9 Easy Outfit Formulas With Items You Probably Already Own!

So these days we are all very interested in how to recession-proof our lives, and our closet is honestly a great place to start! As a fashion blogger who predominantly shares outfit ideas, this is my time to shine! The answer to this problem? Outfit formulas!

So today I am sharing 9 different outfit formulas using items that most people already have in their closet!

What is an outfit formula exactly?

So glad you asked! Outfit formulas are easy go-to ways to style your clothes together that look chic, and make getting dressed a whole lot easier! We’re moving past the basic “cute top and a pair of jeans” type of outfit formula, and into layered looks and cute combinations that you might not think of, but totally work.

Most of these you can easily recreate with items you already have in your closet! Making it a sustainable and affordable option.

It’s really just an easy framework for shopping your closet in order to choose an outfit. I’ll be sharing examples but also tips on how to make it work with your own pieces in your wardrobe.

9 Easy and Stylish Outfit Formulas

These outfit formulas are great go-to’s that are timeless and stylish. They’re easy to copy, and give off effortless style vibes. And you can very easily make these your own with whatever is in your closet (but if you love anything featured below the posts are shoppable when you click the image!)

Laidback and Sophisticated: Simple Tee and Trousers with Sweater Layered Over Shoulders

It’s giving old money in the best way! Trousers and a simple tee are a classic look on their own, but when you throw a sweater over your shoulders and a cute pair of shoes and accessories, it really pulls it all together to make it feel more intentional and classy.

The easiest swaps here are the bottoms and the shoes. You can dress this up more or keep it casual. Swap in a tank and shorts with the sweater for warmer weather. The options are endless!

Cozy Cuteness: Oversized Cardigan and Mini Skort with Denim Jacket

I love the layering happening here and how comfortable but chic this entire look is. A mini skort or skirt is something I love dressing down to make wearable for everyday, and pairing it with an oversized cardigan or sweater with the denim jacket makes it feel casual and cool.

The woven sandals here make it feel spring-y but you could swap them out for sandals, sneakers, boots, loafers- really any shoe could go depending on the vibe and time of year.

Feminine But Practical: A Simple Maxi Dress with Sneakers

An easy to copy go-to that is so perfect for warmer weather. Almost everyone has a simple maxi dress and a pair of sneakers in their closet. I love the colorful sneaker trend happening this year, so I styled this simple dress up with a fun blue pair for a pop of color.

Weekend Chic: Oversized Sweatshirt Layered Over A Button Down and Jeans

Another one with layers that just exude coolness. Taking an oversized sweatshirt (or sweater) and layering it over a button down and jeans or trousers is such classy look that you can easily tweak to be perfect for anything from brunch with friends to a day at the office.

Cool Girl Vibes: Denim Shirt Layered Over A Baby Tee and Midi Skirt

So easy, flattering and fun! Taking a denim shirt (or button down or any oversized layer of your choice) and layering it over a baby tee and midi skirt is a youthful but stylish look. Definitely give it a try if you need an easy outfit idea!

Cold Weather Chic: A Leather Jacket Layered Over a Turtleneck Sweater, Mini Skirt and Boots

For colder weather, if you want an outfit idea that isn’t just a sweater and jeans -then this look is fun feminine outfit that will get tons of compliments. It’s edgy, it’s flirty, but still cozy somehow!

The Classic Girl: Button Down Shirt and Jeans

Of course this outfit formula is a classic on it’s own, but this is one where you can really transform it based on how you accessorize and style it. Tucking the shirt and adding a belt and heels gives a way different vibe than leaving it untucked with flats and a fun hair scarf.

Trendy and Layered: Blazer Over a Tee Shirt and Shorts

A blazer is such a great closet staple because you can really layer it over so many things, but here we keep it simple with a tee and denim shorts. This is also an easy one to swap out the bottoms to be literally anything and it will almost always look cute!

Edgy But Classy: Oversized Graphic Tee and Jeans With Heels

Long live the oversized graphic tee! I love this outfit formula because it’s unexpected. Pairing the very casual tee with jeans and heels makes it so chic but also edgy at the same time. It’s such an easy formula that you can really wear year round!

Whether you’re trying to live more sustainably, save some money, or just simplify your outfit choices, these outfit formulas should help inspire you to come up with some great outfits on your own!

My biggest tip for using these in your own life are to not be afraid to experiment by swapping some of the pieces out with what you own and love. And definitely never be afraid to accessorize and make it your own!

Loved these outfit formulas and want to save them to reference for later? Be sure to save one of the images below on Pinterest!