52 Classic Outfit Formulas for Effortless Style Over 40 (2024)

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By Megan Kristel

What are Outfit Formulas?

Simply put, an outfit formula is a template to follow when creating a look. Like a “plug-and-play” to make the most of your wardrobe purchases.

Thinking of getting dressed as a formula will help you put together a complete outfit for any occasion so you look and feel well dressed. 😉

Make Them Your Own

These formulas are designed to show how and why certain pieces pair well together.

So you’ll be inspired and empowered to create unique looks that work within your budget, body-type and lifestyle.

Why Outfit Formulas Instead of Capsule Wardrobes

I regularly hear from readers that capsule wardrobes are limiting. They feel that their lives require a wardrobe with more variety and personality.

Capsule wardrobes can be incredibly helpful, but if you find them challenging, a formula may be a better way to fill your style needs while making sure you get the most out of your wardrobe.

Focusing on outfit formulas will give you more flexibility and more options.

As always, each look in the formula series will be based in modern, classic style, so if that’s your jam, you’re in the right place.

Each post includes affordable and size-inclusive options from our readerships favorite retailers.

Outfit Formulas by The Well Dressed Life

Imagine a closet full of clothes you love and know how to wear.

The beauty of an outfit formula is it makes getting dressed easy.

So often, we overcomplicate the process, reinventing the wheel every time we stand in front of our closets.

What’s nice about outfit formulas is that you not only have a guideline to provide clarity and inspiration, but you’ll also start to define your style.

During this year-long series, keep in mind that specific formulas will speak to you more than others. And that’s the point. 🙂

Please focus on the looks that you feel the best in and replicate them with pieces you already have and new items you purchase through our recommendations.

You’ll start to see your personal style emerge when you pay attention to the garments and outfits you turn to over and again.

52 Outfit Formulas for Classic Timeless Style

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: Chambray Shirt

Countless Options from a Wardrobe Staple

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: Chambray Shirt

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: Slim Straight Leg Jean

Tons of Outfit Making Opportunity

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: Slim Straight Leg Jean

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Trapeze Dress

A Flattering Summer Dress Two Ways

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Trapeze Dress

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: Driving Loafers

Driving Loafers Styled Two Ways

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: Driving Loafers

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Pull On Skirt

Casual, Elevated Outfit Inspiration

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Pull On Skirt

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Cargo Pant

An Updated Pant Styled Two Modern Ways

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Cargo Pant

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Navy Blazer

From Casual Chic to Office-Ready.

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Navy Blazer

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Sweatsuit

Making the Romanticized Version of our Style Practical

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Sweatsuit

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Body-Con Dress

Don’t Let “Body-Con” Freak You Out.

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Body-Con Dress

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Fleece Lined Legging

Classic Cold Weather Looks.

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Fleece Lined Legging

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Bootcut Jean

Embracing a Classic Wardrobe Staple

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Bootcut Jean

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Velvet Blazer

For a Chic and Festive Holiday Look

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Velvet Blazer

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Sequin Top

Party- Ready Outfit Formulas.

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Sequin Top

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formulas: The Sweater Dress

Layers of shades and textures.

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formulas: The Sweater Dress

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Novelty Heel

Zhush -up for the Holidays.

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Novelty Heel

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Basic Turtleneck

You Need Boring Pieces to Make an Interesting Outfit.

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Basic Turtleneck

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Faux Leather Skirt

An Elevated Classic Styled Two Ways

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Faux Leather Skirt

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Print Blouse

A Stop-You-In-Your-Tracks Print

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Print Blouse

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Bow Blouse

The Return of a Timeless Staple

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Bow Blouse

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Chelsea Boot

One Boot for Work or Weekends

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Chelsea Boot

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Ballet Flat

An elongating shoe without added height.

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Ballet Flat

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Half Zip Sweatshirt

And Updated Stylish Sweatshirt

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Half Zip Sweatshirt

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Nap Dress

Less Frill More Function

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Nap Dress

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula : The Linen Short

A Heatwave Ready Combination

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula : The Linen Short

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Shirt Dress

A Timeless Classic Back in the Mix

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Shirt Dress

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Tunic Top

A Summer Wardrobe Stand Out

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Tunic Top

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Sporty Skort

Cute Sideline Style

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Sporty Skort

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Midi Skirt

A fabulous alternative to Capris or shorts.

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Midi Skirt

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Ankle Pant

Flattering on Everyone.

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Ankle Pant

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Linen Shirt

A Staple in Your Coast Grandmother Wardrobe

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Linen Shirt

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The White Sneaker

One Sneaker, Endless Options.

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The White Sneaker

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The White Jean

The Most Versatile Piece in Your Spring Wardrobe.

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The White Jean

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The White Blazer

The Outfit Finisher of Spring.

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The White Blazer

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Tee Shirt Dress

Tee shirt dresses are where it’s at.

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Tee Shirt Dress

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Trench Coat

The One Coat Every Woman Needs

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Trench Coat

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formulas: The Chambray Shift Dress

Where this dress instead of shorts

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formulas: The Chambray Shift Dress

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Field Jacket

The Importance of Outerwear in Your Outfit

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Field Jacket

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Camp Shirt

A fresh silhouette ready for your next vacation.

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Camp Shirt

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Oversized Sweater

How to Balance an Oversized Shape

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Oversized Sweater

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Jogger Pant

A Sporty Staple Styled TWO Ways

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Jogger Pant

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Classic Breton Top

American Style with a French Girl Twist

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Classic Breton Top

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Pencil Skirt

Dress her up or down

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Pencil Skirt

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Full Length Trouser

For Everyonewith Chilly Ankles

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Full Length Trouser

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Ivory Turtleneck Sweater

An Elegant Neutral Layer

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Ivory Turtleneck Sweater

Outfit FormulasOutfit Formula: The Boyfriend Blazer

An Updated Casual Classic

GET THE OUTFIT Outfit Formula: The Boyfriend Blazer

52 Classic Outfit Formulas for Effortless Style Over 40 (48)

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52 Classic Outfit Formulas for Effortless Style Over 40 (2024)
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