How to Create an Everyday Uniform & Easy Basic Outfit Ideas

Here on Atlantic-Pacific, I’m all about creativity and over-the-top looks. However, when I have a casual day behind the scenes, my reality looks a bit different. On those days, I like to have an easy grab-and-go uniform to throw on. Not only are these styles comfy, but having a few basic outfit ideas that I can count on means one less decision to make. And I know I’m not the only one constantly feeling bogged down by decisions!

So today I’m going to chat about my tips for creating your own daily uniform – a look that is effortless, simple, and “you”. I’ll also walk through some of my personal favorite pieces that I wear on repeat as well as share some basic outfit ideas that I can always count on!

Tips for Creating a Basic Outfit

When creating your daily uniform, be sure to lean into your own personal style. While the tips below will help you come up with some basic outfit ideas, everyone’s personal favorite looks will undoubtedly vary. Since today’s post is all about casual, daily options, I think it’s extra important that you lean into your unique style, as these looks will be worn on repeat!

1. Select comfy pieces.

Choosing a comfortable everyday uniform is just as important as leaning into looks that feel like “you”. Personally, these are the outfits I’m wearing when I’m running errands around town, sitting at my desk taking zoom calls, or prepping and organizing for a photoshoot. With these activities, I always want to wear pieces that fit well and can be worn comfortably for hours. The goal is to feel put together without relinquishing any comfort.

2. Identify a color palette.

Each season I try to come up with 2-3 basic outfit ideas that I can wear on heavy rotation. For these looks, I select my favorite wardrobe staples, ensuring that they’re pieces that can easily be mixed and matched. While I love bold colors, for these casual looks, I’ve found it to be easier to stick to neutrals or a narrow color family. Not only does this take the guesswork out of an everyday outfit, but it also leaves a little room to switch it up. When all of the items are in a similar color palette, there are many more opportunities to style them in different ways!

3. Build a base.

If you’re able to establish a base look for each season, then you can build lots of different outfits around it with small adjustments. This foundational style will vary from season to season, but since we’re at the beginning of winter, I’ll focus on this season as an example.

During the wintertime, my go-to ensemble is made up of a couple of great bottoms, sweaters, layering tees, a great third piece, and comfortable shoes. I will break these down further below. But overall, the season’s base look starts by selecting the most-worn casual pieces in my closet. From there, I like to fill in the gaps with items I might be missing. I also try to choose pieces that have little to no maintenance, meaning they don’t need to be steamed or ironed prior to throwing on.

4. Accessorize with intent.

Again, the entire purpose of an everyday uniform is for it to feel effortless and easy. And the same goes for the outfit’s accessories.

For daily jewelry, I tend to keep it minimal. But, I’m also not afraid to add a larger earring like this one or stack a few of my favorite necklaces together. This allows me to add a bit of flair and personal touch without having to stress about how to accessorize the outfit. However, if you’re a girly who loves bolder everyday jewelry, check out my layered necklace post!Similarly, I like to have an easy bag that goes along with all of the season’s casual looks. And since I’m often wearing these outfits while running errands or doing behind-the-scenes work, I opt for a bag that’s durable and roomy. I’m currently loving this suede one. It’s perfect to grab when I’m running out the door!

Clothing Essentials for Basic Outfits

Okay, now let’s chat about some of my current favorite pieces to mix and match when brainstorming basic outfit ideas. Many of these are wardrobe staples that I wear again and again, season to season. And all of them are comfy, quality, and great for mixing and matching!

1. A Great Blazer

Layers are necessary this time of the year, and a great blazer is my jacket of choice. This classic blazer is a favorite of mine. The cut is impeccable, the fabrication is thick, and the garment’s make is on par with luxury. I also LOVE my Nili Lotan jackets, such as this one and this one. If you are looking for something sharp, but at a lower price point, I own and love this tweed jacket, which comes in three colors.

2. Flattering Denim

Few things are better than a pair of denim that makes you feel great. Once you find this, you’ll be able to create tons of basic outfit ideas for every season! Personally, I find a straight-leg cut in a cropped length works best for me. They are relaxed enough to feel relevant and the cropped length allows for lots of different shoe options. My current favorite styles are these, these, and these.

While jeans are a part of my daily uniform no matter the season, I also like to have another option. Currently, this pair of side zip pants and this thicker pair of stirrup leggings are my other go-to bottoms. This style also recently caught my eye! Another cold-weather option would be a great pair of leather pants.

3. Cashmere Crewneck

I absolutely adore a yummy cashmere crew. My favorite places to buy this fabric include J.Crew, the Nordstrom brand at Nordstrom, and La Ligne, (I have waxed on about their most popular sweater here). This relaxed crew, this classic crew, and this lightweight sweater are all part of my casual wardrobe this season.

4. A Great Button-Down

When I’m not wearing a cashmere crew, I typically grab a great button-down shirt. For the past two years, this elongated style has been my absolute favorite. I own it in both colors! Sadly, it looks like it is going out of stock, as it’s currently on final sale. So I would buy it ASAP if you are interested!

5. Comfy Shoes

When it comes to a daily uniform, the shoes have to be comfortable. I typically opt for a classic pair of sneakers. My current favorites are probably Adidas Sambas or Gazelles. There are SO many color combos to choose from you, making it easy to find one you’ll love and wear again and again. Many of these Adidas Gazelle outfit ideas would also make great daily looks, if you’d like a little more inspiration.

If sneakers aren’t your thing, ballet flats also pair well with tons of basic outfit ideas. My most-worn style is this pair that I own in almost every color. The updated vamp and toe box make them feel a bit more modern. But, if you are looking for a more classic style, these are my go-to! The Saddle Nappa color is one of the best tan shades I have ever seen!

6. A Big Bag

As I mentioned above, I need a Mary Poppins situation when I am running errands. I like larger bags that can go over the shoulder and can easily be placed on the ground. The most-used bag in my everyday uniform is currently the Demellier tote, which you can shop here and here. This deconstructed suede oversized tote is another great option!

Cold-Weather Basic Outfit Ideas

While a simple t-shirt or an easy dress are examples of foolproof everyday looks, I wanted to share a few basic outfit ideas that are just as easy, but also a bit different. Once again, these styles check all of the boxes…casual, comfy, and easy to mix and match!

An Easy Denim Outfit

One very basic everyday look that I’ve been wearing on repeat is my Miller blazer, these Pistola jeans, these Adidas sneakers, this crewneck sweater layered under this button-down top, and this hat. This outfit is easy, practical, and can be worn all day with no fuss!

A Corduroy Look

I love wearing these corduroy pants with my favorite pair of velvet flats. The base of this outfit allows it to be worn with so many different tops. Naturally, I prefer blazers, and once again, the Miller is a great choice. However, I also love pairing it with this blazer that I bought secondhand for a vibe that is a little different! I would complete the look with these earrings and this bag. And if it’s a day that I want to add a bit more flair, I’ll add on these logo loafers!

A Legging Look

Last but not least a great legging look. I am wearing stirrup leggings back to an oversized stripe sweater I own in multiple colorways. I love how these fun flats and my new Prada bag accessorize perfectly with this neutral, but not boring outfit. Since the temps have dropped I have also been wearing this very cozy coat to add a bit of warmth! You can see how I wore this coat in Paris here.

More Basic Outfit Ideas

No matter what your daily life looks like, I always think it’s nice to have a few go-to casual looks that you can reach for with little thought or effort. I hope these tips help you create an everyday uniform that is perfect for you! And if you’d like to browse some additional cold-weather fashion inspiration, check out my posts on winter outfit ideas, sweater outfits, leather pants looks, and NYE outfit ideas.