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Back to basics - What's your no-fail formula?

Day Vies

Veteran

This is a nifty formula I've picked up since joining the forum. It never fails and always looks appropriate: striped top, jeans and jacket. I've used this formula for business casual looks too. Of course different fits and fabrications will vary the look but this formula never gets old and always seems to work. I'm wearing:

ON cream & black bateau tee
ON maternity BF jeans
H&M military jacket in olive (courtesy of DH's closet)
Vera Wang python print ballet flats

Any other suggestions for no-fail formulas?

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30 replies

Latest reply was from Kiwichik

Aida

Veteran

Cute casual look, those python flats are a fab little touch. I think this formula works so well because it's full of classics, and as long as they're up-to-date it's going to look good.

magpie

My uniform tends to be jeans, t-shirt (often with a print or other detailing), cardigan and flats.

Marmee

Veteran

This looks so great. I think the necklace makes it. My easiest formula is jeans, cute flats, white tee, scarf and jacket (new this year!) or cardi (what I mostly wore last year).

I have a similar utility jacket that I've been wearing and love.

Style Fan

Veteran

My no fail uniform is jeans, t-shirt or tank, blazer/cardigan/leather jacket and booties/sandals. I am planning my outfit for tomorrow's outing and it will be that combination.

Depending on where I am going I wear my BF jeans or my dark wash boot cuts or my relaxed skinnies. I take it from there. Tomorrow we are socializing with friends, having lunch and dinner, the DHs are playing in their band, the adorable wives are chatting and going for a walk. My outfit has to be flexible because I will be doing a lot!

dustt

Veteran

favorite work formula - slim trousers, interesting flats, blouse and jacket - add some interest with the belt and perhaps (not always) a scarf, oh and of course color coordinated readers!!

Aziraphale

Veteran

No fail for me: the perfect faded jeans, white or heather grey tee shirt, black well-fitting blazer, cool shoes or booties.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

YLF DV. Mine is jacket, shirt or tunic, pants or jeans & booties. I've worn a version of this since I was 18 & that's a long, long time

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Aubergine

Veteran

You look great in this formula!

My equivalent is probably colored cardigan + either black top and neutral print skirt or neutral print top and black skirt.

crutcher

Veteran

Jeans, a sleeveless vest that I adore, long sleeve tee and short cowboy boots...I like your formula...looks fab and comfy too...

MRL

Veteran

For winter (casual): skinny jeans, riding boots and a plain crew or turtle neck sweater. For work : boot leg pants, heeled boots and plain crew neck sweater.

Joy

Veteran

My no-fail formula is like yours. I like to use a leather jacket with striped tee and jeans. Footwear depends on the season. I use white jeans and black just as much as blue.

Another no-fail for dressier occasions is a column of black, either sheath dress or pencil skirt and black top, with a great topper. I rarely wear black shoes, using pewter or nude most often. The topper may be colorful, a pastel, a print or a different texture in black, like a leather moto jacket or black lace bomber.

Thank you for starting this thread. We can all use new ideas.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You look fab in this flop proof formula. xo

Day Vies

Veteran

So many great ideas in one place!

Caro - you win hands down -- you provided a visual! Also there is no point in changing what works.

Aida- you read my mind. I definitely think this formula works for me because of the classics. I don't do too well when I stray too far from tried and true classics.

Marmee- I understand what you mean about the jacket. I was torn between this jacket and a leather scuba jacket. I ultimately chose this one because it's longer and works better with my proportions just now. I think I need to invest in new scarves. I want more spring-like prints and I just don't have any. Needless to say I like your formula and think it would work for my body now.

Style Fan - Isn't it always the case where you have to plan in advance what to wear for a long day of socializing. What will make you feel attractive, wear well and be comfortable? I like your solution.

Dustt - I really got a nice chuckle out of the color coordinated readers

Joy - I have got to say you are all inside my head. Your formulas sound like my own -- the column of black (dress or skirt and top) for dressier occasions is a fabulous base to build on. I discovered that this past fall/winter and I am sure I'll fall back on it again and again in the years to come. BTW I am sitting here watching Joan Rivers on Fashion Police and just realized that a column of black is her formula too. She tops it off with a snazzy jacket and statement necklace.

