Easy Outfit Formulas To Wear Now!
Fashion is a way to say who you are without having to speak.
I, personally, do not support universal laws pertaining to personal style. We’re all special ~ our body shapes, our colouring, and of course, our personalities. So, why would the unique and beautiful creature that you are opting for mass-produced styles? There’s also the sheer impracticality of getting a new outfit every time you want to look and feel different. So it’s time, to turn creative… Trust me when I say that it’s about learning how to be innovative with new clothes that you purchase and integrating them with older pieces in your wardrobe.
Although there is no fixed style or colour or fit that works for everyone, but there definitely are some foolproof formulas or guidelines if you will, that guarantee the best possible results regardless of who you are or what you look like or the occasion or time of year. Consider the ready-to-wear outfit formulas listed here as the roadmap for great style! So if you need help, here’s my rule of thumb:
1. Not-So-Perfect Perfect Fit: The thing about getting the perfect fit while mixing and matching your separates, both old and new, is that it shouldn’t be perfect. Confused? Let’s put it this way ~ an outfit where every element perfectly hugs your body is as good as an outfit that is baggy and loose-fitting. Not saying it’s not going to work, but not saying it will work either. It’s a risk and not something to try all the time.
So what is perfect and almost foolproof?
Mixing and matching the fits too! This style “rule” really works for any height and/or body shape. E.g. Fitted crop top? Pair it with high-waisted pants. Have a long coat? Wear it over a body-hugging mini skirt. And don’t forget the accessories. A statement wide belt that gathers a flared midi dress at the waist or sandals with a lift {equally provocative and walkable} can be most effective when you play with proportions while adding volumes of elegance to your look.
2. Artist’s Touch: Fashion is as much about colours as it is about the fabric and style, for nothing screams “YOU” quite like the colours you present yourself in.
Add the right splash of colours to your boring neutrals to add some fun and personality. Apprehensive about experimenting with the plethora of hues available? Worry not, you can always start with accessories; a brightly coloured scarf, a quirky looking bag in a colour pop or a statement belt ~ they are all ways to express the inner of you without breaking a sweat. And if you are feeling bold{er}, do mix some eye-catching neon with base colours like black, blue or white and stand out like the unique person that you are.
I also find that monochromatic just works! Nothing can beat the sheer elegance and convenience monochromes give, so always make sure you have that solid outfit in all black or white or wine or pretty much any colour you fancy. Depending on your mood and the occasion, you can always add the right accessory and elevate your look. Makes life so much easier, doesn’t it?!
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3. Accessorize: The devil is always in the details. The distinction between “dressing up” and “curating an outfit” is in the subtle nuances that bring the individual pieces together. I.e. an outfit is not complete until and unless it’s adorned with the right accessories. A matching scarf with your handbag or wearing a gold headband that goes with the gold trimmings of your dress are things that can finish your outfit in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
And don’t forget to use your artistic license. Who said that a scarf has to be used as a scarf alone and not a belt? In my opinion, a colourful scarf can impart both a “bohemian chic” and “girl next door” look depending on the print and pattern and the rest of the outfit. So feel free to experiment. Another example is a casual favourite like blue jeans and a white tee, that can look classy and put together if styled with statement jewellery or an oversized bag.
4. Layer Up: Fashion repeats itself as styles come and go and then come back with a makeover ~ but this cannot be said of layers, because they never really went out of fashion! Layers are the simplest way to achieve comfort, style and versatility all in the same outfit. An ethnic embroidered denim jacket over a basic T-shirt tucked into skinny fit jeans can give off an über chic vibe. Or a cardigan paired with a midi dress makes for a classy casual look for when you’re taking an evening stroll with the wind gently caressing your hair. Just make sure that you remember the rule about proportions; perfect is not so perfect. Combine both oversized and fitted elements to achieve that perfect look.
5. It’s In The Figure: Hourglass. That ideal feminine figure we all yearn for but very few are blessed with. I say, so what if you don’t have a natural hourglass figure, you can always create the illusion of having one.
The secret is in camouflaging the areas which need to be balanced, such as your shoulders and hips, by choosing the right cuts, colours and patterns that make them look leaner or larger as need be, and thereafter accentuating the waist with interesting belts or embroidery ~ in effect anything that complements your curves and gives you that feminine grace.
