As a personal stylist, I’ve met so many women who feel overwhelmed by their wardrobes. They’ve got plenty of clothes but somehow still feel like they have “nothing to wear.” Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing: putting an outfit together isn’t about having more clothes. It’s about making intentional choices—knowing what suits you, what makes you feel confident, and how to combine the pieces you already love. Once you understand a few key principles, it gets easier (and more fun!) to get dressed every day.

Let me walk you through the exact steps I use with my clients to help them put together outfits they actually want to wear.

Step 1: Start With Your Day

Before you dive into colours, shapes, or accessories, pause and ask yourself: What does today look like?

Are you working from home? Going to meetings? School run and then brunch? Your outfit should reflect what your day demands—and how you want to feel while living it.

I always say: if it’s not comfortable, you won’t wear it. If it doesn’t feel like you, you won’t feel confident in it. So begin with the practical stuff—weather, walking, meetings, dress codes—and build from there.

Stylist tip: Think of your outfit like a building. Your lifestyle is the foundation. Start there and everything else becomes easier.

Step 2: Know Your Style Personality

This is the part most people skip—but it’s key.

Your style personality is how your wardrobe reflects you. It’s that invisible thread that connects all the pieces you love. Are you more classic or creative? Minimalist or romantic? Edgy or effortless?

When I work with personal styling clients, we often discover they’ve been dressing for someone else’s lifestyle—or someone else’s idea of what they “should” wear. That’s when outfits start to feel off.

Take a look at your Pinterest board, the clothes you always reach for, or the pieces that bring compliments. These are clues. Your style personality isn’t something you force—it’s something you uncover.

Stylist tip: Pick three words you’d love people to use when describing your look. That’s your starting point.

Step 3: Dress for Your Shape (Not the Trend)

Trends come and go. But understanding your body shape? That’s timeless.

Whether you're curvy, petite, tall, straight, or somewhere in-between, there are styles that will always feel better on you. When you learn to balance proportions and highlight your favourite features, you stop chasing every trend—and start building a wardrobe that works.

The goal is never to hide your body, but to dress it in a way that feels flattering and intentional. It’s about choosing cuts, lengths, and silhouettes that make you feel good, not self-conscious.

Stylist tip: Instead of asking “Does this fit?” try asking “Does this balance me out?” and “Do I feel great in this?”

Step 4: Use Colour to Your Advantage

Colour can make or break an outfit. The right shades will make your skin glow, your eyes pop, and your outfit feel instantly more polished—even if you’re just wearing jeans and a tee.

That doesn’t mean you have to wear brights if you’re a neutral lover. It’s about knowing your undertone and choosing colours that work with it.

If you've never had a colour analysis, it’s one of the most powerful tools in styling. Clients often tell me it’s the moment things "clicked"—shopping gets easier, mixing and matching becomes effortless, and outfits just start to work.

Stylist tip: If you're ever unsure, wear your best neutral close to your face—like ivory, charcoal, navy, or camel—and add colour through accessories.

Step 5: Build Around One Hero Piece

Here’s where the fun begins.

Every great outfit starts with one key piece. It could be a patterned skirt, a well-cut blazer, a silk blouse you love, or even a pair of boots you’re excited to wear. Start with that item, and build the rest of your outfit around it.

Ask yourself:

What complements this piece without competing?
Do I need to balance the volume (e.g. slim trousers with an oversized knit)?
Should I keep the rest of the outfit simple to let this item shine?

This keeps things focused—and helps you avoid the trap of trying on everything you own.

Stylist tip: If you feel stuck, browse your camera roll. Look at outfits you’ve worn and loved, then rebuild them with a fresh twist.

Step 6: Add Layers & Accessories with Intention

Accessories are the secret sauce. They can elevate a basic outfit, tie everything together, or shift your look from casual to polished in seconds. But the key word here is intention.

Choose one or two statement elements—like a bold necklace, a great handbag, or a printed scarf—and let them do the talking. Don’t feel the need to overdo it. Sometimes, a single belt or pair of earrings can change the feel of your entire outfit.

And then there’s layering. Cardigans, jackets, blazers—they add depth and interest. Plus, they’re practical when the weather can’t decide what it’s doing.

Stylist tip: A third layer (even a light one) almost always makes an outfit feel more “finished.”

If this is the part that overwhelms you—shopping for those key pieces or knowing what to invest in—I can help. My personal shopper sessions are all about finding pieces that work for you, your shape, your lifestyle, and your budget. Whether it’s building a capsule wardrobe or choosing outfits for a special occasion, I’ll take the stress out of the process.

Step 7: Check for Balance – Style, Comfort, Proportion

You’ve pulled your outfit together—great. But before you walk out the door, do a quick “balance check.”

Look in the mirror and ask:

Is the outfit balanced in terms of shape? (e.g. if the top is voluminous, is the bottom more fitted—or vice versa?)
Do the colours and textures complement each other?
Do I feel comfortable—not just physically, but emotionally? Would I feel confident walking into a room like this?