Helena

Veteran

Terrific thread, and DV you look awesome in your formula! I think I will be referring to this thread often for ideas.

My stylish SIL the other day told me that if she's stuck and doesn't know what to wear, she grabs a black top with a scarf, and it always works. (obviously she adds some sort of pants to the equation too!). Almost a no-brainer, but tonight going for a casual dinner at friends', I couldn't decide what to wear, and lo, I remembered her advice and it fit the bill! So I will be using it often!

Day Vies

Veteran

Torontogirl - I am so glad you both add pants to the equation :-D!

rabbit

Veteran

My default formula that feels both most 'me' and most comfy is lace up booties (usually flat) with leggings and tunic or with leggings and a tube skirt with over-sized top. It works with a variety of toppers and can be angled for slightly more dressy or more casual. I'll wear jeans too, but they are less comfortable and a bit more fussy with figuring out tucking and belts.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Isn't it great to have a FFBO? Your formula is classic, flattering, and can be dressed up or down. It's perfect! Mine is black jeans/pants/skirt, denim jacket, white button down, scarf. I can switch out any of the items with one of a different color and it still works.

MsLuna

Veteran

Day vies, your no-fail formula is very classy! You look great!

kellygirl

Veteran

Your formula is my formula! It's
easy to wear and flattering. I really like the simplicity of the necklace too. I tend to forget those little details but they make such a difference. Great FFBO!

T

For office - on formal days it is black skinny trousers with booties & a button shirt tucked in. Sleeves scrunched.

On casual days my no fail formula is either a fit & flare dress with a belt.

Greyscale

Veteran

That's a great formula, DV.

I think mine, currently, is slim black jeans, black silk sleeveless blouse, flats of some sort, interesting drapey cardigan if needed. My previous uniform was black skinnies, perfect black tshirt, combat or motorcycle boots, interesting cardigan or blazer.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I have a reverse Formula with Jeans being the same and then a plain top with white/black striped blazer... of course this is more limiiting since it only uses one specific blazer, while yours is much more versatile... Great Formula!!!

shiny

Veteran

I agree about your "just add stripes" formula, though for me it's "stripes + patterned scarf" shown here:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....shers-r-us

Thank you for your WiW - I have forgotten my army jacket! It's perfect weather for it right now. Last spring my army jacket formulas were navy blue dress + army jacket + cowboy boots or booties, OR army jacket + blue jeans + solid tee + leopard print belt or clutch.

Pic below shows another favorite spring formula of mine -- a solid dress (either black or navy) with white jean jacket, lightweight scarf, add bag+heels.

I wore this last night. We're going out to dinner with a different set of friends tonight and I'm thinking of wearing the exact same dress + white jean jacket again, but I'll swap out the scarf for a black & white one, swap the nude mules for black cage heels, and swap the bag for an oversized zebra clutch with hot pink accents. Fuchsia lipstick to match.

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catgirl

Veteran

Mine is skinnies and tunic with boots in winter, or boyfriend jeans and slouchy tee with oxfords or loafers in summer.

Love yours! I don't usually do a third/completed piece as I'm too challenged/lazy....

cciele

Veteran

I like the mix of military and stripes! Nice FFBO.

My no-fail formula is jeans, booties, tee and moto jacket (any fabrication -- leather, knit, denim, etc).

Jjsloane

Veteran

My work one is Pattern dress with jacket and pumps (or pattern jacket with solid dress)
For weekends: I'm with you on stripe tee, jeans and jacket or cardi of some sort
Nicely done and always nice to have a fall back.

Windchime

Veteran

I seem to be developing one this spring which is quite similar to yours, Day...jeans, a striped shirt or blouse tucked, a black or white belt, earrings, and on-trend footwear. I add a blazer, cardigan, or pullover if needed for warmth. I've used this formula three times in the past week.
Your DH's jacket looks great on you, and we are almost shoe twins--I have a similar pair from Gap.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Your no-fail is fantastic. My only no-fail is to repeat a past no-fail exactly, and even then things can go wrong!

Day Vies

Veteran

Shiny - Love your pics and link to your post. I like the addition of a scarf. More color is always good!

Windchime - DH's jacket has been all mine now he's not getting it back!

Jjsloane - I love the idea of a patterned dress with a jacket. I don't have one that works well with a jacket ... hmmm

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