you can look put together in simple yet stunning outfits
“I can’t believe how cute you dress with those 6 little ones! Don’t you worry about your clothes being ruined?”
My eyes dropped to my basic outfit, and I wondered why she thought I was so dressed up. I was wearing a tee, my favorite jeans, and flats. Stud earrings, a striped diaper bag, and 6 kids ages 2 to 8 completed my ensemble, but my outfit was pretty simple.
After giving birth to 6 kids in 6 years, my days have been messy for 12 years now, but it has always been important to me to get up and get dressed every day. Even with the lots of spit up, diaper explosions, sticky hands, and messy faces, I like to be dressed and look nice.
I’m in a different stage of life now that my youngest is 6, but daily life as a mom is still messy with cooking, cleaning, hidden puddles of syrup on the counter, and the occasional glitter explosion.
This article and the video below are taken from the Stunning Style Weekly Style Snack! Join us Wednesdays at 1pm ET on the Stunning Style Facebook page or the FREE Capsule Wardrobes for Classic Style Facebook Group.
I'm not as dressed up as I look
Do basic outfits have to be boring? The truth is, my outfits are still pretty simple because of myMinimal Classicstyle, but I look much more dressed up than I am. Most of my outfits come from a simple formula that allows me to be put together, but ready for anything that comes my way.
Broken down by tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, outerwear, and accessories, I’m sharing what I wore in the early, messy days, and what I NEVER WORE during that stage of my life. These same tips apply whether your job, lifestyle, or personal preference requires basic outfits.
Are you surrounded by sticky hands, syrup puddles, glitter explosions, or otherwise worried about ruining your clothes? Your basic outfits can still be stunning.
Finding your style makes it even easier to get dressed, and if you’re still refining, or starting from scratch, the Classic Style Twist Quiz can get you started!
14 thoughts on “How To Take Basic Outfits From Simple To Stunning”
Deanie
October 28, 2019 at 1:19 pm
After becoming familiar with what style I am, I discovered my closet was full of things I didn’t know how to put together. UNTIL NOW! Thank you so much! 🦋🌷
Reply
April Grow
October 28, 2019 at 4:14 pm
You’re welcome Deanie! I’m so glad this is helpful!
Reply
Cathy
October 31, 2019 at 10:52 pm
I love, love, love all your outfit suggestions! I also like how you have grown your hair out and style it (with texture) Could you do a short video on how to style your longer hair.
April Grow
November 1, 2019 at 3:48 pm
Thanks Cathy! I’m glad you love the outfit suggestions. I feel like I’m still in a major learning curve with my hair, but when I feel like I have my system down, I will definitely share! Thanks for the suggestion. I love knowing what you’d like to see here.
Reply
Kimberly Lattimore
October 31, 2019 at 4:09 am
So excited to be part of this group!!! I’ve been searching out my style & this really resonates with me.
Reply
April Grow
November 1, 2019 at 3:43 pm
Welcome Kimberly! I’m so glad you found us, and that this resonates with you. We are excited to be part of your style journey.
Reply
Judith Tolman
October 31, 2019 at 6:04 pm
I absolutely love how your explanations help me pull together a look that presents me to the world in a way that is comfortable and tasteful. Thank you!!! It is helping me refine my closet so the items I keep are truly a reflection of who I am.
Reply
April Grow
November 1, 2019 at 3:47 pm
Thank you Judith! I’ve loved watching you develop your personal style in the Society. I love seeing your outfits.
Reply
Jess
November 1, 2019 at 2:22 pm
I just found your blog and it is amazing! I sent the link to my daughter immediately as we just recently had this conversation about wanting less clothing, the right clothing, but not being sure of how to go about it. I have learned that In the city I am a classic minimalist that can veer in all directions except cute. I have a dilemma, however…I have a soft spot for what I can only call the cowgirl/mountain girl esthetic on the weekend. Think brown harness or hiking boots, Lucky Brand jeans, a leather belt and southwestern-ish jewelry. I even like plaid shirts. But almost always it feels like too much. How on earth can this be incorporated into the classic style? Or am I doomed to a country mouse/city mouse dichotomy?
Reply
April Grow
November 1, 2019 at 3:52 pm
Jess, welcome! I’m so glad you found me and my articles are helpful. It might surprise you, but I’m a country girl at heart. I love to ride, I have a mini homestead (it’s gotten smaller as I’ve gotten busier, and when the last flock of chickens was killed by yet another neighbor dog, I gave up. I had already replaced 50 hens over the years due to dogs), I LOVE gardening and landscaping, I’m a master canner, and an amazing country two-stepper. So I am also drawn to that aesthetic. I would say choose fewer of those details per outfit if it feels like too much. Have you read the Sporty Classic article? It might help. https://stunningstyle.com/style-secrets/how-to-dress-sporty-classic-outfits
Reply
Rose Back
November 16, 2019 at 4:59 am
A word about handbags, I have a small collection of Louis Vuitton bags that I love. One is a classic black, one is a classic brown (damier ebene), one is a classic cream (damier azur). Since I’m not buying a navy bag or a red bag right now I use my brown bag on navy bag days and my cream bag on red bag days. What do you think?
Reply
April Grow
November 23, 2019 at 3:43 am
I think those are great options, and you should definitely wear what you love! I love my brown bag and wear it often.
Reply
Dawn Wecker
October 26, 2020 at 10:50 am
What are the brand of jeans do you have so many versions?
Reply
April Grow
October 26, 2020 at 4:23 pm
These are from Express, but they’ve been discontinued and are no longer available.
Reply
