But I Have Nothing To Wear
‘But I have nothing to WEAR,’ are, frankly, words that come out of my mouth embarrassingly often. So much so, in fact, that over the last year, I’ve curated a seemingly foolproof list of outfit formulas to simplify my dressing. Armed with a few essential basics, my ‘I lived in Paris’ credentials and a desire to dress good to feel good, here are my top six failsafe outfit combinations that can help me pull together a look in just minutes.
Jeans, white top and cardigan
Easy peasy lemon squeezy, pairing any jeans with a cardigan, layered on top of a plain white tee (especially in cooler temperatures), is a perfect weekend – or, sometimes, office – look that is equal parts cute and put-together. While everything here is thrifted, you can get the best cardigans ever from Sezane or, if you’re on a budget, H&M.
Jeans and men’s shirt
A classic for a reason. My wardrobe has these sorts of shirts in pink, blue and white, from an array of sources including my ex-boyfriend and brother’s wardrobe. Swap the jeans for black trousers and you have a super professional look.
Printed trousers and black top
If you feel like something a little more fun, grab some standout trousers and pair with neutrals for a statement but not too in-your-face look. Leopard and cow print are very in at the moment, but go for whatever floats your boat. M&S, H&M, Zara and Mango have great options. For your base layer, Uniqlo is always handy.
Black top, tights, boots and a skirt
This, in my view, is the easiest way to look really well dressed with as little effort as possible. If you get the base layer right – I like all black – the skirt can be as ‘office siren’ or ‘basic’ as you like, and you’ll look like the sort of person who carries their entire life neatly inside a Hermes handbag.
All neutrals and a statement coat
As above, but make the statement piece a coat, bag or shoes. I’m loving fur print at the moment, but my Sezane wool coat in cream is also a winner.
Maxi skirt and a simple top
Great for summer and winter alike, a satin maxi is an easy way to look expensive without really trying. Experiment with different tops and silhouettes to see what best suits your frame.
