How to Use Outfit Formulas to Get Dressed Faster
⏰ Time to read: 8 minutes
Your coffee’s gone cold. Your hair is still damp. You’ve already heard “mom” shouted ten times before 8 a.m. You really needed to be out the door five minutes ago…
Aaaand you still have no clue what to wear.
In moments like this, the last thing you need is a fashion crisis on top of all of it. But what you could use? A shortcut.
Enter: outfit formulas.
They’re my not-so-secret weapon for getting dressed faster, looking effortlessly stylish, and finally making the most of the clothes you already own.
Because let’s be honest — most of us aren’t overwhelmed by too few clothes. We’re overwhelmed by too many decisions in a day…and when it comes to what we’re wearing, sometimes we just need a simple, reliable framework to fall back on.
Wait, What Are Outfit Formulas?
Outfit formulas are like recipes for getting dressed. The same way you might rely on a go-to dinner combo like “grain + veggies + protein,” an outfit formula gives you an easy structure to plug your clothes into, without trying to reinvent the wheel every morning!
Here are a few examples of base outfit formulas:
Slim pants + elevated tee + cropped jacket + sneakers
Midi dress + belt + sandals + tote
Miniskirt + lightweight sweater + playful flats
From there, it’s all about switching up the colors, textures, and/or accessories while keeping that base structure the same.
With a few solid outfit formulas in your back pocket, you’ll have a mix-and-matchable blueprint that works even on your busiest, zero-sleep, everything-is-chaos kind of days.
Why Outfit Formulas Work
Capsule wardrobes are often what people turn to when they want a simpler, more streamlined closet. And while capsule wardrobes do have their time and place, outfit formulas are really the bedrock.
Without some idea of how to put outfits together, even the most minimal wardrobe can feel like a jumbled puzzle!
Think of it like this: if you’re given the highest quality and widest variety of art supplies, but a blank page, you’re still going to have a harder time starting than if you’re given a box of crayons and a coloring book.
For most people, starting from a blank slate is much more challenging than having a little guidance to start from.
And outfit formulas take the guesswork out of what goes with what. Instead of asking yourself “What should I wear?” – you’re asking “Which version of this formula do I want to wear today?”
Here’s how outfit formulas can help you:
Get dressed faster: You know exactly what combo is needed – you just need to grab the pieces that put it all together. In other words…less time standing half-naked in front of your closet.😅
Feel more confident: You already know this combo works for you, so why mess with something good? Own it and make it your signature look.
Mix and match clothes more easily: Every item has a role to play and you know exactly where and how to slot items in. This also means fewer clothes-tornadoes to put away after a “WHAT SHOULD I WEAR!?” frenzy. (Oh yeah, I see you.)
Identify wardrobe gaps: When you need to get creative with shaking up your go-to outfit formula, you’ll quickly figure out what’s missing in your closet (or what you have too much of…looking at all FIVE of you, white t-shirts 👀).
Simplify shopping: If you generally know that you always wear high-waisted pants or a-line skirts in your core outfit formulas, then shopping for new pieces will feel easier – and you’ll be less tempted by that pretty but unrealistic item you probably won’t wear.
Eliminate decision fatigue: You’ve already got a million things to worry about – don’t make your wardrobe one of them! Fashion should be fun, but never stressful. Outfit formulas are like meal prepping: decide on a few reliable combos, and then use what you own to build variations of that week after week. Done and DONE.
How to Create Your Own Outfit Formulas
Now that you know what outfit formulas are, let’s get to the fun part…finding some formulas that work for YOU!:
1. Start with What You already Wear on Repeat
Chances are, you already have a few outfit formulas you love — you just haven’t named them yet!
Start by looking through your camera roll, revisit your Instagram posts, or think back to your last “I actually feel cute” day. What pieces were you always wearing? What outfit combos did you keep coming back to? Look for the repeating patterns hiding in plain sight.
For example:
Do you always wear wide-leg pants with a tucked-in top?
Do you love long cardigans layered over tanks and slim jeans?
Are you the queen of a fun graphic tee or statement earrings?
Now, based on what you find, start piecing together the “ingredients” that show up again and again. These are the building blocks of your personal outfit formulas.
Some people treat shoes or accessories as part of the formula; others see them as the cherry on top. Either way, decide what you want included in your “base” outfit (you can always mix and match in other variations):
Bottoms: skirts, pants, jeans, shorts, etc.
One and done pieces: dresses, jumpsuits, overalls, rompers
Tops: T-shirts, button-ups, blouses, tank tops, etc.
Layers: Jacket, blazer, cardigan, vest, etc.
Accessories: Belt, bag style, certain shoe type, signature jewelry, etc.
Write down 2–3 of your go-to “base combos” and – boom – that’s your starting point!
2. Think in Silhouettes + Functionality, not Just Pieces
Now that you’ve got a few basic combinations in mind, it’s time to refine them based on your body and lifestyle.
You don’t just need pieces that can make a complete outfit – you need the right ones. Outfit formulas should do two things:
#1 → Flatter your body with your favorite silhouettes
#2 → Function for your actual lifestyle
Ask yourself:
What silhouettes do I feel most confident in?
What styles or characteristics make sense for how I actually spend my days?
