As we settle in to 2025, it’s easy to find yourself falling into an outfit rut. The days are still pretty short, the weather seems to have settled on a steady cold temperature and finding the motivation to create fresh new looks is increasingly a struggle. Whenever I find myself in one of these ruts, I know that the essential condition for any new looks is this: they must be incredibly simple to assemble.
Thankfully, I’m of the belief that when it comes to most day to day outfits, simple really is best. The chicest influencers I obsess over all base their looks on a rotation of closet staples that they somehow manage to still make feel fresh and exciting. Cracking the code on how they do it is the key to livening up our February wardrobes without setting ourselves up to fail.
To help get us started, I’ve done some research and picked out five great looks that tick the boxes of being impressively elegant and irresistibly easy to put together. You’re sure to already own many of the staples involved, like straight-leg blue jeans, a thick wool coat and a crisp shirt, and just need to invest in some fun (and colourful) additions to help give them a second life. Come on, let’s get out of this February fashion rut—it’s time to make getting dressed fun again!
EASY OUTFITS TO COPY THIS YEAR:
1. PLEATED SKIRT + CAR COAT + LEOPARD FLATS
Style Notes: There’s just something about a pleated skirt that always looks effortlessly chic and timeless. Follow Chrystelle’s example and give yours a modern refresh by styling with a polo knit and leopard flats.
Shop the look:
Massimo Dutti
Cotton Blend Knit Polo Sweater
This comes in three other on-trend colours if you want to mix it up a bit.
Our editors are obsessed with pleated skirts right now.
M&S Collection
Cotton Rich Stormwear™ Car Coat
The kind of jacket that will never go out of style.
GIANVITO ROSSI
Robbie Leopard-Print Suede Slingback Flats
These are the perfect elevated flats.
2. CARDIGAN + SUEDE JACKET + BAGGY JEANS
Style Notes: This is a masterclass in layering for the transitional season. A cardigan buttoned up and worn as a top is such a great styling trick, especially when you balance the preppiness of the look with the Seventies vibe of the suede jacket.
Shop the look:
Reformation
Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan
Is there anything better than a cashmere cardigan?
CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
Paloma High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
Wide-leg jeans dominated last year, and by the looks of things I don’t think they’re going anywhere this season.
Free People
We the Free Avery Vegan Suede Jacket
This tobacco shade is so versatile.
A loafer always comes in handy.
THE ROW
Slouchy Banana Small Suede Shoulder Bag
3. TURTLENECK + SHIRT + LEATHER JACKET + TAILORED TROUSERS
Style Notes: This outfit looks so elevated, yet when you break it down it’s surprisingly simple to put together. Win-win. I’m particularly into the trick of styling a shirt over a fitted turtleneck—so chic.
Shop the look:
COS
Merino Wool Turtleneck Top
This looks so much more expensive than its price tag.
Whistles
Black Clean Bonded Leather Jacket
A jacket for all seasons.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant
The fit of these is just perfect.
Arket
Leather Ballet Flats
Ballet flats help keep the whole look that bit more casual.
COS
Cavatelli Clutch Bag – Leather
I’ve spotted so many influencers opting for an oversized leather clutch.
4. CABLE-KNIT DRESS + KNEE HIGH BOOTS
(Image credit: @anoukyve)
Style Notes: Whenever I have no idea what to wear, I reach for a comfy yet chic cable knit dress. Elevate the look by adding tonal accessories such as a shoulder bag and knee-high boots.
Shop the look:
COS
Merino Wool Midi Dress
THE ROW
Half Moon Leather Shoulder Bag
TOM FORD
Embellished Leather Boots
Just sensationally good boots.
5. DOUBLE DENIM + RED JUMPER + POINTED TOE KITTEN HEELS + SUEDE TOTE
Style Notes: Yes, you really can do double denim. The key is to add another colour to help break up all the indigo—and what better option than red, the trending hue that looks set to continue to dominate well into 2025.
Shop the look:
With Nothing Underneath
The Classic: Denim, Blue
This denim shirt is buttery soft.
H&M
Slim Straight High Ankle Jeans
Don’t sleep on H&M’s denim collection.
Reformation
Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater
This slouchy style is ideal for tying over your shoulders.
& Other Stories
Embellished Slingback Pumps
These are the kind of shoes that instantly upgrade any look.
Demellier
The Midi New York | Mocha Suede & Mocha Smooth
As @symphonyofstyle proves, a suede tote is the ultimate finishing touch.