How to dress every day – tips and inspiration

What you wear every day is a question of how you feel as much as how you look. The right clothes can add confidence and change how others read you. A considered outfit lets you express your personality and adapt what you wear to different
situations – seeing friends, running errands, a day at work. It is worth remembering that clothes also shape how others receive us – a neat, well-chosen outfit speaks of professionalism and attention to detail. The right outfit can lift your confidence, which counts most in situations that ask something of your presentation, at work or socially.

Everyday outfits also rest on T-shirts, shirts and blouses. A plain white T-shirt is a must-have in any wardrobe – wear it with jeans, with a skirt or under a blazer. Shirts, classic or looser, add elegance and are a good call on days when you want to look more professional. Blouses in different patterns and colours let you play with fashion and freshen up everyday outfits. It is worth looking at the fabric of your
T-shirts and shirts too – organic cotton or linen are more comfortable to wear and hard-wearing at the same time. Blouses with interesting details, ruffles or embroidery, can give simple outfits something of their own.

Outfits for a walk or the shops should be comfortable above all, but they need not be dull. Pair your favourite jeans with an easy T-shirt or jumper and finish with trainers and a plain bag. On cooler days a denim jacket or a bomber is the right call, giving the look an urban edge. Everyday outfits can be comfortable and stylish at once. Easy footwear such as trainers keeps you comfortable all day, and casual extras such as a cap or a backpack bring in a relaxed note.

Everyday workwear should be comfortable and still smart enough. Tailored trousers with a shirt or an elegant blouse are a good choice. If the dress code allows, dark jeans with a classic jumper or a blazer work too. Smart shoes such as loafers or ballet flats finish it off. Work outfits need not be stiff – if the office is relaxed, reach for elegant trousers with a looser jumper. What matters is feeling comfortable while still looking professional.

Accessories are the key part of any outfit and can change it completely. Even the simplest jeans-and-T-shirt combination takes on a new dimension with the right jewellery, a scarf or a good bag. Hats, belts and sunglasses give an outfit definition and bring out what is individual about it. With everyday dressing it is the accessories that make a simple outfit more interesting. Colourful scarves, bags in striking patterns or sunglasses in unusual shapes will give even the classic jeans-and-tee pairing some character.

Colour and pattern bring energy to any outfit. Rather than sticking to neutrals, it is worth trying bolder colours that can refresh an everyday look. Patterns too – stripes, check or florals – add movement and draw the eye. The key is combining pattern and colour so the whole thing holds together. Contrasting patterns, stripes with florals, can add a little madness. Do take care not to overdo it – if you go for a patterned
blouse, keep the rest of the outfit quieter.

In spring and summer go for light, breathable fabrics. Maxi dresses, shorts and floaty blouses are a fine choice for warm days. Finish with flat sandals or espadrilles and a straw hat. For cooler mornings and evenings, a light denim jacket or a cardigan comes in handy. In summer it is worth choosing natural fabrics such as linen or cotton, which let the skin breathe and stay comfortable even on hot days. A straw hat is not only sun protection but a stylish addition to summer outfits.

In autumn and winter, layering is the basis. It is worth investing in good-quality jumpers you can pair with jeans, skirts or tailored trousers. A coat or a down jacket keeps out the cold, and flat ankle boots or knee-high boots finish the outfit. Extras such as a scarf, hat and gloves add warmth and bring out the tone of the whole look. Merino wool or cashmere jumpers are ideal for colder days – warm and very stylish. Layering, a T-shirt under a jumper or a blazer under a coat, opens up interesting outfits and is very practical in the between-seasons months.