Which pieces make me feel polished and comfortable?
Then go back to your base formulas, and level them up with some specificity. For instance:
If you’re a toddler mom on the go, don’t settle for “leggings + t-shirt.” Try elevating it to something like → “Joggers + cropped tank + denim jacket + low-top sneakers.”
If you’re a petite professional, try refining “pants + blouse + heels” into → “Ankle trousers + knit top + blazer + block heels.”
Keep comfort, proportions, and movement in mind. The more your outfit formulas align with your day-to-day, the more likely you are to actually wear them on repeat!
3. Align with Your Personal Style
This step is where your outfit formulas get personal!
Two people could follow the same general formula, yet look completely different. It’s all about how YOU interpret it and put your own signature spin on it.
For example, let’s say the formula is:
“High-waist jeans + tee + third layer + statement shoe”
A minimalist might choose → a plain white tee, sleek leather jacket, and burgundy loafers.
A boho style lover might go for → a printed tee, fringe cardigan, and embroidered mules.
Someone with “soft autumn” coloring might wear → items in warm, muted tones and soft fabrics.
A bold dresser might → add bright colors, colorblocked contrast, or statement accessories.
As you can see, there’s no one right way! Outfit formulas help you create consistency, without feeling repetitive. Get creative and show a little personality through yours!
4. Use Outfit Formulas as a Tool, Not a Rule
Whatever you do, don’t box yourself in by sticking to your outfit formulas too strictly!
The whole point of them is to make your day (and style) easier and more streamlined. They’re the easy go-to, when you just can’t anymore.
Ideally, outfit formulas help you get more creative – because it challenges you to mix and match what you already have in new ways. But, if you’re feeling bored or boxed in, then set the outfit formula aside and wear whatever is calling to you!
I believe outfit formulas are one of the most practical tools for learning how to put outfits together and creating a cohesive wardrobe. Let’s recap:
Think of them as plug-and-play templates for getting dressed
Build your formulas around the way you live and want to feel
Use them to mix and match clothes, fill wardrobe gaps, and shop more intentionally.
Your turn: Try building one or two outfit formulas and test them out this week. You might be surprised how quickly they put your closet to work for you!
Real-Life Outfit Formulas to Steal
Need a jumpstart? Here are a few formulas to try
For work:
Tapered pants + knit top + cropped blazer + loafers
Knit midi dress + belt + block heels
For errands or mom duty:
Relaxed jeans + tucked tee + jacket + sneakers
Stretchy dress + denim jacket + tote bag (to carry ALL the things)
For a night out:
Slip skirt + camisole + leather jacket + low heels
Tailored jumpsuit + statement earrings + clutch
Want more outfit formula ideas for moms, work, travel, or something else? My email list subscribers are getting a big list this week! Don’t miss out on future VIP content like this – sign up for my email list and get weekly style advice straight to your inbox!
FAQs About Outfit Formulas
What is an outfit formula?
An outfit formula is a repeatable outfit blueprint made up of specific types of clothing pieces (like “jeans + tee + jacket + flats”) that helps you get dressed quickly while still looking put-together.
How do I find my outfit formula?
Start by noticing what you already wear and feel great in. Identify repeating elements and silhouettes. Then build a few based on your lifestyle - like office days, weekends, workouts, and social events. Stick with silhouettes that flatter and pieces that fit your style vibe.
Can I use outfit formulas with the clothes I already have?
Yes! That’s the whole point. Outfit formulas help you mix and match clothes you already have so your wardrobe works harder (and smarter).
I want to dress simple but stylish, will this help?
Outfit formulas are perfect for you. They create structure so your simple pieces still look intentional. Add in great fit, one standout accessory, and boom—effortless style.
What’s the difference between an outfit formula and a capsule wardrobe?
Not quite. A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of pieces. An outfit formula are how you style those pieces. Outfit formulas are the building blocks that make a capsule wardrobe functional. Power couple!
How do you mix and match clothes without buying new ones?
When you think in terms of silhouettes and structure (not just individual items), you’ll find way more outfit options hiding in plain sight. Pull a few pieces you love and wear often, and then try pairing them in new ways using outfit formulas.
What are examples of capsule wardrobe outfit formulas?
Capsule wardrobes succeed by relying on versatile pieces. Outfit formulas help you actually use those pieces. Here are a few capsule wardrobe-friendly outfit formulas to try:
Straight-leg jeans + neutral tee + jacket (errands)
Tailored trousers + tank top + cardigan + loafers (office or meetings)
Midi dress + belt + denim jacket + sandals” (weekend plans)
Fitted tee + wide-leg pants + belt + sneakers (elevated casual)
How do I make an outfit with basic pieces?
Pair a killer outfit formula with one interesting element: Start with a simple combo like “t-shirt + jeans + sneakers” → then add a “third piece” or pop of interest to make it feel intentional. Try a cropped jacket, bold belt, layered necklaces, or a fun bag. The key is balancing simplicity with style. When your basics fit well and align with your signature style, even a minimal outfit will look chic and pulled together.
Custom outfit formulas are just one of the many luxuries you get when you book the Signature Style Discovery Package. I’ll work 1:1 with you (virtually and on your schedule!) to finally define that signature style you’ve been longing for. Let’s do it →
