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

Collage of women wearing easy and effortless outfits.

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

Alexis Foreman wearing a black maxi dress with a tan sweater tied over her shoulders.

(Image credit: @alexisforeman)

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2. White Tee + Statement Belt + Jeans

Marina Torres wearing a white tee, dark-wash jeans, and a gray sweater draped over her shoulders.

(Image credit: @marina_torres)

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3. Blazer + Jeans + Sleek Shoes

Sylvie Mus wearing a cinch-waist blazer, blue jeans, and pointed-toe slingbacks.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

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4. Oversize Top + Slip Skirt

Anouk Yve wearing an oversize black sweater and a long white slip skirt.

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

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5. Button-Down + Jeans + Trendy Shoes

Christie Tyler wearing a blue button-down, jeans, and Mary Janes.

(Image credit: @christietyler)

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6. Trench Coat + Sweater + Pants

Jordan Risa Santos wearing a tan trench coat over a gray v-neck sweater, a white tee, and black trousers.

(Image credit: @jordanrisa)

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Jennifer Camp Forbes
Senior Shopping Editor

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.