We all have those mornings where we wake up and it’s already not the kind of day we are wanting or anticipating. Maybe it’s raining, or you’ve run out of coffee or you missed your alarm and you’re already running late. Now all you feel like is wearing something comfortable and cozy like your sweat pants and a baggy shirt while doom scrolling from bed, but you still have to go out and you’re not sure you have the energy to style yourself the way you normally do. What you want is ease and comfort with a side serving of confidence.
When I have days that I lack motivation, time or energy I revert to outfit formulas that I know work, are comfortable and suit my average kind of day. It’s low effort but still with the same result of feeling put together and confident.
Outfit formulas that I rely on regularly are:
•Denim jeans paired with a patterned or colourful button up blouse
• Comfy elastic waist shorts with a simple graphic tee-shirt either tucked in or cropped/ folded
• A simple silhouette chic dress with sandals
If this sounds hard, think about what pieces you reach for most frequently in your wardrobe, your staple items that are on high rotation - these will form the basis for your formulas. And consider what are the activities you do the most because this will also impact what outfits you’ll wear often.
For example, maybe you work in an office or school and wear a lot of pencil skirts and loose blouses layered over singlets, or maybe you gravitate towards maxi dresses with lots of floral prints.
If your days are more active and you have a full schedule that starts with a morning run or yoga then maybe your staples are more like running shorts and cropped tee shirts or wide leg yoga pants with singlets and heavy cardigans.
Once you have these formulas worked out it’s easy to play with them by changing up one item either with colour, style or fit. You can also elevate your outfits with simple accessories such as belts, bangles, statement earrings, cute bags or with extra layers or even just the shoes you pair them with.
The way I usually pick accessories is by colour matching to my outfit. I look at all the colours in my outfit and pick one or two I’d like to highlight or emphasise and then I select from my accessories what will work. If you don’t have colourful accessories you can also pick a neutral tone or opt for gold or silver, this works equally as well. Monochromatic looks are an excellent way to look put together with low effort.
Other simple tips to elevate a basic outfit include adding a third piece to your outfit by layering a jacket, jumper or blazer over your blouse, dress or tee. I love pairing a denim jacket over a simple dress to make my outfit more complete.
Simply rolling up long sleeves on a button up shirt can give it a completely different look and give the impression of taking more effort to put together your outfit, so long as they are rolled neatly and not scrunched up.
And of course the simple act of doing something with your hair and adding a little make up if you desire can elevate your outfit and make it look more cohesive.
By simply taking a little time to know your own favourite outfits and colours, and then adding one or two accessories and a little styling you’ve easily lifted not only your outfit but also your mood. You’ll set out into your day a little more confident and a little more happy, and that will make your entire day all the more better.
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