Putting together a stylish outfit everyday doesn’t have to be tricky. In fact I’ve come up with a simple formula that you can use over and over for all different kinds of outfits.
When choosing clothes for an outfit you will want to take into consideration things like:
- Level of Refinement
- Principle of Volume
- Body Shape, Proportions and Variations that influence the items that look best on you.
- Colouring and Contrast
All the elements of the style puzzle are important when choosing the garments that live in your closet and you wear each day.
But you’ve got clothes you like and make you feel good, but sometimes in the morning when you’re pushed for time and you want to create something new from what you already own you get a little stuck as you’re not sure what to put together.
This is why looking through lots of outfits that I’ve worn recently I realised that I have a basic formula that works time and again.
Outfit Formula for Putting Together a Fabulous Outfit in Minutes
Your formula is as simple as this:
Basic + Interest + 3rd Piece/statement + Accessories
You can download a printable 1 page copy of this formula to follow
See the Outfit Formula in Action
White and Green
Basics: Jeans and knit tops in baby pink and emerald green
Interest: White jacket
Hero: Floral scarf
Accessories: Boots and ring
Burgundy and Navy
Basics: Navy denim skirt, navy tights, long sleeve top
Interest: Burgundy knit with frill detail at cuff and hem
3rd piece/hero: Scarf.
Accessories: Knee high boots,watch and earrings
Navy, Grey and Green
Basics: Jeans, long sleeve navy knit
Interest: Grey off the shoulder tunic
Hero: 2 Necklaces in green
Accessories: Knee high boots, bracelets, rings
Violet and Teal
Basics: Denim jeans, long sleeve teal knit
Interest: Teal patterned scarf
Hero: Violet waterfall cardigan
Accessories: Belt, Knee High Boots, Umbrella
Teal and Blue
Basic: Long sleeve teal knit tunic
Interest: Leather-look embellished leggings
Hero: Scarf
Accessories: Boots and rings
Blue, White and Grey
Basics: Blue top
Interest: Unusually constructed grey skirt
Hero: Blue and white topper
Accessories: blue shoes, necklace, belt, bracelets
Black and White
Basic: Black knit pants
Interest: Striped tee
Hero: Zebra kimono
Accessories: ballet flats and butterfly necklace, bracelets
Burgundy and Teal
Basic: Teal slip
Interest: Red bead necklace
Hero: Burgundy and teal kimono
Accessories: Sandals, bracelets, earrings
In Summer you may leave out either a basic or interest piece, particularly if you’re wearing a dress that may be a hero in itself.
If you’ve got a wardrobe full of clothes but aren’t sure how to wear them, then why not use this formula to create new outfits!
You can download a copy of this outfit formula – a simple one page printable to stick on the inside of your wardrobe door.
Why not download my free Weekly Outfit Planner so you can record all the great outfits you create – download it here.
If you’re not sure what really suits your body, you can take my body shape calculator quiz free, or if you’d like my professional opinion on your body shape, colouring and contrast and really discover everything that suits you so that you stop making mistakes when you shop, then consider doing my 7 Steps to Style program which includes this and so much more.
How to Add a Touch of Glamour to Your Everyday Casual Outfits
Linking Up to High Latitude Style, Foxy Domesticside, Currently Wearing, Not Dressed as Lamb, Style Nudge, Style with a Smile
Thanks for this really nifty post! It makes sense of the various items we find to cover ourselves!
Thanks Valentine.
You look great when your hair is wavy. I’m middle -aged but still have problems in creating outfits, so I like checking your website for inspiration.
Thanks – The hairdresser did my hair – unfortunately I’m no good at it! Creating outfits takes time to know what suits you and then to put elements together. There are so many posts here that can help (and if you need more inspiration my online programs offer lots of help and support from their amazing communities who offer lots of advice.)
Oh wow. Such a succinct piece on a subject I have struggled with. I have worked through all your other advice over the years but still didn’t look ‘finished’. I am going to add this to my style must dos. Thank you!
Thanks Trish – there is lots to consider (which is why you may struggle – and why it’s worth figuring out what are the important pieces of your own style puzzle). Hopefully this formula will help you in putting outfits together!
It’s often those finishing pieces – the bracelet, the earrings, the hero that make all the difference in how an outfit looks.
Love this article. I have already gone back to re-read it. Your blog had changed the way I think about dressing and this had done it again. I think I need a few more everyday heros.
The first two outfits are so amazing on you from a color standpoint – just perfect with the touch of the hotter pink and burgundy!
Don’t know if this link will work, but am wondering if this style of dress (knit, sleeveless fit-and-flare, which I have in aqua blue and in royal blue…) is “basic” or anything higher (i.e., interest). Am finally getting a chance to go through my wardrobe with an eye to the formula!
A simple fit and flare dress has some interest if it’s not in a neutral, but would still need an accessory such as a necklace or some bracelets to make it more fabulous. You can add a layer over if cold, but it’s not necessary.
Would you do a post using this outfit formula with warm weather outfits? I would love to see what you put together. I struggle with defining what is an interest piece and what is a hero with summer outfits- I am a petite 8 shape. Sometimes to or 3 coordinated interest pieces (I think you call them beauty bundles) feel like a hero or focal point, of my outfit. Thanks!
I just come across this blog post again after reading some time ago and again during EYS so want to express how incredibly formula helpful this formula is. What’s more it works for any occasion, work, leisure, evenings out and travel packing. It is becoming an automatic part of my dressing routine and has helped me realise which additional wardrobe basics I need. Thanks so much!