Trust Me, These 7 Sophisticated Outfit Ideas Will Age So Well

Recently someone told me my outfit looked "sophisticated" and, honestly, it's probably the greatest compliment I've received (pertaining to my style at least). Ever since, I've been thinking a lot about what goes into creating a classy-looking outfit, keen to identify patterns to discern how I might be able to ensure I dress that way again in the future. Those thoughts turned into active research as I took to Instagram with the goal of unearthing a selection of sophisticated outfit ideas to reference when assembling my own.

In doing so, I found several ensembles that fall under this refined category and, yes, I was able to identify some common threads. One thing that's evident is that many of the outfits include chic accessories; pieces that elevate even the most humdrum of wardrobe basics. I can also help if you stick to a honed palette. While brighter colours can look elevated also, if you're in any doubt or want an easy-to-copy blueprint, this is good place to start.

But really, the easiest way to discern sophistication is to see it for yourself—scroll on to see the looks I think are worthy of being called that.

7 SOPHISTICATED OUTFIT IDEAS TO TRY

1. SLEEVLESS TOP + CAPRI PANTS

Style Notes: Capri trousers might be on trend this season but take my word for it when I say that a black cropped trouser will never date. In fact, I think there's something inherently chic and, yes, sophisticated about capri pants, especially when they're worn with a matching top and minimal sandals.

SHOP THE LOOK:

COS

Sleeveless Top

£35

LE SPECS

Outta Love Oval-Frame Plastic Sunglasses

£55

Reformation

Posie Pedal Pusher Pant

£128

Bottega Veneta

Teen Jodie

£2600

MANGO

Kitten Heel Sandals

£36

2. SHIRT + FULL SKIRT

Style Notes: Of all the skirt styles out there, full, circle-style skirts radiate a classic quality. Pair yours with a button-up shirt for a polished pairing that works for a multitude of occasions.

SHOP THE LOOK:

M&S Collection

Pure Cotton Oversized Shirt

£25

Gucci

GG Marmont 2015 Re-Edition Wide Belt

£400

DeMellier

The Tokyo Bag in Black Smooth Leather

£345

H&M

Midi Skirt

£19

John Lewis

Harrietta Mary Jane Leather Pumps

£59

3. STRIPE TOP + DENIM SHORTS

Style Notes: Denim shorts are a summertime staple which, go figure, are just as versatile as full-length jeans. Designed to be worn with any top you might have in your collection, my personal favourite is a Breton stripe. A basket bag won't hurt, either.

SHOP THE LOOK:

COS

Regular-Fit Heavyweight Long-Sleeved T-Shirt

£35

Celine

Triomphe Belt

£485

Loewe

Basket Bag in Palm Leaf and Calfskin

£450

COS

High-Rise Denim Shorts

£55

THE ROW

Link Leather Slides

£830

4. BLACK DRESS + HIP BELT

Style Notes: Black dresses are widely regarded as one of the most classic items you can own, but what makes them all the more sophisticated is how you style them. Right now, I'm seeing fashion people wearing their with low slung hip belts and elegant sandals.

SHOP THE LOOK:

H&M

Gathered Midi Dress

£19

Prada

Symbole Sunglasses

£370

KHAITE

Benny Leather Belt

£380

TOTEME

T-Lock Top Handle Black Grain

£1100

H&M

Heeled Strappy Sandals

£30

5. SWEATER + TAILORED TROUSERS

Style Notes: Any tailoring will set you on the right path to looking sophisticated but there's something so supremely chic about a cream pair of tailored trousers. Give them a relaxed spin with a beige knit and slider sandals.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Arket

Alpaca-Wool Blend Jumper - Beige - Arket Gb

£87

THE ROW

Antone Wide-Leg Linen Trousers

£1100

Jigsaw

Heckfield Suede Tote | Tan

£195

JENNY BIRD

Maeve Large Gold-Dipped Bracelet

£155

M&S Collection

Suede Buckle Block Heel Sandals

£40

6. BANDEAU TOP + JEANS

Style Notes: When it comes to jeans, the simplest tops can often make for the chicest pairings. But don't take my word on that alone—just look at Sylvie Mus's outfit above, which features the most pared-back top of them all, the jersey bandeau.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Lululemon

Wundermost Ultra-Soft Nulu Tube Top

£38

IBB

Ibb 18ct Gold Ball Stud Earrings

£115

Maison N.H Paris

Clementine Raffia Handbag

£180

Arket

Shore Low Relaxed Jeans - Blue - Arket Gb

£87

MANOLO BLAHNIK

Maysale 50 Buckled Suede Mules

£595

7. SHORT-SLEEVE SHIRT + TAILORED SKIRT

Style Notes: Skirts are integral to looking aesthetic right now, as are the colours you choose. Beyond how refined this short-sleeve shirt and tailored skirt look, their expensive-looking tones—camel and pale blue—further add to the outfit's overall sophistication.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Arket

Fine-Knit Merino Jumper - Black - Arket Gb

£57

COS

Boxy Short-Sleeved Poplin Shirt

£55

Understatement

Lace Triangle Bralette Black

£69

WARDROBE.NYC

Cotton-Drill Maxi Skirt

£735

KHAITE

Jones 90 Leather Sandals

£870