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

Have you ever stood in front of your closet in the morning and failed to find a single thing you want to wear? As a mom 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 effortless 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-downs, and blazers along with trendy shoe styles and accessories that have a refined vibe. Keep scrolling to check out six 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.
1. Black Maxi Dress + Sweater
Shop the Look
2. White Tee + Statement Belt + Jeans
Shop the Look
3. Blazer + Jeans + Sleek Shoes
Shop the Look
4. Oversize Top + Slip Skirt
Shop the Look
5. Button-Down + Jeans + Trendy Shoes
Shop the Look
6. Trench Coat + Sweater + Pants
Shop the Look

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.
-
Everyone With Good Taste Is Already Wearing These 7 Chic Summer Pieces
These instantly elevate any look.
-
Red Who? Sorry, But Cool Fashion People Are Only Interested in Wearing Jeans With *This* Sneaker Color
It's the new red (and yellow, green, and silver).
-
Is It Just Me, or Is Everyone With Cool Style Suddenly Wearing This One Specific Rich-Looking Outfit?
It's taking over with a quiet kind of authority.
-
Lily James Wore the Handbag Brand That's Secretly Giving The Row a Run for Its Money
In-the-know fashion people are obsessed.
-
Put Down the Sneakers—*These* Are the Flats Everyone Everywhere Will Be Wearing With Dresses This Summer
Trust us.
-
Adam Sandler–Coded Outfits Are Still Going Strong—5 Ways to Style Baggy Shorts This Summer
Fashion icon first. Comedian second.
-
The 30 Items That Will Define Style in Summer 2025
Gotta catch 'em all.
-
I Found It: The Only Denim Trend That Makes Flip-Flops Look Sophisticated Instead of Cheap
In Kendall Jenner we trust.