My Go-To Outfit Formula

Spontaneity is one of my favorite things about fashion. I’ve never been the type of person to have a distinct style. I get bored easily, and, as a result, I constantly like to change things up. Some days I feel like sporting a bubblegum pink sweater and others I am totally into 90s grunge. There isn’t a rhyme or reason to how I like to dress, and I think that’s the beauty of it.

Although I don’t have a specific style and wouldn’t characterize my wardrobe using words like “laid-back,” “preppy” or “classic,” I do rely on a go-to outfit formula when I am in a rush and don’t have time to put together an intricate look. Simple and stylish, this formula never fails when I am trying to quickly pull something together. And best of all, it works no matter the occasion I am dressing for.

The formula is as follows:

Black & white + a pop of color

How this works is very simple: You create a predominantly black-and-white look, and then spruce it up with one colorful element. The color you select can be bright or subtle. As someone who typically prefers dark colors, I tend to go with maroon or olive green, as I did with my outfit here. I paired this black-and-white striped top with a denim skirt and neutral sneakers. Then, I tied a green flannel around my waist and added a couple of minimal accessories.

This fun, easy way to create outfits works so well because black and white likely make a up a great deal of your wardrobe. Almost everyone could shuffle through their clothes and find black jeans or a plain white t-shirt, which means you may have these fantastic outfits on hand without even realizing it. In addition, the combination of black and white is timeless. You can never go wrong with a look featuring those two colors.

What I love about this formula is that it seems styled despite requiring little to no effort on my part. Looking at this outfit, you would probably assume that I’d spent a decent amount of time planning it, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. After I decided to go with my formula, it took only a matter of seconds for me to create this. It’s such a convenient thing to utilize when I am in a bind. Plus, it’s always funny when I get compliments on something I am wearing knowing fully well I put the bare minimum into it.

I don’t think I’d wear half the outfits I do if it weren’t for this formula, and I am curious to see if anyone else has a similar strategy when it comes to their wardrobe. Is there a specific way you like to dress when you’re in a rut for time? What’s it like?

What’s your go-to outfit formula?