This post is all about how to put outfits together for every occasion in your life!
Putting outfits together for every occasion can sometimes feel overwhelming, specially when you have a closet full of clothes and feel like you don’t have “anything to wear.” The key to creating any outfit is understanding the basics of styling, identifying your personal aesthetic, and considering the occasion. Whether you are heading to the office, a casual plan, a formal event, or even a vacation, this guide will provide you the tips you’ll need to master the art to put outfits together on your own.
Outfits 101: The Basics and Foundations of Any Outfit
Having in your closet what is known as “wardrobe basics” is necessary and will make your life easier. You don’t have to spend much on these pieces anddd you will most likely own a couple of the pieces already. In case you don’t here are a couple of examples that you should try to get:
- A white button-up shirt (H&M has a million options, I tend to go for an oversized fit)
- Bodysuits (I swearrrr by this one, I have it long sleeve and short)
- Neutral colored T-shirts (UNIQLO basic tees are cheap and wayyy to good, I’ve been buying them for years now try to get at least a black & white one)
- Blazers (They will probably be an investment so try to buy them during Zara’s sale)
- Straight-leg jeans
- Trousers (Abercrombie has my favorites I usually buy them during their sales)
- Black dress
- Comfortable sneakers
- Heels (either black or nude and onlyyy if you like to wear them)
- Mules or loafers (Steve Madden has good cheap options as well as Zara)
Once you have these staples, you can mix and match them together and create endless outfits for different occasions, see below for some examples or inspo!
Power of Layering
I want you to think about all those chic fashion bloggers that you always see in Instagram or Pinterest that always look put together. Ok now that you have a picture of them, I’m gonna ask you, have you ver noticed that they somehow ALWAYS figure out a way to add layers to their outfits?
Yes, layering not only will add depth to your outfits but it will also help you adapt it to various settings and temperatures. For example:
- Office Formal Attire: If you work in the banking industry trousers, blazers, pumps & mules will be your best go to option here. Any other industry may get away with more casual outfits.
- Evening Glams: Hear me out, you DO NOT need to spend a lot of money to look good in an outfit. Again, layers can be your best friends so take advantage of them to elevate any outfit you wear. A simple black t-shirt, a black skirt, black heels or flats, add a leather jacket and your outfit will be ready for a night out with your friends.
Layering will also work with accessories such as jewelry, scarves, belts, you can reflect your personality with things like this so don’t forget to include them!!
Consider the Occasion When Picking an Outfit
When putting an outfit together it’s crucial to keep the occasion in mind. There’s is an essence for each scenario:
- Everyday Casual: Comfort is key here!! Jean, sneakers, simple tee, and a cardigan will never go wrong. During summer you can opt for a maxi dress with sandals or flats.
- Business Casual: Dressing for work doesn’t have to be boring. Since you will be wearing this outfit for a good amount of hours we should keep in mind comfortable clothing as well. Button white t-shirt tucked, pair of good trousers, belt, and finished it by adding mules or low heels.
- Active Days: Running errands or light activities, comfort will be your number one priority. Leggings with a hoodie and sneakers, or if you want to look a little more put together a matching set with a jacket will do it’s own work too.
Colors and Patterns
This can be a little scaring if you are not used to colors & patterns but consider introducing them slowly, take your time, no rush! PRO TIP: you can use the color wheel to guide yourself, pair complementary colors (e.g, blue and orange or green and violet).
Final Touch: Accessories!!
Accessories can completely elevate an outfit when you use them correctly just remember the following:
- Belts: can define your waist and will add structure.
- Jewelry: can add elegance when you use subtle pieces like tennis bracelets, small hoops, and delicate necklaces. On the other hand, for a more casual effortless look a pair of chunky hoops and a bold necklace will completely change your outfit. Jewelry usually goes in hand with your personality :).
- Bags: functional and stylish!! Pick accordingly to the occasion (e.g., a clutch for formal events or a tote bag for casual days).
- Shoes: if you are looking a sporty vibe, sneakers will be your answer, consider heels when trying to aim a sophisticated outfit, and flats when you want to look put together but comfy.