Bonus tip: As a final note, a compelling print is just something that should not be lacking in your wardrobe. Prints are a fashion staple that can easily be placed on the centre stage and built upon for a glamorous look. You may begin with accessories and gradually build up to closet staples such as dresses and coats. So, if you don’t have them, it’s time you went shopping to find the perfect print that speaks to you.
To conclude: The most important point is that a look is not complete until it’s your own. Make sure you have styled the outfit adding a bit of yourself to it so that you can “own” it, in the truest sense. Because nothing screams “personality” quite like a “signature look”! Now go on and discover that look if you haven’t already. Match the right fabric, colour, silhouette, and discover your perfect style fit. Discover your “style personality” and make sure that it stands out brighter than the rest ~ just like you!
Ready to make a transition, are you? Here’s to commencing on the journey to unlocking your soul-aligned style using these ready-to-wear outfit formulas!
Girlfriend, you are my pride. ❤️ Your posts are so lucid. ❤️ And yes …. your words satiate both the hunger and the thirst to acquire knowledge in an area where I am a novice. ❤️ Well, I am now running out of all praises and phrases…
Thank you for all the love and appreciation you shower on me, Sreelakshmi. Your words are hoarded away.
A beautiful Bali inspired look with your own interpretations, and I love your writing. ❤️ While you do have an enviable wardrobe, most/many/all of them look their best because of your grace and statuesque presence, Tanya.
Thank you very much for your generous words, Suvarna. Truly treasured.
I think this one is absolutely brilliant. And, you’re looking gorgeous! ❤️
It is a joy to see you draped beautifully in your carefully curated outfits, and after that, read the info hungrily to quench the thirst to know more about the current week’s topic… Thank you for sharing such rare beauties.
It’s so good to see you enjoying these posts, Meena! And, thank you for your warm appreciation!
What a gorgeous scarf & the wicker bag is perfect! Additionally, that silver/shell cuff has my heart! So much to love about your style, Tanya! ❤️ Love the education I’m getting from following your blog!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write, Manpreet, please keep reading.
Even my colour loving self appreciates a great outfit composed of basics. Can’t express how happy I am to see you in beachwear! You look stunning! ❤️ The next time don’t forget those flowers in your hair…
I’m delighted to hear this from you, Komal. Thank you!
You look very beautiful and I’m in love with all your amazing outfits (moreover it is such a pleasure to read about the associated details/descriptions in your posts). Also, the way you carry yourself irrespective of the outfit is just… ❤️!
So glad you enjoyed reading this post, Rubina. Thank you very much for your words.
I love your outfit selection ❤️ and this post with such elaborate and interesting notes on formulas. An education in itself for a fashion illiterate like me!
So now I have a suggestion. Write a book! On this very subject – Personal Style. Will be brilliant!
Thank you very much for reading, Sheejal, and for your kind appreciation.
So masterful! ❤️ Okay, there should be a rule against anyone being so graceful and elegant … what are the lesser mortals supposed to do?! But seriously ❤️❤️❤️❤️ love love love … and some more love!!
p.s. Please do a separate series of posts on your jewellery, Tanya!
Always full of joy and wonderful things to say you are, Shilpa. Thank you so much!
Simply gorgeous share! ❤️❤️❤️ This one is a stunning outfit and you carry it even more beautifully, as always! Enjoyed reading the write-up, too.
Thank you very much, Aishwarya, so nice of you to say this.
The purity of the post reflects on your being, Tanya. You look sublime – I love the simplicity; it’s timeless and perfect in every way. And your recommendations are classic. ❤️ Thank you for sharing.
How lovely of you to think so, Supriya. Thank you!
You look stunning, Tanya! Such an amazing combination of colours, worn so elegantly by you! ❤️ Wonderful write up, too. Your recommendations sound spot-on. I am so glad you are posting so regularly. ❤️
Thank you very much for your sweet words, Shreshtha.
How beautiful you look, Tanya! ❤️❤️❤️ I love your style and the understated elegance with which you carry every “look” making the garments look even more beautiful! Hope you’ve been well.
So glad you stopped by and left such a warm comment, Ekta.