This step is less about following rules and more about noticing how everything works together. Sometimes, it’s one small tweak—a tucked-in top, a cuffed sleeve, a swap of shoes—that makes the outfit really sing.

Stylist tip: Snap a mirror selfie! It’s often easier to spot what’s working (and what’s not) when you step back and look at a photo.

Common Outfit Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most stylish people make these sometimes:

Wearing too many statement pieces at once – It’s easy to go overboard. Let one item shine.
Forgetting about fit – A blazer that almost fits will always feel “off.” Tailoring makes a big difference.
Choosing function over style or vice versa – A great outfit does both.
Ignoring proportions – Balance bulky items with something sleeker.
Wearing clothes that don’t feel like you – You should feel comfortable and confident, not like you're in costume.

Extra Tips for Everyday Style Success

Plan the night before. Mornings are easier when you already know what you’re wearing.
Keep a “yes” section in your wardrobe. These are pieces you always feel good in.
Have a few outfit formulas. E.g. blazer + tee + jeans, or knit + midi skirt + boots.
Check the weather app. Honestly, it saves so many regrets.

Style Made Simple: Easy Outfit Formulas

If you ever feel stuck, use these outfit formulas as your starting point. They work for a range of body shapes, personal styles, and lifestyles—just swap pieces to suit your wardrobe.

Style Made Simple: Easy Outfit Formulas
Occasion	Outfit Formula	Stylist Notes
Casual Everyday	Knit Jumper + Slim Jeans + Ankle Boots	Add a scarf or hoop earrings to finish the look
School Run / Errands	Breton Top + Utility Jacket + Leggings + Trainers	Layer with a crossbody bag for a polished touch
Smart-Casual Workwear	Blazer + Tee or Blouse + Wide-Leg Trousers + Loafers	Try tonal shades for a sleek, modern look
Weekend Brunch	Midi Dress + Denim Jacket + Trainers or Ankle Boots	Belt the dress to define your waist
Dinner Out	Silk Blouse + Black Trousers + Heels + Statement Earrings	Add a clutch and red lipstick for instant glam
Coffee with Friends	Longline Cardigan + Vest Top + Straight-Leg Jeans + Ballet Flats	Soft, chic, and comfortable

Stylist tip: Choose your “hero piece” first (like the blazer or midi dress) and build the rest of the outfit around it using this table as inspiration.

Free Download: Your Weekly Outfit Planner and Outfit Formulas

Outfit planner - download and print — *Download and print your free Outfit Planner to simplify your weekly style. Click the image or link below to get started.*

Want to put these tips into action right away? I’ve created a free printable PDF that includes:

My go-to outfit formulas (so you're never stuck wondering what to wear)
A 7-day outfit planner to map out your week in advance
Space to note occasions, key pieces, and stylist tips

-> Download your free Outfit Planner and make getting dressed the easiest part of your day.

How to Adapt Your Outfit Formulas for the Seasons

Outfit formulas are flexible—but the key to making them work year-round is knowing how to seasonalise them. Here’s how to tweak the same base outfit to suit different weather, fabrics, and moods throughout the year.

Let’s take one core formula

Blazer + Top + Trousers + Shoes

🌸 Spring Outfit

Choose a lightweight blazer in soft tones (think sage, blush, or ivory)
Add a cotton or linen top
Go for cropped trousers or ankle-grazers
Pair with loafers or white trainers
Add a silk scarf or a structured tote

☀️ Summer Outfit

Swap the blazer for a linen waistcoat or go sleeveless
Choose a breathable tank or cami
Opt for light, wide-leg trousers or culottes
Finish with sandals or espadrilles
Add bold jewellery or a straw bag for texture

🍂 Autumn Outfit

Go with a structured blazer in a rich, earthy tone (rust, olive, or navy)
Choose a long-sleeved jersey or knit top
Switch to heavier trousers—cords or wool blends
Add ankle boots
Layer in a fine knit or lightweight turtleneck underneath for added warmth

❄️ Winter Outfit

Use a wool or tweed blazer, layered over a thermal or cashmere knit
Add thermal tights or layer under trousers with leggings
Pair with chunky boots or lined ankle boots
Wrap up with a coat, scarf, and gloves—but keep the base outfit stylish

Stylist tip: Keep your core formula the same—just update the fabrics, colours, and accessories to reflect the season.

Your Turn – Plan a Week of Outfits

If you’ve made it this far, challenge yourself: plan five outfits for the week ahead using what you’ve just learned.

Start with:

One hero piece you haven’t worn in a while
A colour combo you haven’t tried before
An accessory you’ve forgotten you own

You don’t need a whole new wardrobe. You just need a fresh approach.

Confidence Over Perfection

Style isn’t about getting it perfect—it’s about feeling like yourself. Trust your instincts, play a little, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

And if you ever need a bit of help—from discovering your best colours to redefining your whole wardrobe—I’m here. You can explore my personal styling, colour analysis, or personal shopping services, or simply drop me a message to say hello.

Happy outfit planning!

HOW TO PUT AN OUTFIT TOGETHER (Without the Stress)