7 Painfully Easy Outfits I Recommend to My Busy Friends

Fun fact: I’m that fashion person in my friend group. You know, the one that’s basically the sartorial sounding board. Yep, when someone needs split-second style advice, I’m the go-to. What can I say? I live for it. On that note, there’s one question I seem to get asked by my inner circle more than anything else: What’s a simple outfit that’s fashionable but takes little to no effort to put together?

My answer? Well, TBH, there are a few. I actually have seven painfully easy outfit formulas (consisting of about three pieces or less) I keep in my back pocket to suggest to my friends when they need something chic using items in their closets. But rather than continue chit-chatting about them here, I thought I’d offer up a bit of visual inspiration below to highlight my A+ fits for those on the go. Keep scrolling to check out my fail-proof outfit ideas for a multitude of occasions that are well-suited for every busy soul out there. Oh, I also shopped out each look in case you do want to add a few simple pieces to your arsenal as well.

This ensemble may seem totally high-concept at first glance, but it’s super simple to re-create. All you really need is a colored skirt, a chunky knit, and ankle boots. Yep, three easy pieces to master a forward fit.

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Have a pair of printed trousers in your arsenal? Great. Make them the hero of your outfit and team them with a black turtleneck and booties. If you want a little something extra, toss on a trench as well. Done and done.

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You just simply can’t deny the power of the one-and-done dress. Seriously. If you throw on a statement-making printed style, you literally need nothing more than your go-to shoes, and you have yourself an instant outfit.

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If you’re on the hunt for the coolest denim look of the moment, grab your straight-leg jeans, throw on a detailed sweater, and step into those black booties. That’s it.

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Grabbing a suit when you need an elevated look is basically a no-brainer. The main reason? It requires low sartorial energy. As in, there’s barely any coordination involved other than adding a classic white T-shirt and heels.

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A patterned midi skirt really does go a long way. Simply add a basic blouse and heels, and voilà, you've got a sophisticated 9-to-5 fit.

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If you’re not a dress person, but still want to live by that throw-on-and-go mentality, don’t underestimate the power of the jumpsuit. Toss it on with your favorite pair of shoes and you’ll look chic (with no effort).

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Next, check out the outfit details fashion people never overlook.