The Art of Outfitting Basic Clothing in New Ways

Stylish attire doesn’t require lots of expensive or trendy clothing. In fact, some of the best outfits begin with simple garments that you already feature. A few tricks for styling simple garments in different ways can help you make new looks without having to purchase a new piece of clothing all of the time.

Simple garments like white shirts, jeans, plain t-shirts, black trousers, sweaters and plain dresses are flexible. Their appearance can be altered with various layers, add-ons, colors, shoes, and styling.

The aim is not to replace all of your outfits. Rather, it is all about how novel methods can be used to wear familiar garments. 

Start With the Basics You Already Own

Prior to making new outfits, survey your wardrobe and find the essentials that you use the most.

These may include:

White or neutral T-shirt

• Button-down shirts
• Straight-leg jeans
• Black trousers
• Denim jackets
• Neutral sweaters
• Simple dresses
• Blazers
• Basic sneakers
• Plain skirts

These pieces are great for starting as they are easy to link up with other pieces.

For instance, a white T-shirt can be paired with a pair of jeans for a casual look or a blazer for a more sophisticated one. It can be used in multiple ways, depending on the style. 

Use Layering to Change Your Outfit

Layering is one of the simplest methods for changing the appearance of simple clothes.

Wear a plain T-shirt, but then put a button-down shirt, denim jacket, cardigan or blazer over it.

Another option for wear when it is more temperate is to put a fitted long-sleeve shirt underneath a short sleeve shirt.

Try Different Layering Combinations

Here are some combinations you can make with it:

White T-shirt, open button-down shirt and denim jeans

Basic dress + cardigan + belt.

Plain sweater + collared shirt underneath

Tank top + Blazer + Trousers.

T-shirt, denim jacket and skirt.

The appearance of an outfit can be altered by changing one layer. 

Add a Belt to Create More Shape

Belts can serve more than just for keeping trousers up.

A belt that can be fastened to loosen up garments and outline the waist.

Sneak on a belt over a plain dress, oversized shirt, cardigan or blazer. This makes them look snug without having to wear different garments.

A black or brown belt would be suitable for casual attire. If the belt is wider or has a texture to it, then it can make for a more striking style element.

Tuck Your Shirts in Different Ways

How a shirt is tucked will make all the difference in the entire outfit.

A full tuck will generally give a more refined and tidier appearance. It is suitable for trousers, skirts and high-waisted jeans.

A front tuck will give a more relaxed look. All you need to do is tuck the front part of your shirt into your pants and leave the loose part hanging.

Another option is to tuck just one side of a button-down shirt which brings a little creativity and casualness to the outfit.

Simple adjustments such as these can transform familiar outfits into new ones.

Change Your Shoes

Basic clothing can be turned into a totally different look with shoes.

See how it looks on someone wearing a white shirt and basic pair of jeans.

The outfit is casual with sneakers.

Loafers make it look more sophisticated.

When it comes to heels, it can be used for dinner or an evening event.

It makes for a more dramatic seasonal appearance when teamed with boots.

This is why shoes are among the most straightforward ways to restyle straightforward garments. 

Use Accessories to Refresh Basic Outfits

Simple clothing can be spiced up with accessories.

Try adding:

• Necklaces
• Watches
• Earrings
• Scarves
• Handbags
• Sunglasses
• Hats
• Belts

It’s not necessary to wear a ton of accessories at the same time. When it comes to selecting items, choose 1 or 2 items that are carefully selected.

For instance, a black dress might be seen in various ways related to the different accessories you wear such as a scarf, a statement necklace, a belt, or a structured handbag. 

Roll or Fold Sleeves

A shirt or coat with rolled-up sleeves can make a difference in the appearance of the outfit.

Rolled sleeve shirts can result in a more laid back and comfortable look.

Button down shirts, denim jackets, blazers, or lightweight sweaters can all have sleeves rolled back.

Various sleeve lengths will also balance an outfit out. If you want to reveal more wrist, this is the time to wear larger clothes to make them lighter and less bulky. 

Mix Casual and Formal Pieces

To get a feel for how to mix casual with more formal items, another great idea is to mix up casual clothing with more formal items.

For instance don’t wear a blazer with formal trousers but with jeans and sneakers.

Wear a simple t-shirt with a midi skirt.

Shirt should be button down and jeans should be casual.

Combine a simple dress with sneakers instead of heels.

To avoid dulling simple outfits, mix styles together. 

Experiment With Color Combinations

Neutral basics are handy as they will mix with a variety of other colors.

If your wardrobe is mostly black, white, grey, beige, navy or denim, consider adding bolder hues to your jackets, scarves, bags or shoes.

Try also monochromatic looks!

For instance, mix a couple of tints of grey or beige in a single outfit.

This lends a purposeful feel even in the case of plain items. 

Try Knotting Your Shirts

The basic shirt or button down can be dressed up by tying the shirt at the waist.

It’s great for high-waisted trousers, jeans, shorts or skirts.

A loose button-down can be worn over a dress, or as a light outer layer.

It adds a bit of heft to simple outfits and provides a relaxed summer style. 

Wear Dresses as Separate Pieces

Don’t always think of a dress and shoes as a complete outfit!

Try wearing a sweater over a dress so that it looks like a skirt.

You can also wear a shirt or fitted top underneath a sleeveless dress.

The other choice is to use a button-down shirt that is open over the dress, like a light jacket.

These matchup can help you to create a number of totally different ensembles from one dress. 

Restyle Your Jeans

Jeans are one of the versatile clothes that can be worn in any type of closet.

Try another pair of shoes, or a pair of sandals, with another T-shirt – instead of having to wear them all the time with sneakers and a T-shirt.

A smart casual style can be achieved with jeans, blazer and loafers.

A tucked button down shirt is a better choice to wear with them for a more tidy look.

During colder seasons, wear them with boots and a sweater.

Another idea is to make your jeans slightly different by cuffing the bottom so that you can accentuate your shoes. 

Use a Blazer in Casual Outfits

You don’t have to wear a blazer exclusively to work or to meetings.

It can effortlessly transform everyday essentials into something special.

Top is a plain T-shirt and bottom are jeans and sneakers with a blazer. The mix is comfortable while yet looking put together.

A simple dress can also be paired with a blazer or shorts in summer.

Carterjack neutral blazers are a black, navy, grey or beige colour that can be paired with various styles. 

Repeat Clothes With Different Styling

It’s okay to make repeated use of the same outfit.

The secret is knowing how to mix them together.

For instance, if you have one white shirt you could wear it:

Wearing jeans and sneakers,

Under a sweater

Open over a tank top

Tucked into a skirt

Under a blazer

Snearing over a dress at the waist

This simply translates to several outfits from just one simple shirt without buying additional clothes. 

Focus on Fit and Proportion

Simple garments seem to be more attractive when the proportions are harmonious.

When the top is too big, try wearing it with skinny trousers.

For wide leg pants, consider pairing with a fitted or tucked shirt.

A dress that fits can also be paired with a large jacket.

When you get to know the concept of proportion, simple outfits look intentional. 

Final Thoughts

It’s mostly creativity, not extra clothes, when it comes to learning new styles of basic clothes.

Simple wardrobe staples can be transformed into a completely different outfit by using layering, accessories, varying kinds of shoes, belts, tucking, color, and mixing casual and formal pieces.

Try to begin with the clothing you wear most frequently. Experiment with mixing them up in new ways.

You might find there are a lot more wardrobe options than you anticipated.