These are gorgeous pictures, and you have a vibrant wardrobe, Tanya. Thank you for sharing your nuggets of knowledge with us … what a treasure to cherish! ❤️
Delighted Prerna! Thank you so much.
Everything about this post is gorgeous! Thank you for letting us peek into your closet that contains such beautiful silhouettes & colours! And, you wear them all so well. Have a great Monday!
Thank you, Surabhi. You fill my heart with joy!
Beautiful ❤️. I love your description of the feeling of wearing accent colours/accessories and can relate to it ❤️ Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much, Anjua. I’m so glad you enjoyed reading this.
Fabulous information! You have captured the beauty of the “Outfit Formula” so well. Loving all your pictures and posts. ❤️
Thank you for your sweet words, Monica.
This is just beautiful! ❤️ Sunshine yellow is one colour I cannot resist, and you look as though you fly on gossamer wings …. spinning magic, Tanya! Your write up is a pleasure too, as always.
Aww ~ that’s so kind of you, Manisha. Thank you!
You look absolutely ethereal! ❤️ Beautiful pictures, complemented with such an engaging and educating narrative. Really enjoying your fashion series just like all your other posts.
Thank you for reading, and for your lovely words which mean a lot to me, Bhanumati.
I am especially fond of vibrant accessories. I love the ultimate result of borrowing elements to create something new! In any case, you look stunning in this humble getup. ❤️
How very sweet and generous of you to say so, Vandana!
Magnificent ❤️❤️ Love reading your fashion posts! it is so interesting to receive an update on the “Outfit Formula”, thank you for showing and explaining the fascinating details. Have a beautiful morning, gorgeous!
Thank you for your interest and appreciation, Ashika.
So beautifully picture-perfect ~ you, the outfit, your elegant choice of accessories that are highlighting the top and most of all, your smile. ❤️
On that note, posts like these do a world of good to people like me who have not much knowledge about fashion and many other finer things of life.
Awww ~ this means the world to me! Thank you, dear Madhu.
Stunning, stunning, stunning! I have always loved your beautifully worded blog. ❤️ Although, I seem to have missed many of your posts… will soon catch up with them.
Many heartfelt thanks, Sravani!
Two words: just beautiful! ❤️ The beauty of simple beachwear on a woman whose beauty and blog are unadulterated pure joy. ❤️ Hoping you do a textile tour of our country one day… until then, enjoying your shares. ❤️
Thank you for your sweet thoughts, Mamta! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post.
What a lovely post. ❤️ You look resplendent in that gorgeous top. Such an unusual colour combination, too. Learnt something new today … thank you for sharing! ❤️
Happy to have your warm appreciation, Neelam. I value it so.
Gorgeous as ever and such a pretty outfit! Wonderful shots of the fine details… I would request you to please keep posting these nuggets of knowledge you possess. Thank you again!
Thank you for your generous compliment, Rashi.
Your posts are so inspiring. Inspiring me to wear more and more of the “Outfit Formula”, once I’ve curated mine. Well, you are lookin’ absolutely gorgeous – and I just can’t take my eyes off those beautiful colours!
Thank you very much, Nayana! I’m touched by your kind thoughts.
Something so surreal about your beauty, Tanya. ✨✨✨ Wonderfully informative post and both you and the outfit are stunning!
You have just made my day, Richa. Thanks so much!
Just look at you – glowing! Brilliant images, and loved the write-up! Always find it hard to choose between your elegant prose and elegant wardrobe. ❤️ {Totally envy your wardrobe, by the way!}
Thank you very much, Pragya. Your words encourage me a lot!
You look beautiful and understated ❤️ lovely write up, too! I have always marvelled and admired Indian women who can carry themselves so gracefully in beachwear.
On a side note: So much beautiful work has come out from here during the pandemic. I hope you keep your connections. Much love!
So glad to be connected to you on here, and thankful for our friendship, Rashmi!
You are so beautiful and elegant! ❤️ The outfit/accessories are stunning, and I love your narrative. I guess it’s just about loving, wearing, reading, asking and travelling, when possible. It’s a joy to park-take in the topics you’re familiar with… It’s a real ocean!
I’m overwhelmed, dear Prerna, by your heartfelt wonderful words for me!