If the interchangeable weather hadn't already made this month incredibly difficult to dress for, taking stock of the pieces in my wardrobe revealed a terrible secret. I am habitual buyer of the same few pieces. Should you take a look through my closet and expect to find a whole host of colours, textures, and prints, I hate to disappoint, but this creature of habit has got capsule dressing down to a (white) T. Alongside stacks of jeans in different washes are tank tops for summer, simple knits for autumn, and the jersey dresses and waistcoats that I wear all year round, and while this selection serves me well, it can feel a little bit samey.
Whenever I get bored and incorrectly announce that I have "nothing" to wear, I take a look through my saved folder for inspiration. There's influencer outfits, pieces on my wishlist, celebrity street style pics and recommendations from my fellow editors, but if there is one thing that everything in my fashion treasure trove has in common, it's simplicity.
It's true—some of the easiest outfits really are the very best. Breakdown the components of a chic look and i'm confident you'll find an assembly of basics that on their own might not feel very inspiring, but layer them up together et voila, a look worth showcasing. Add a blazer to the same t-shirt and leggings you wear around the house and you've got "quiet luxury". Trade your casual jeans for a cute skirt a la Anouk (pictured above) and a black vest suddenly makes it into date night territory.
Not convinced? Keep scrolling. I've picked out some easy basics that everyone has in their closet to put together 7 cute yet simple outfits that are low maintenance but high impact to help you banish wardrobe boredom. You can always thank me later.
LEATHER JACKET + TANK TOP + JEANS + MULES
Style Notes: There's a reason that the A-list always come back to the same off-duty uniform. The leather jacket and jeans are a timeless combination that brings edge to even the most casual basics—just add sleek accessories to elevate the final look.
It's on the pricier side, but trust me, a real leather jacket is a lifetime investment.
A thick, quality jersey that won't lose it's shape.
Loose in the leg, and high around the waist.
If only all shoes were fuss-free slip on mules.
No one will believe that this isn't designer.
MINI DRESS + JUMPER + MARY JANE BALLET SHOES
Style Notes: There's something retro about pairing a mini hemline and a ballet flat, but we've never gone wrong taking tips from across the channel, and this is the pinnacle of chic French styling.
The perfect cosy knit to shoulder-robe when its balmy, and pull on when it's really cold.
You just can't beat the classic LBD for major style points.
Aren't these just the cutest?
You're going to want to top off your look with some seriously chic accessories, and these tick every box.
A masterclass in quiet luxury.
KNIT CO-ORD + KNEE-HIGH BOOTS
Style Notes: Want to get ready in 5 minutes but look like it took an hour? You're going to need a good co-ord. This matchy-matchy instant outfit always looks expensive, but especially when paired with a glossy boot for autumn.
Believe me, once everyone else finds out about this co-ord, it's going to sell out fast.
Such a sweet shade of baby pink.
Yay! The bestselling boot is now available in more colours.
The perfect finishing touch to any well-planned outfit.
OVERSIZED KNIT + LEGGINGS + KNEE-HIGH FLAT BOOTS
Style Notes: Everyone has a pair of leggings reserved for loungewear, but fashion people are styling up simple black leggings with everything from structured blazers to slingback heels. Expect to see much more of this staple basic, as they can create office-appropriate looks, evening outfits and plenty of casual everyday ensembles.
The fit is already relaxed, so go up one size for a really slouchy look.
lululemon leggings are the stuff of legend.
Wear with mini skirts, mini dresses, skinny jeans, midi skirts...
A deceptively roomy tote big enough for all of your essentials.
SLIP DRESS + CARDIGAN + TRAINERS + CROSSBODY BAG
Style Notes: The easiest way to transition your summer dress into autumn is by adding a chunky knit, and throw a pair of trainers into the mix and you've got an outfit that is as cute as it is comfortable. Win, win.
Yes, it's that Katie Holmes cardigan in a new colourwy.
Simple, sophisticated, stunning.
While everyone debates between Adidas or New Balance, we're going with the fashion favourite, Loewe.
This bag is so famous it deserves its own Instagram account.
At this price, I'd be tempted to get matching earrings too.
WHITE SHIRT + WIDE-LEG TROUSERS
Style Notes: Last but by no means least, the white shirt—one of the few pieces in your wardrobe you can style for any occasion and wear all year round. Nothing works better with this staple than classic tailoring, and a wide-leg trouser and flat shoe look even better with a statement red lip.
Not sold on white? There's also cocoa brown, bright red, beige and pinstripe blue.
A Who What Wear editor favourite.
Loewe never misses when it comes to covetable bags.
I can't think of an outfit that won't look ten times better with these.
If you're searching for "the one" look no further than Merit for a universally flattering shade of red.
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