Happy Friday, friends! Over the past week, I’ve been knee-deep in closet chaos—pulling pieces off hangers, rediscovering old favorites, and sketching out what I want my wardrobe to look like as we transition into fall. There’s something about this time of year that makes me crave a little structure when it comes to getting dressed. Instead of waking up each morning and staring at a full closet with “nothing to wear,” I’ve been building a blueprint of go-to outfit formulas. These are the combinations that feel timeless yet fresh, easy to replicate, and versatile enough to carry me through the season.
What I love about creating outfit formulas is how they streamline everything—shopping, thrifting, and even those hectic mornings when I don’t want to think too hard. Once I have the bones of a look, I can style endless variations without reinventing the wheel. This fall, I’ve narrowed it down to four formulas that I want to wear on repeat.
1. The Gwyneth-Inspired Midi Skirt & Boots
If you caught my latest Fashion in Film post, you know I’ve been completely captivated by Gwyneth Paltrow’s wardrobe in A Perfect Murder. I could barely pay attention to the suspense because I was too busy pausing on her outfits. One look in particular—a chocolate cashmere midi tube skirt paired with suede boots and a soft, luxurious turtleneck—has been living rent-free in my mind.
While the shearling coats she wore might be a little ambitious for my climate, the essence of her style is still totally wearable. The midi skirt + sweater + boots combo is one I’ve already started trying out. It’s sleek without being fussy, polished but still comfortable. The best part is how adaptable it is: swap in a ribbed knit skirt for a casual day, or lean into cashmere and leather for something more refined. It’s a formula that proves sophistication doesn’t have to mean overcomplication.
2. Slouchy Trousers & Sneakers
Another formula I’ve been reaching for is the slouchy, oversized trouser paired with sneakers. There’s something so effortless about this combination—it says “put together” without trying too hard. The rise of this silhouette in 2019 has been such a gift, and I, for one, am grateful it’s stuck around.
The key here is balance. I like to keep the top simple with a ribbed or slouchy tee, then throw on a trench coat or even a contrasting blazer. It’s the kind of uniform you could wear for years and never get tired of—chic, practical, and endlessly remixable. Sneakers keep the look grounded (and comfortable!), but if you swapped them for loafers or heels, you’d have a completely different vibe. Personally, I’ve been eyeing a pair of Nikes that feel like just the right mix of sporty and sleek.
3. Princess Diana’s Cardigan & Dress Moment
Few people mastered off-duty chic like Princess Diana, and lately I’ve been obsessed with one specific photograph: Diana in a preppy navy cardigan layered over a dreamy, ethereal white dress. It’s one of those images that makes you rethink what you already own, and I’ve been plotting ways to recreate the look ever since.
What makes this outfit formula so timeless is its mix of structure and softness. The cardigan grounds the airy dress, creating a balance between casual and romantic. For fall, I’d pair it with boots—something slightly 80s-inspired to give a wink to Diana’s original styling. Think slouchy leather or a pointed toe. It’s feminine without being saccharine, and cozy without sacrificing polish. Honestly, I can see myself wearing this one well into spring too.
4. The Everyday Uniform in the Making
This isn’t one specific outfit so much as a mindset I’ve been gravitating toward: the idea of curating a uniform. Whether it’s the Gwyneth-inspired skirt look, the slouchy trouser combo, or the cardigan-and-dress pairing, the goal is the same—to create a handful of formulas that make dressing both easy and inspiring.
I want to get to the point where I can open my closet and know exactly what direction I’m heading, but still have room to play within those boundaries. Maybe that means finding a trench coat in an unexpected color, or swapping sneakers for boots when I want to feel a little elevated. Having a strong set of outfit formulas takes away the stress while leaving room for creativity.
Why Outfit Formulas Work
The beauty of formulas is that they simplify decision-making. Fashion doesn’t have to be about chasing every trend or filling your wardrobe with pieces you’ll only wear once. Instead, it can be about identifying what makes you feel confident and building on that.
For me, this season is about leaning into clothes that feel timeless, adaptable, and a little bit nostalgic. Whether I’m channeling a 90s Gwyneth, borrowing from Princess Diana, or keeping it modern with slouchy trousers, these looks connect the dots between inspiration and practicality.
As I move into fall, these four outfit formulas will be my compass—guiding how I shop, how I thrift, and how I style my days. They’re the shortcuts that make getting dressed a little more joyful, a little less stressful, and always a little chic.
Now the real fun begins: putting them into practice, again and again, until they become second nature. After all, isn’t that what true style is about?
