I get it. We’ve all been there. 

Not knowing what to wear while simultaneously racking your closet full of clothes– clothes you may or may not have worn in a while–is quite possibly the most universal experience in all humanity. Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration but this phenomenon is so common that a quick Google search will lead you to plenty of blogs, Pinterest boards, and Youtube videos that teach you ways to style outfits easily.

As a laid-back and quick (read: running out the door with few minutes left to spare) dresser like myself, I’d like to think that I somehow have figured out ways to look stylish without trying too hard. Read along and you might just learn a thing or two on how to get dressed when you don’t know what to wear. 

Make a statement  

Truthfully, the key to elevating an outfit is the addition of one statement piece. This can come in different forms like jewelry, hair accessories, shoes, and outerwear. My personal favourite is wearing a cool, funky coat on top of a basic tee and jeans outfit. This outfit formula is not only easy to create, but it is also helpful once winter comes. When looking for a statement coat or jacket, go for something comfortable yet dramatic. Puffer jackets are great because it’s warm and you can get it in a bright colour to deflect the winter gloom. Floor-length trench coats are uber dramatic; you need nothing else but a cool breeze. A leather jacket is cool enough on its own but opt for something with an interesting silhouette, trimmings, or hardware (plus points if you can get one in a bold colour). 

Two-Piece Outfits and/or Monochromatic

If you don’t know what to wear but you still want to look put together, put on a monochromatic outfit. All colours are welcome of course, but a simple all-black or white outfit is uncomplicated yet effective. To further simplify this practice, I suggest investing in two-piece outfits. Buying coordinated tops and bottoms will relieve you from future outfit dilemmas. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll even thank your past self. 

Accessorize! Accessorize! Accessorize!

I typed that three times for emphasis because it’s true. Make the accessories be the focal point of your outfit. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing the most boring outfit, if you add a cute purse or a loud necklace it will do just fine. Better, even. You can stack jewelry too for an amplified effect because why not? Learn the art of accessorizing and those things will do the heavy lifting for you in no time. 

If all else fails, just succumb to the idea of a basic outfit. There’s no shame in the t-shirt and jeans game. Sometimes we just have to go with it, and that’s totally okay. 

Published by HOLR Magazine.