Years ago, finishing my outfits felt like an uphill battle. But now, I can quickly pull things together and head out the door with confidence. I want to share the steps that helped me simplify the process of outfit styling, so you can do the same! If you focus on these six areas, styling outfits will become a breeze. Let’s dive in.
1. Mastering Colour Pairing
One of the quickest ways to simplify outfit styling is by understanding colour. Knowing what colours work well together and your personal preferences will save time when you’re rushing to get dressed.
I rely on go-to colour combinations that I know work for me—this makes outfit decisions faster and more stress-free. If you haven’t explored colour pairing yet, start by experimenting with shades you love or studying a colour wheel for ideas. Build a mental (or physical) list of combinations that suit your wardrobe and your style.
You can watch my YouTube videos dedicated to colour here.
2. Developing Outfit Formulas
Much like the idea of colour combinations, having a few reliable outfit formulas in mind can transform how you approach styling. An outfit formula is essentially a pre-planned combination of clothing pieces that you know work well together.
Here are some ways to keep track of your formulas:
- Save outfit photos on your phone.
- Create a dedicated Pinterest board.
- Use wardrobe apps to digitize and organize your clothing.
- Print a graphic with your go-to looks and stick it inside your closet.
For those who love consistency, consider adopting a style uniform. A style uniform involves repeating similar silhouettes and combinations, which helps create a cohesive look. You’d be surprised at how liberating it feels to embrace a formula that feels authentic to you.
3. Curating a Versatile Shoe Collection
Shoes are one of the most powerful elements of any outfit. They can change the mood and overall vibe of your look in an instant. A sneaker creates a casual feel, a Mary Jane shoe adds feminine elegance, and heels elevate your outfit for dressier occasions.
To simplify styling, focus on building a shoe collection that balances style and comfort. Curate with intention: choose shoes that complement your wardrobe and offer versatility. With the right shoes, even a simple outfit can look polished and put-together.
4. Planning Ahead
Planning your outfit the night before can save you from morning stress. By deciding in advance, you give yourself time to thoughtfully put together a look, rather than scrambling last minute.
Want to take it a step further? Try creating a weekly capsule wardrobe. Select a few tops, bottoms, and shoes at the start of the week, and style all your outfits from that mini collection. This practice not only simplifies styling but also strengthens your ability to mix and match pieces.
5. Investing in Throw-On Accessories
Accessories are the finishing touches that make an outfit feel complete. Having a collection of easy-to-reach pieces—like classic neutral bags, versatile scarves, and timeless jewellery—can simplify your routine.
Opt for accessories that blend well with most outfits. Pieces like gold hoops, dainty necklaces, or neutral belts can elevate your look without overthinking. And if you prefer simplicity, consider keeping on a few staple jewellry pieces daily for a consistent, effortless touch.
6. Organizing Your Closet
No matter how many styling tips you follow, they won’t be helpful if your wardrobe is cluttered. An organized space makes it easier to see what you have and create outfits quickly.
Develop habits like decluttering regularly, grouping similar items together, and ensuring your wardrobe reflects your current style. By maintaining a tidy and organized closet, you’ll remove a major obstacle to effortless styling.
Final Thoughts
By focusing on these six areas—colour pairing, outfit formulas, shoes, planning, accessories, and closet organization—you’ll simplify the process of styling outfits and gain confidence in your wardrobe choices.
Start small by tackling one area at a time, and you’ll soon find that getting dressed becomes second nature.
What’s your favourite tip for simplifying styling? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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