Getting dressed should feel easy — even on the days you’re working from home, running errands, or just trying to feel like a person. The best outfits aren’t just stylish; they’re practical, comfortable, and repeatable. They work with your life, not just your saved folder.
You know how I feel about outfit formulas — it’s something I live by. One of my favourite things to do as a stylist is helping clients find their own, because having a few go-to combinations cuts down the stress (and the decision fatigue).
But before you build your formulas, you need to understand your lifestyle and your go-to pieces. For me, that includes satin trousers — or a satin skirt in warmer months. But maybe you live in cotton trousers, or jeans. That’s the point: outfit formulas only work when they actually work for you.
Here are six outfit formulas I’ve been wearing (and recommending) lately — ideal for working from home in this horrible weather, but easy to take out into the wild with a few small tweaks.
You might already have similar pieces in your wardrobe, but if not, I’ve added a few shopping links to help you recreate them. Here is the full edit.
👉 At the end of this post, you’ll also find a short exercise to help you identify your own outfit formulas — available for paid subscribers. It’s a simple way to make your wardrobe work with you, not against you.
Outfit Formula #1: If You Refuse to Give Up Your Leggings
It’s all about barrel jeans and wide-leg trousers right now, but if you’ve always been loyal to skinny jeans or leggings — you absolutely don’t have to give them up. You just might need to tweak the formula so it feels more intentional and current.
For me, leggings are usually reserved for the gym. But lately, I’ve been very tempted (looking at you, Traci Landy) by stirrup leggings, so send me links if you find any good ones!
How to make it work:
Choose leggings in a more structured material
Look for a pair with a bit of weight or texture — ponte, ribbed knits, even leather or suede.Balance with volume on top
Think oversized knits, boxy shirts, slouchy jumpers — anything that creates contrast and adds visual interest. If the bottoms are fitted, the top should feel relaxed.Add a coat and a great pair of boots, and you’re ready to leave the house
Texture is your best friend — suede, wool, shearling — anything that layers well.
Bonus points for knee-high boots over leggings: it instantly reads “equestrian chic,” not “forgot to change.”
Outfit Formula #2: Joggers Can Be Cool
There’s truly nothing better than a thick pair of cotton or wool joggers when it’s freezing outside. Jeans feel too stiff, trousers too formal — joggers are the obvious choice. But they don’t have to feel like an afterthought.
With a few small additions, your joggers can be part of an outfit that feels comfortable and put-together — without trying too hard.
How to elevate your joggers:
Start with a polished layer on top
Add a polo neck, a collared knit, or even just a crisp shirt layered under a jumper. A more tailored or collared top instantly balances the casual feel of joggers and pulls the outfit together.Pay attention to colour and fabric
Rich, textured knits and colour combinations (like deep burgundy and soft pink, or camel and grey) make the outfit feel thoughtfully styled, even if it’s just made from basics.Bring in accessories
A great pair of earrings, a brooch, or a bold piece of outerwear instantly adds dimension. These small additions help move the look from something you’d wear at home to something you’d feel good stepping out in.Switch slippers for statement flats or boots
In the look above, metallic flats, wool socks, and a tailored coat pull the whole thing together. It’s still comfortable — but with sharp details that balance the softness of joggers.
Outfit Formula #3: Baggy Jeans + White Tee + Half-Zip Jumper
This look is massively inspired by the Chanel Métiers d’Art collection — which, for a brief moment, made the half-zip jumper and wide-leg jeans combo feel surprisingly relatable. Yes, the actual pieces cost more than my rent, but the idea is easy to recreate, and when you look closely, it’s all about the details.
Here’s how to build it:
Start with your base: a pair of baggy or wide-leg jeans (bonus: most styles at M&S now in long, extra long, petite, etc.) and a clean, bright white t-shirt, long sleeves, let the sleeves peek out from under your knit — it’s a small detail, but it adds dimension and styling points.
Layer on a half-zip knit in a soft tone — camel, chocolate, grey. Leave the zip slightly undone to let the tee and jewellery peek through.
Add layered necklaces — think delicate gold chains or something with pearl detailing. They elevate the whole look, especially against the simplicity of the t-shirt.
It’s all in the accessories: the belt matches the suede bag, and the statement coat pulls it together with just enough pattern.
Then there’s the shoe — slightly unexpected, slightly clashing. The pointy white heels give the look a bit of tension, which is what makes it feel styled, not safe.
Want the full post + more outfit formulas?
I’ve shared three outfit formulas here — but I’ve saved three more, plus a simple exercise to help you build your own wardrobe formulas, just for paid subscribers.
These moodboards and posts take time to put together, and your support genuinely helps me keep creating thoughtful, useful content like this.
✨ Right now, you can get 20% off a paid subscription, which gives you access to the full styling archive, the Style System, discounts on my services, and everything else I’m working on behind the scenes.
