There are certain style formulas that are classic, tried and true staples. They never go out of style, and are the perfect foundational looks to create with your capsule wardrobe pieces. Think a white tee and jeans, a t-shirt and blazer, or a striped shirt and a trench coat. However, there might come a point when you want to switch things up! Keep reading for 9 simple ways to elevate a boring outfit.
1. Swap out a plain white tee for a striped one
t-shirt | denim jacket | jeans | sneakers | sunglasses | bag
One of the easiest ways to personalize a go-to outfit formula is by swapping out a solid piece for a patterned version. If you want to add interest to your favorite white tee and jeans, exchange your t-shirt for a striped one. It’s an easy solution that will instantly make your outfit feel more individual and expressive.
Striped shirts are still neutral and timeless, meaning they’ll be an effortless way to add personality to your capsule wardrobe looks. Parisians have loved classic stripes for decades, and the French girl casual chic aesthetic is the perfect proof that this swap works.
2. Go for different denim
jeans | t-shirt | boots | bag | earrings | trench coat
If you love the classic t-shirt and jeans formula, here’s another way that you can add personality to your go-to look. Try switching out your jeans for a new kind of denim. Whether you like slight distressing or a bold cuff, small details make all the difference when it comes to blue jeans.
Want to make your jeans feel a little more trendy and casual? Go for a large cuff. The raw hem will add a bit of edge to your look and can add interest to your favorite casual outfit formula.
3. Incorporate a patterned shoe
turtleneck | jeans | coat | shoes | bag | earrings
One of my favorite ways to customize a go-to outfit formula is to add a patterned shoe. Swapping out your accessories is a low-cost, low-committment way to play with style within a capsule wardrobe. Your accessories can make or break your outfit! If you want to really take your ensemble to the next level, add a statement pair of shoes to show off your personality.
Embrace your individual style with leopard print Mary Janes to mix up a tonal outfit. Pair your statement shoe with a black turtleneck, black jeans, and a wool coat during the colder months. Accessorize with timeless gold hoops and a top-handle bag to complete the look.
4. Choose an oversized blazer
t-shirt | blazer | jeans | bag | watch | loafers
Another great way to mix up a basic outfit formula? Play around with proportions. You can change up the entire feel of your look by experimenting with the silhouettes of your pieces. Incorporating an oversized piece into your look can add interest and an unexpected twist to a well-known outfit idea.
Change up the feel of a white tee and jacket with an oversized version of your classic black blazer. Whether you’re headed to the office or an elegant lunch, an oversized black blazer makes this timeless ensemble feel fresh. Pair your tee and blazer with classic jeans, a sleek tote bag, loafers, and a bracelet watch.
5. Add a statement accessory
skirt | vest | bag | sandals | ponytail
If you want to make your go-to capsule wardrobe look and feel new while on a budget, try switching up your accessories. Instead of your neutral, classic staples, go for a bold alternative to make a statement. It doesn’t have to be a colorful designer bag or pair of shoes, either! Even swapping out your ponytail can make a difference. Try incorporating a sculptural gold or silver ponytail into your hairstyle. It’s like a piece of jewelry for your hair, and will instantly elevate your look.
As for the rest of your look, go for a tried-and-true white midi skirt and a black vest top for a chic summer ensemble. Add a raffia basket bag and strappy black leather sandals to complete the outfit.
6. Instead of white sneakers, go for colorful ones
pink sneakers | jeans | t-shirt | cardigan | sunglasses | bag
As much as I love a white sneaker (it truly pairs well with nearly any outfit), it can be fun to mix things up with a colorful version instead. A bright sneaker is the perfect way to insert your favorite color into your go-to outfit formula, and can be a fun conversation starter. My husband is a big fan of bright and bold sneakers, and over the years, he’s convinced me about their appeal! A bold sneaker is the perfect way to add personality to your look, without going over the top.
If you want to add a statement sneaker or other shoe to your look, keep the rest of your outfit simple and neutral. Or, use the same color of your shoe incorporated as accents in the rest of your pieces (think a red sneaker with a red cardigan). In the case of this look, try a light pink sneaker with classic straight-leg jeans, a light gray cardigan, a white tee, and oval sunglasses. A leopard print bag is another fun accent, but utilizes neutral colors that don’t take attention away from your shoe.
7. Switch out a hoodie for a quarter or half-zip sweater
half=zip | leggings | sneakers | bag | watch | earrings
Mix up your casual day look by switching out your comfort hoodie for a quarter-zip or half-zip instead. It’s the perfect swap to elevate your look, without sacrificing the comfortable fit. This style of sweater is somewhere in between a cardigan and a hooded sweatshirt, for the days when you want to look a little more put together in your leggings and sneakers.
Stick with a neutral color or pattern, with no visible logos. Then, pair it with your favorite leggings, white sneakers, a watch, a tote bag, and gold hoop earrings for a chic, no-fuss look to run errands.
8. Add texture to your tank top
shirt | tank top | linen pants | fisherman sandals | straw tote | hat | earrings
Texture is another great way to switch up a well-loved outfit formula. You aren’t necessarily changing up the formula itself, but rather selecting pieces that are a little more unique in fabric and construction. For example, even swapping out a regular white tank top for a ribbed version can make a difference! Texture is a great way to add interest to a simple outfit formula, and make it feel (and look) more unique.
Try this easy, breezy summer outfit formula for an effortless warm weather look. First, start with a pair of linen pants in your favorite neutral shade or pattern. Then, add your ribbed tank. To show off the detail and texture of your top, layer with a white button-down but leave it open. Then, add leather sandals, a straw lantern hat, a straw tote bag, and gold earrings to complete the look.
9. Swap out a classic trench for a car coat style
car coat | ballet flats | jeans | bag | shirt | sunglasses
Here at MCO, we love a classic trench coat. It’s a timeless, practical Parisian girl wardrobe staple that will truly never go out of style. However, some days you might want to mix things up a bit. If you want a new variation of the trench coat that still gives off a similar aesthetic, try a car coat or Mackintosh (Mac) coat. They have many shared qualities with the trench coat we all know and love: durable fabric, an a-line silhouette, buttons all the way down, a collar, etc. However, without the lapels, epaulets, or tie around the waist, a car coat or Mac coat gives off a sleeker, more minimalist vibe in comparison to the typical trench.
Pair your car coat with straight-leg jeans, ballet flats, a striped Mariner tee, oval sunglasses, and a structured leather bag for a French girl-approved look this spring or fall.
How to Elevate a Boring Outfit with Personal Style
Tried and true outfit formulas are popular for a reason! They make getting dressed a breeze, and have been worn time and time again over the years, tested by multiple generations of women. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make small changes to the equation to make the outfit feel more like you. Try any of the 9 easy swaps above to customize your favorite looks for fashion that truly is personalized.
Ready to freshen up your outfits even more? Up Next: The Secrets to Looking Sophisticated and Stylish (Without Being Overdressed)
