Easy Outfit Combinations I Always Wear
5 style recipes that never let me down.
After more than a decade of documenting my style evolution on the Internet, I’ve settled into a simple, casual aesthetic built around classic wardrobe staples I love. I’m happiest with an edited closet that’s thoughtfully stocked with neutral basics, a variety of shapes and colors of denim, structured outerwear, and quality accessories. I really jive with the idea of a daily uniform, and find that I wear a variation of 5 simple outfit combinations through the week.
There’s nothing revolutionary here, but I think these simple style combinations are worth sharing. Maybe you’re trying to figure out your own casual comfort zone, or you need a few style ‘recipes’ for the mornings you’re in a rush. (Any other non-morning people in the house?) These basic combos always work, and never fail to make me feel pulled together and polished with minimal thought/effort.
A note before we dive in: all of the images are from Mango, my favorite online destination for on-trend outfit inspiration. I don’t shop there often — although I do have a fantasy cart filled with stuff I want to buy — but I really like the way they style their pieces. I basically use the site like a giant Pinterest board for OOTD ideas.
(I may actually need these denim and vinyl sandals though.)
Okay, five easy outfit combinations… let’s get to it!
1. Double The Denim
I’m a long-time fan of the denim tuxedo. I have a collection of denim shirts and jackets that I like to mix and match with jeans, and you can catch me in this outfit combination at least once a week.
Friends and blog readers often tell me they don’t feel confident pulling off an all denim look. Here are three of my top tips for styling a double denim outfit:
Match the denim tones on top and bottom for a monochromatic look; avoid mixing super contrasting light and dark denim.
Play up print and color with accessories — like a statement bag or shoe — to keep things interesting.
Try pairing the look with a bold lip. When I do this, I like to keep the rest of my makeup really clean and minimal, and let a bright liquid lipstick or shiny red gloss be the statement.
2. Add A Blazer Layer
When I need to elevate to business casual for a special meeting or event, I throw a blazer over my usual jeans + tee/tank. I find that balancing proportions is the key to making a blazer outfit look modern and fresh. For instance: slim fit blazers (like Veronica Beard’s classic jacket) pair well with long slim jeans or flares; boxy boyfriend styles go well with classic skinnies, or high waist straight leg jeans that are slightly cropped at the ankle; and cropped blazers that hit around the waist balance well with wide-leg bottoms.
I recommend starting with at least 2 neutral blazers in different styles; preferably navy, black, or gray plaid or houndstooth. Then add a wildcard, like a cropped style in a fun pop of color. These will go a long way in your wardrobe remixing!
3. Monochromatic Moment
This is my go-to combination for spring and summer, but it works year-round. Whether it’s a coordinated set (like this linen top and pant) or basics in matching tones, I really love a monochromatic outfit. This is one of the benefits of a wardrobe filled with neutrals: you have endless possibilities for tone-on-tone looks.
4. All Black Everything
The older I get, the more I understand the appeal of a closet filled with black, black, black. A head-to-toe black outfit is slimming, chic and so effortless. My weekday iterations usually include a base of charcoal wash denim — it fades less noticeably and looks better for longer than true black — and casual black ponte knit pants or high waist leggings.
5. The Classic
You can’t go wrong with a crisp button-down and jeans; it’s a timeless combination for a reason. I prefer a little room and drape in my shirts, so I always size up for a relaxed boyfriend fit. If it’s in your budget, have your shirts dry cleaned for that satisfying starched & pressed finished. It will help your shirts last longer vs. machine washing and you’ll feel instantly fancier when you put them on.
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For more everyday style inspiration, check out my ‘Casual’ Pinterest board that’s filled with over 1500 outfit ideas! And to shop the images from this note, click here.
