Just as you undoubtedly do, we lead busy lives, and although we get much joy out of taking the time to put together a great outfit, we don’t always have the time to put much thought into it, but we have a few outfit-choosing tricks up our sleeves. It’s safe to say that we’re all guilty of complaining that we “have nothing to wear,” but it’s far from the truth. The solution is just knowing what combination of pieces always work when you’re lacking in time or inspiration.
We editors are proud to say that even when we’re very strapped for time, we always manage to get out the door in an outfit we’re happy with, as can you. Scroll on for our best speedy outfit-choosing tips, and shop pieces that come in handy when time is of the essence. You might even realize that you do, in fact, have lots of things to wear.
“I’m just going to say it: Mornings are a nightmare for me. The days that feel the smoothest and most efficient are the ones when I’ve mentally put together an outfit already or even tried it on and laid it all out the night before. I like to decide on the vibe I’m after and pick out the main pieces of the outfit then just leave the decision making to shoes, bags, and accessories in the morning. But if I wake up with no idea in mind of what I want to wear, then all bets are off. I might fall into a vortex and come out the other end an hour and 15 wardrobe changes later. So it really all comes down to outfit planning for me.”
“I have one uniform I always stick to when I’m in a rush—a black sweater, moto jacket, black jeans, and boots. Sure, I like to switch it up from time to time, but if I need to put together something quick that’s inherently chic and comfortable, I just go for that four-piece uniform and call it a day.”
“I go for a matching set when I’m truly in a time pinch. Sometimes that means a suit or a sweater-and-skirt set, and it can even mean a top and pants that are the same color. That way, the clothing part of the equation is done, and I can just pop on shoes and go!”
Shop the matching Bruco Pants ($245).
“For me, jeans and a jacket are my unofficial uniform. There are so many ways to mix up the look—whether it’s the cut of the jeans or the type of jacket—but it’s also a breeze to pull together when I’m in a time crunch.”
“I rarely give myself enough time to really think about an outfit in the morning, so on those days when I’m feeling particularly rushed, I go with an all-black look and always feel presentable enough.”
“When I want to throw on something quickly, I go to my top drawer that’s filled with all my favorite band tees. They’re all super comfortable and worn-in, so they’re kind of like my security blanket. Then, I’ll reach for a blazer to make it more polished and presentable. Depending on the occasion, I’ll either add basic blue jeans or long black wide-leg jeans.”
“When time is not on my side, I’ll always opt for my trusty basics to save the day—straight-leg jeans, a basic tee, and a black or beige blazer. A simple yet polished winning formula that solves every fashion dilemma.”
“I’m a big shoe and accessory person, so that’s usually where I start when deciding what to wear. I’ll literally choose something as small as a pair of socks or a necklace or bag and work around that. I don’t know the science behind why this works, but it gives me a starting point and inspires the look I’m going for.”
