-
I've Worked in Fashion for 15 Years—Here's What I Actually Wear Every DayTrends come and go, but my everyday wardrobe is made of pieces that feel like me.
-
I've Been a Celeb Aesthetician for 40 Years—How I Prep My Clients for the Red CarpetSabrina Carpenter and Phoebe Dynevor's aesthetician, Joanna Czech, shares her must-haves.
-
Chicer Than Skinny Jeans—Every Guy With Cool Style Is Wearing These 5 Fall Denim Styles InsteadHolt Renfrew's fashion director shows us exactly how to style denim this season.
-
Ignore the Haters—I Still Love These Versatile and Comfy Pants and Bet You Do TooSee how fashion people from NYC to Paris to London wear them for fall.
-
My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic Rich-Looking Pieces for Fall 2025Everything is under $100.
-
All of the Coolest People I Follow Just Bought Into This New Fall Denim ShapeNo, it's not barrel, wide leg, or bootcut.
-
If Reading Brontë in Central Park Is Your Vibe, Then You're Going to Love These 28 Fall Sweaters From Gap, Old Navy, and Banana RepublicStriped sweaters and cashmere.
-
Loafers Are Great, But If You're Bored, This Is the Classic Flat Shoe Trend to Try NextCould this be the new It flat shoe for fall?
-
After 2 Weeks in Italy, I'm Convinced I Need the Shoe Trend Every Chic Woman in Milan and Rome Was WearingForget ballet flats.
-
Sorry, White Skirts—Zoë Kravitz Just Wore the 2025 Alt That's About to Be All Over NYC This FallThe perfect choice if ballet flats will be your go-to shoes for the season.
