On January 1, some of you resolved to make it out the door on time every day of 2017. Others swore to put a little more effort into their appearance. Ideally, we’d all like to do both. While it’s true that punctuality and sartorial originality don’t always mix, there are tons of ways to streamline your dressing routine. For one, you could choose your ensemble the night before (ha). Or, instead of facing off with your closet every morning, you could actually organize it and toss or donate the things you don’t wear. Another option involves capitalizing on the retail industry’s current nosedive and shopping the (frankly amazing) sales for versatile, outfit-elevating pieces (daring shoes, outsize earrings, fashion-forward handbags) that can be rotated throughout the week.
Of course, you’re not leaving your house to sit front row at Dior, so no need to cut too much into your snoozing time. The aim of the game is cute simple outfits that are creative, yet somehow effort-free. To start you off on the right foot, we’ve rounded up 20 winter-ready looks that ask nothing of the wearer yet fulfill all their style needs. It’s gonna be a good year, guys.
Outfits That Take Zero Effort
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #1
"Don't underestimate the power of a button down!" advises style blogger Reese Blutstein. The same goes for velvet pointy-toe boots, which keep this simple yet sophisticated outfit from seeming dull. And there you have it — the only effort this look requires is a quick pass of a steamer.
Image: @double3xposure
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #2
Statement sleeves were invented so that the rest of your outfit could kick back and relax. Cloak your inner lazy girl in a cozy bell-sleeve sweater and muted (but patterned!) maxi, then polish off the look with shiny shoes and a high pony and no one will guess it took you 30 seconds to get dressed.
Image: @manrepeller
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #3
Too often we conflate the words "simple" and "monochrome". On days when your mind says no, but your agenda says yes, opt for an elementary yet eye-catching combo. Pair a (sheer) animal print turtleneck with blue jeans and a bold blazer. If you're feeling particularly intrepid, add a belt.
Image: @lizzyvdligt
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #4
Throw a chunky graphic knit on over an ivory turtleneck and ebony trousers for a chic, unfussy winter look. Accessorize with un-boring black earrings to avoid looking stuffy.
Image: @tamumcpherson
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #5
The recent revival of Reebok and Champion was the best thing to happen to stylish slackers. Pick a sweatshirt in a bold hue and create a textural look that stays loyal to your pullover's palette. Finish off your ensemble with a coordinating statement bag and outsize metallic earrings.
Image: @maria_bernad
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #6
A beret a day keeps the winter doldrums and fashion police away. Dress down long-sleeve boho dresses with the ubiquitous French girl topper. It's a two-step look that's simple yet urbane.
Image: @pandorasykes
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #7
A simple T-shirt and blue jeans are always appropriate and look great. Just add an oversized blazer and matching neckerchief (chokers' snow-ready cousin) for the appearance of effort. Easy-peasy.
Image: @maria_bernad
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #8
With a hefty cashmere scarf and borrowed-from-the-boys flannel, you never have to say goodbye to the "I woke up like this" trend that is lampshading. (Though we'd highly recommend adding tights to the equation.)
Image: @tk_wonder
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #9
Shake up the tired, nostalgia-driven tee-over-slip-dress fad. Couple a V-neck, princess-sleeve maxi with a message-bearing underlay. Zero pain, a lot of sartorial gain.
Image: @emilisindlev
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #10
It may seem as though there's a lot going on here, but it's a fairly straightforward formula: neutral cardigan plus bright graphic tee plus well-fitted trousers plus almost-too-dressy shoes equals cute simple(-ish) outfit. Jewelry optional.
Image: @leandramcohen
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #11
This cute simple outfit is elegant, yet wild — all thanks to a shoe.
Image: @lifeofboheme
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #12
Insulating, avant-garde and totally intuitive, the dress-over-pants trend is one to try this winter. You can't go wrong with an oversized dress worn over leggings and even more complex ruffly numbers, such as Linda Tol's coexist perfectly with formfitting blue jeans.
Image: @lindatol_
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #13
Velvet touches and unique (in this case, fluffy) handbags give even laid-back, thrown-together looks unquestionable edge.
Image: @sorayabakhtiar
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #14
Talk about your brilliant no-brainer. In the time that it took you to read that sentence, you could've slid on a cozy dimensional hookup and minimalist mules and been well on your way out the door.
Image: @marigiudicelli
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #15
Complementary colors get compliments, whether you're wearing sweatpants and a puffer or thousand-dollar suiting. Also, get yourself a sleek hip bag, like yesterday.
Image: @mellany_sanchez
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #16
Power suit up per Hillary Clinton and Eleonora Carisi (and Beyoncé). Even if you choose to sport a white tee underneath, you'll still exude polish and professionalism. And any private school alum can vouch for the freedom of having your top and bottom layers already decided for you. Your only mental exertion? Selecting a tonal (or statement) jacket to slouch jauntily over your elbows because fashion.
Image: @eleonoracarisi
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #17
Track pants are athleisure lovers' latest and greatest discovery. Dress 'em up with mules and a half-zip pullover or down with a message tee and box-fresh tennis shoes.
Image: @styledumonde
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #18
We said it before and we'll say it again: color play is the cornerstone of any cute simple outfit. Observe what sticking to a primary palette and complementing her top with a bold red lip does for Paloma Elsesser's simple street-chic kit.
Image: @palomija
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #19
A fairly straightforward 70s-inspired getup, but a hint of leg makes all the difference in this cute simple outfit.
Image: @kirstynkonig
-
Outfits That Take Zero Effort #20
Nothing says effortless like a jumpsuit. That said, a fiery double-breasted blazer is an easy way to show you still care.
Image: @stylehasnosize_official
