If you want to always look good despite being busy, there are two things you can do…plan your outfits with a capsule wardrobe OR plan them with outfit formulas. The later is MUCH EASIER. Here are 9 outfit formulas you can create everyday: using pieces you already own.
Outfit formulas for Busy moms
Have you ever felt like you never look put together?
Imagine how much your confidence will increase if you started looking 10x more polished and stylish than you currently do.
But does that sound like a far fetched dream because of busy you are?
If so, I have good news… it’s actually much easier than you think.
ONE SIMPLE TRUTH
Your outfits and the way you look are usually affected by how much time you have to decide what to wear, groom your hair and apply some makeup.
That means if you want to look great, whether it’s for school drop-off, working from home, or running errands, you need a quicker way to get ready.
That’s what this blog post is all about….Outfit formulas that will help you get dressed faster, feel more confident, and skip the stress of out what to wear.
And if you really want to make your mornings even easier, check out my list of signature hairstyles you can do in under 15 minutes and my easy everyday makeup routine for a flawless look. Both pair perfectly with these outfit formulas to help you look put-together in no time.
9 OUTFIT FORMULAS TO HELP YOU LOOK 10x BETTER EVERY SINGLE DAY
Outfit Formula 1: Jeans + striped Tee + Cardigan + Sneakers
This outfit works perfectly for School runs, coffee meetups, casual Fridays.
Why it works: It’s timeless, layered for weather changes, easy to dress up with a watch or scarf. There are also several other variations that make it so versatile. Swap the sneakers for loafers or sling back flats for a more preppy look, the striped tee for a plain tee, or the cardigan for a lady jacket.
Need Shopping links?
Striped tee (Amazon), neutral cardigan (Shop Here), classic white sneakers (Shop Here).
Outfit Formula 2: Black Leggings + Oversized Sweater + Ankle Boots
When the weather is a bit chilly, this is the perfect outfit for errands, brunch, playdates.
Why it works: Comfy but looks intentional, especially with boots instead of sneakers.
Need shopping links? Black high waist leggings (Shop Here), chunky knit sweater (Shop Here), suede ankle boots (Shop Here).
Outfit Formula 3: Tapered-Leg Trousers + Fitted Tee + Blazer + Loafers
I love this outfit so much because it is an elevated smart casual look. It’s perfect for Work-from-home video calls, meetings, or lunch dates.
Why it works: very versatile tailored layer with relaxed bottoms, the perfect definition of smart casual
Need shopping links? Tapered-leg trousers (Shop Here), fitted crew neck ribbed tee (Shop Here), Houndstooth blazer (Shop Here), Black coach loafers (Shop Here).
Outfit Formula 4: Midi Dress + Denim Jacket + White Sneakers
Looking for what to wear to weekend outings, casual dinners, or park walks or picnics? This is the one.
Why it works: The dress makes it feel like you tried, but sneakers keep it practical. On hot days, you can take off the jacket and still look gorgeous.
Need Shopping links?: Tiered midi dress (Shop Here), light wash denim jacket (Shop Here), classic white sneakers (Shop Here).
Outfit Formula 5: Skinny Jeans + Chunky Sweater + Knee-High Boots
This is the perfect uniform for cooler days, fall events, and shopping trips. You can swap the skinny jeans for leggings if you need something more breathable.
Why it works: Slim bottoms with taller boots = legs look longer. You also look very put together without trying to hard. Ensure you go for a textured sweater to add more finesse to the look.
Need shopping links?: Black Skinny jeans (Shop Here), oversized knit sweater (Shop Here), knee-high boots (Shop Here).
Outfit Formula 6: leggings + Longline Tee + Shacket + Trainers
This is the perfect athleisure mom outfit. It works for school runs, park days, playdates, travel during fall season and spring.
Why it works: Comfort-first but with an on-trend twist thanks to the shacket.
Need Shopping Links?: Black high waist leggings (Shop Here), longline tee (Shop Here), shacket (Shop Here), New balance trainers (Shop Here).
Outfit Formula 7: Black Jeans + White Button-Down + Camel Coat + Loafers
If you need an outfit for smart casual events, work, or mom brunch, this is the one.
Why it works: Monochrome base always looks so chic, while a camel coat instantly adds polish to any outfit.
Need Shopping Links?: Levi Black jeans (Shop Here), white button-down (Shop Here), Anrabess Camel Coatigan (Shop Here), White loafers (Shop Here).
Outfit Formula 8: Pleated Skirt + Knit Top + Ballet Flats
This formula is my go to for church, casual dinners and casual office days.
Why it works: It’s feminine and cute without being fussy; Mary-Jane ballet flats keep it mom-friendly and stylish.
Need shopping links?: A line midi skirt (Shop Here), Wool blend top (Shop Here), black Mary-jane flats (Shop Here).
Outfit Formula 9: Jumpsuit + Cardigan + relaxed shoes
If you love one and done pieces, this is the perfect fall transition outfit for everyday wear, shopping, school drop-off.
Why it works: only few things are quicker than one and done dressing. The cardigan adds coziness and can be swapped depending on the weather, and you can free style with shoe choice to elevate the outfit.
Wrap-Up
The best thing about these formulas is that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every morning — just mix, match, and go.
Start by pulling a few of your favorite pieces for each formula and keeping them together in your closet so getting dressed is even faster.
You can also modify the outfits for every season. For example in hot weather, take off jackets, swap jeans for shorts, swap boots for ballet flats or sandals, add a hat and lightweight scarf.
If you want a done-for-you guide with a seasonal shopping list and 80+ outfit combinations for the whole year, get the Year-Round Mom Capsule Wardrobe here. Trust me, your mornings will never be the same
