Do you feel like you have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear? You will love this post then. Maybe you don’t feel like you have anything spicy or trendy, but I bet you have the makings of a basic outfit.
Today I am going to share my formula for taking a basic outfit and making it better – without adding layers!
A Better Basic Outfit Formula
1/ Pay attention to proportions.
Have you heard of the Golden Ratio? Generally, it is a 1:3 or 2:3 ratio and is considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing composition to look at. We see it everywhere from nature to art to architecture. It also is a great rule to apply to outfits.
Tying a shirt or tucking it in isn’t just a cute styling tip, it also helps make the outfit closer to that 1:3 ratio instead of the more boring 1:1 ratio. Another trick to try is a small fold to your pants or jeans. Sometimes I do both!
2/ Add simple everyday jewelry to your basic outfit.
I love to add a simple bracelet stack, minimalist earrings, and one or two necklaces. Occasionally rings too. You don’t have to do all of that if it’s not your style.
The point is, that adding some jewelry – even just a few simple pieces – makes your entire outfit seem more purposeful.
3/ Pay attention to your shoes.
True story: A few years ago when we were in Italy, I asked a friend there how she could so easily pick out the American’s. “It’s easy” she said. “The Americans have a great outfit and awful shoes.” We were headed to the beach and I looked down at my flip flops and compared them to her simple but chic slides. Hahaha I died laughing.
I still think of that now when I put together my outfits. The shoes can be simple, but make sure they complete the outfit. They can be the finishing touch or the total focal point of your outfit. But either way, they matter!
4/ Have a few easy go-to hairstyles.
Hair matters. It doesn’t matter how great your outfit is, you can totally undo it with a bad hair day. Unfortunately, those are inevitable!
Have 2 or 3 super simple, under 5-minute hairstyles you can easily do. My current 3 are a low bun, claw clip, and simple one-sided braid. You can make yours a sleek ponytail or just have a hat you throw on.
Just taking these few minutes can complete your outfit and make your look very intentional!
Not So Boring Basic Outfit Ideas
This is the “boring” basic outfit we are starting with >>>
striped button front t-shirt (runs tts, wearing small for a looser fit to be able to tie it up!)
linen pants (runs big, wearing xs and they fit loose)
OUTFIT IDEA 1
hat / bag / sandals (also here; whole sizes only. I’m between 8 & 8.5, wearing size 8 in color Taupe and fit is perfect.)
While the bag is more structured and can even be used for dressier outfits, pairing it with this straw hat and leather sandals makes it more of an everyday look.
This vibe feels very chic to me and looks like something I would see in an Anthropologie catalog but without the price tag. I would wear an outfit like this for outdoor shopping, walking around a city, going to brunch or lunch (especially outside), or sightseeing on vacation.
OUTFIT IDEA 2
bag is old (linking similar here) / shoes (run tts)
This look has such an “effortless cool-girl” vibe and I love it! It’s super simple and attainable. This is the kind of fit that is perfect for an everyday look.
Here’s why it works: hair is pulled together, slides are interesting but simple, and the bag pops because of the size and color, while still being neutral. To make it more dressy – say for a happy hour – I would trade the slides for heels or wedges and the large bag for a small crossbody or clutch.
OUTFIT IDEA 3
baseball cap old (similar one linked here) / bag (similar one linked here) / sandals
This outfit is perfect for the mom-on-the-go, watching a game, or just a bad hair day!
While I LOVE a neutral hat, I wanted to show how an outfit like this also works with a brighter color too! Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with your caps.
The two other elements that make this outfit are the leather backpack and the puffy white sandals. The sandals are casual and neutral while still being a fun pop to the outfit. And I love this leather backpack so much! It’s perfect for throwing all the kiddo snacks in and even a diaper changing set, while still looking super chic.
So to recap –
It’s not always the clothing items that make an outfit interesting, it’s often the details in the rest of the look. Hair, shoes, and accessories all matter!
Today I styled a pair of linen pants and a basic striped slub tee shirt that, to be honest, you may not have given a second glance on the shelf! These simple styling tips would also work for jeans and tee-shirt outfit or even a plain dress.
If you found this helpful, please share it! And make sure to come back for more style tips.
Thanks for visiting today, it means a whole lot to me!!
x, rae
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