Happy Wednesday, ladies! We’re on a roll here – three posts in a ROW. I’m actually ready to go to bed like, now, and it’s not even 7pm yet. My teachers out there – do you also get insanely exhausted everyday for the first week back after a break? Because whew… And that’s the kind of days I’m talking about in this post actually. It’s pretty clear I’m a big fashion lover, I have a blog about it, and I assume you are too if you’re reading this. But life has a way of doing its thing, and we don’t always have time to really get the look. So I rely on fashion formulas, but one formula is especially a go-to look because it’s so easy to dress up or down without actually *thinking* about it.

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MAXSTUDIO CARDIGAN (SIMILAR)  // VINTAGE SILK TANK (SIMILAR)  // AMERICAN EAGLE FLARED DENIM // KATE SPADE BAG // RAY-BAN SUNNIES // BP. MULES

MY GO-TO LOOK

My go-to look is the easiest fashion formula – ever:

a long cardigan + a loose tank + comfy bottoms + chic (and comfy) shoes

Done, and done. I have a few long cardigans that I love grabbing for. The reason I pick long cardigans is because some times my comfy pants are leggings. Totally guilty. But I’m a little self-conscious of my bottom, so a long cardigan offers that security. Plus, it’s super chic.

I typically opt for a tank because I’m the literal worst at regulating my body temperature and hate getting too warm. But really, any t-shirt or long sleeve top would work as well. I like slightly less fitted styles because 1) they’re comfy, 2) they allow for all the eating, and 3) they’re flattering.

While a dress may seem easier, because it’s one piece to put on, I don’t count dresses as the easiest to wear in a go-to formula. Mostly because I never truly know what my day may hold, what the weather will be like, or who I’ll be with on any given crazy busy day. So having a pant gives me flexibility, both figuratively and literally, so one look can conquer just about any day I might be facing; and it’s one less variable that needs to be considered in the morning.

Specific choices in fabrics and accessories can really change the formality of this formula, so I’ll talk about those next.

DRESSING IT UP OR DOWN

Dressing this look up or down is as easy as what you pull off the shelf. When I pick up long cardigans, I always make sure they’re simple and versatile because it’s one less thing to think about in this formula. And that’s the point.

For tops, when I want a dressier look, I chose a nicer fabric. Silk is my go-to because it feels amazing on and looks gorgeous. A tank with a bit of embellishment around the collar is also a little fancier. For a more casual look, cotton, marled fabrics, and stretchy loose jersey exude that carefree style. Or anything graphic.

Like I said above, I’m not against going for leggings and there are ways to dress them up with a formula like this. But for ease of thinking space, I stick to wearing them when I’m going casual. For dressing up, denim is an easy and chic solution. A flared denim like this offers a nice middle ground, but depending on footwear, a dark skinny jean could make it date-night ready.

And finally, shoes. Casual = flat, dressy = not flat. Obviously exceptions always apply, but thinking space. If I need to be a little more dressed up, I pick out a shoe in a neutral color that’s got a bit of a lift. If I just want to be extra casual, I’ll go for a flat sandal or even cute sneakers. Easy.

HOW TO GET OUT THE DOOR IN STYLE

Getting out the door in style requires a little preparation, and practice in training your mindset, but it really is the easiest kind of practice. A sticky note with a quickly drawn flow chart or list of formulas is perfect until you get a few memorized.

First, limit your options. I know that sounds counter-productive, but think of how amazed you are by people who create so many looks with such small capsule wardrobes. If your not a capsule wardrobe person, don’t worry. Think in terms of formulas. There’s no way I could limit my wardrobe by color, but on busy days, I can limit how I use my wardrobe by only going for specific pieces.

Like I said above, you can make even leggings dressy in this formula, but I don’t try. Unless I really have time to play, I limit the options to my mental flow chart. I start at “there’s no time, let’s do the long cardigan look” and then decide between dressy or casual. Once I make that decision, I pick the casual/dressy choice between leggings/denim, flats/heels, and cotton/silk. DONE. I know exactly where to head in my closet and usually have the exact pieces I’m going to grab in mind before I even get the door open.

HAIR & MAKEUP

Lastly, when I’m rushing out the door and am not the one driving, I’ll usually spend a few extra minutes on making my hair look a little nicer, see this post, in lieu of doing my makeup. Instead, I have a go-bag packed and left by the door that’s filled with makeup that’s easy to apply. A little cream eyeshadow and a touch of bronzer go a long way to making you look put together. Mascara I apply at the stoplights or just before jumping out of the car – don’t poke your eyes out. I also keep a bunch of tissues/wipes in that bag to keep in my lap to catch product and wipe it from my hands when I’m done.

When I am driving, I go for an easy teased ponytail, twisted bun, or half-up with a pretty clip to keep my hair back and tamed. Dry shampoo and not slicking it back keeps it from looking greasy (even if it is). And then I take my last few minutes to apply a little concealer, mascara, and the rest of my go-to, makes-me-feel-more-put-together makeup essentials. Because if you feel put together, you usually look it, too.

What’s your go-to look? Is it one you love and feel good in, or are you still on the hunt for the perfect chic and fast style?