Outfit Builder Grid: An Easy Way to Get Dressed Every Day

Today I’m providing a solution for a question that I get asked all the time. What’s the easiest way to put together an outfit for every day?

Many of you are stay at home or work from home moms like me. We know we feel better when we don’t spend the day in our yoga pants, but when it comes to casual outfits, what’s enough and what’s too much?

Applying the principles that I use when I get dressed every day, I’ve created an easy casual outfit formula grid for getting dressed that makes you instantly look put together. Just pick out a top and bottom, then add one to two more items to make it an outfit.

CASUAL OUTFIT BUILDER GRID

How to Use: Choose one item each from Categories 1 and 2. Then add an optional topper from Category 3 and at least one item from Category 4.

You can build outfits as simple or as complicated as you’d like, the key is the number of items you choose in Category 4. For a really simple outfit for a day at home, only use categories 1 and 2 plus one item from category 4. If you want to get more adventurous, wear something from all of the categories and as many from Category 4 as you’d like.

OUTFIT BUILDER PRINTABLE PDF

Helpful Tips:

Combine patterns from any of the categories to mix prints. Start with two at a time (i.e. stripes with leopard, floral with stripes, floral with polka dots).
Fit is key. Make sure all of your items fit well and flatter your body type.
Pull the colors of your outfit together by pairing a patterned scarf or colorful statement necklace with a complimentary t-shirt and cardigan.
Add bright flats to an all neutral look for a fun pop of color.
Leopard is a neutral and can be worn with virtually any color or pattern.
Your add-ons can consist of any accessory you have on hand. The possibilities are endless!

Outfit Builder Examples

Scarf Outfits

My favorite outfit formulas usually start with a scarf. Outfit inspiration can be found in any scarf. Just pull out a printed one and then build the rest of your outfit around it.

Boot Cut Jeans + Solid Sweater + Patterned Scarf + Brown Booties

Dark Wash Skinny Jeans + Solid Shirt + Printed Scarf + Metallic Slip-Ons

Skinny Jeans + Neutral Sweater + Puffer Vest + Pattern Scarf + Riding Boots

Dark Wash Skinny Jeans + Solid Blouse + Printed Scarf + Riding Boots

White Shorts + White T-Shirt + Printed Scarf + Metallic Sandals

Necklace Outfits

This is probably the easiest of them all. Add a statement necklace or long necklace to your top and bottom to look instantly pulled together.

Colored Denim + Black Tunic + Long Necklace + Neutral Flats

White Jeans + Plaid Shirt + Graphic Sweater + Statement Necklace + Black Flats

White Shorts + Solid T-Shirt + Long Necklace + Kimono + Sandals

Skinny Jeans + Graphic T-shirt + Neutral Cardigan + Statement Necklace + Neutral Booties

Date Night Outfit

Dark Wash Jeans + Blouse + Long Necklace + Heels

Dark wash jeans are universally flattering and can easily be dressed up. Add a pretty blouse, necklace and heels to make them completely date night appropriate.

Dressy Event Outfit

Dress + Heels + Necklace

It doesn’t get any easier than this, just add a fun clutch to finish it out.

Denim Jacket Outfits

Denim jackets get points for being both incredibly cute and for always being in style. Experiment with different bottoms including colored denim, dresses and skirts.

Dress + Denim Jacket + Taupe Ankle Booties

Colored Denim + Striped T-shirt + Denim Jacket + Neutral Flats

White Capris + Striped T-shirt + Denim Jacket + Sneakers

Cardigans

If there’s anything I have almost as many of as scarves, it’s cardigans in every color. I stash one in my purse year-round as a top layer for everything, including shorts.