My Whole Life Changed When I Discovered These Anti-Trend Outfits

As much fun as a bold and meticulously planned outfit can be, if your schedule looks anything like mine, there simply isn't time to indulge in them as often as you'd like. Instead, easy, versatile ensembles get the most wear. But that doesn't mean your clothes have to be boring. In fact, the dressers I admire most are just as reliant on minimalist, classic combinations as I am. And because of that, there's a seemingly endless supply of inspiration out there that's centered on anti-trend outfits that are easy, yes, but also chic and impressive at the same time.

Don't believe me? I come bearing proof. Ahead, I've laid out a total of 10 timeless ensembles that work for pretty much any climate, location, or occasion (barring a black-tie affair or a true corporate office). There are super pared-back T-shirt and jeans combos, as well as dressier top-and-skirt pairings. Basically, any time you're stumped about what to put on in a time crunch, just reference the list below. I'm willing to bet that from it, you'll be able to find all the ingredients you need to whip up an outfit that checks off every box well within your allotted getting-dressed period. You're welcome.

What you'll need: Black T-Shirt + Dark-Wash Jeans + Mesh Flats + Silk Bandana

One way to turn wearing jeans and a T-shirt into an elegant ensemble is to go with a black tee and dark-wash denim. Simply put, darker washes tend to look more put-together and sophisticated. To level up the look even further, add eye-catching accessories like mesh flats and a classic silk scarf tied around your head like a bandana.

Levi's

Ribcage Wide Leg Jeans

$98

Reformation

Britt Ballet Flat

$268

Toteme

Centered Monogram Silk Square Scarf

$270

What you'll need: Cream Scarf + White Tank Top + Black Trousers + Black Flats

Really, this is just a white tank top and black trousers paired with some simple yet effective accessories in an elegant cream scarf and timeless black flats.

H&M

Ribbed Tank Top

$9$8

Reformation

Alex Mid Rise Pant Es

$228

Marc Fisher LTD

Gunner Pointed Toe Flat

$130

What you'll need: Black Strapless Dress + Simple Heeled Sandals + East-West Clutch

For any of the dressier occasions on your calendar this year, a black strapless dress will always be a good idea. Make it feel a little more effortless and less formal by pairing it with simple kitten-heel sandals and an east-west clutch.

MANGO

Strappy Heeled Sandals

$60

Savette

Slim Symmetry Pochette Smooth Calf Leather Bag

$1639$1311

What you'll need: White T-Shirt + Vintage Jeans + Retro Sneakers + Suede Tote Bag

I'm such a sucker for vintage jeans and a white T-shirt. It's a combination that's worked for decades—why stop wearing it now? To modernize the pairing, add some suede sneakers and a cool tote bag.

Levi's

Dad Jeans

$98

Reformation

Small Silvana Bucket Bag

$298

adidas

Gazelle Indoor Sneaker

$120

What you'll need: Button-Down Shirt + Double-Layer Skirt + Heeled Mules + Shoulder Bag

A white button-down shirt, no matter what you pair with it, is always going to look good. Make it ever better by adding a double-layer pencil skirt, heeled mules, and a chic shoulder bag for dinner in the city or a day at the office.

THE GARMENT

Treviso Contrast-Detailed Cotton Midi Skirt

$350

Magda Butrym

Brigitte Small Leather Tote Bag

$3170

MANGO

Heel Leather Sandals

$100

What you'll need: White Sleeveless Blouse + Cropped Pants + Heeled Mules + Brown Croc Bag

This outfit has a very modern yet retro feel to it that's uniquely appealing and versatile. Any sleeveless white blouse will do—add some capris or cropped trousers (I vote for High Sport's, but I digress) and sandals, and you'll be good to go.

HIGH SPORT

Kick Cropped Stretch-Cotton Flared Pants

$860

TOTEME

T-Lock Croc-Effect Leather Clutch

$990

AEYDE

Stina Patent Calf Leather Black Sandals

$425$298

What you'll need: Trench Coat + White Tank Top + Silk Slip Skirt + Flip-Flops

You can't go wrong with a midi-length slip skirt, whether it's summer or the dead of winter. During the warmer months, pair one with a white tank, trench coat, and flip-flops for an easy, sophisticated, and photo-worthy look.

MANGO

Double-Button Trench Coat

$160

J.Crew

Gwyneth Slip Skirt

$90$45

TKEES

Square Toe Lily Flip Flops

$75

What you'll need: White Blazer + White Capris + Ankle-Strap Heels

For a sleek, elegant alternative to traditional suiting, pair some white capris or Bermuda shorts with a matching blazer and some sharp court shoes. Trust me, the compliments will come.

Tory Burch

Cropped Twisted Pants

$998

massimo dutti

High-Heel Shoes With Criss-Cross Straps

$169

What you'll need: Cream Coat + Black Sweater + Wide-Leg Jeans + Aviators

As temperatures start to dip (which will happen, whether we want it to or not), get ready to grab a long, cream coat; wide-leg jeans; and black knitwear every time you're feeling stumped about what to wear. This combo never misses.

COS

Tide Jeans Wide

$135

LIONESS

Olsen Coat

$139$73

Fifth & Ninth

Kingston Aviator 60mm Oval Sunglasses

$30

What you'll need: Cream Sweater + Relaxed White Trousers + Snakeskin Shoes + Black Tote Bag

When in doubt, go with an all-white or cream ensemble. It never fails to appear rich. Just be sure to avoid red and brown liquids at all costs if you want to avoid a high dry-cleaning bill.

Abercrombie

Sloane Low Rise Tailored Pant

$90

Madewell

The Vernon Loafer

$158

Dragon Diffusion

Santa Croce Leather Tote Bag

$395