5 Effortless Outfit Formulas I Swear By When I'm in a Major Style Rut

Here are five effortless outfit formulas that are easy to pull off for those days when you can't figure out what to wear.

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@jordanrisa, @_livmadeline, @marina_torres
(Image credit: @jordanrisa, @_livmadeline, @marina_torres)

Have you ever stood in front of your wardrobe in the morning and failed to find a single thing you want to wear? As a mum 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 easy 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-ups, and blazers along with trendy shoe styles and accessories that have a refined vibe. Keep scrolling to check out five 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.

5 Effortless Outfit Formulas That Are Easy to Pull Off

1. White Tee + Statement Belt + Jeans

Marina Torres wearing a white tee, dark-wash jeans, and a gray sweater draped over her shoulders.

(Image credit: @marina_torres)

Style Notes: When in doubt, a white tee and indigo jeans combo will never fail you. To add some interest, opt for a statement belt, and don't forget to throw a cardigan over your shoulders in case it gets chilly.

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1. Black Mini Dress + Knee-High Boots

@_livmadeline

(Image credit: @_livmadeline)

Style Notes: An LBD works just as well for casual days out as it does for more formal events. Layer it over a contrasting white roll-neck for extra warmth and style it with knee-high boots to finish the look.

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3. Blazer + Jeans + Sleek Shoes

Sylvie Mus wearing a cinch-waist blazer, blue jeans, and pointed-toe slingbacks.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: A blazer will dress up every outfit but opting for a cinched waist will take things to the next level. Add a classic pair of jeans and slingback kitten heels to let the blazer do the talking.

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4. Sweatshirt + Slip Skirt + Ballet Pumps

Anouk Yve wearing an oversize black sweater and a long white slip skirt.

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: Blend the comfort of. a sweatshirt and elegance of a slip skirt with the outfit above. Pair this combo with a suede shoulder bag and mesh ballet flats to add some interest.

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5. Trench Coat + Sweater + Tailored Trousers

Jordan Risa Santos wearing a tan trench coat over a gray v-neck sweater, a white tee, and black trousers.

(Image credit: @jordanrisa)

Style Notes: I'll be wearing my trench from now until spring, and this classic outfit combo is a fail proof way to look put together.

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Jennifer Camp Forbes
Jennifer Camp Forbes
Senior Shopping Editor

Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.