What to Wear When You Have “Nothing to Wear”

Your go-to outfit formula for those “I hate everything in my closet” days.

Let’s not pretend we haven’t all been here:
You’re standing in front of your closet. Clothes everywhere. You’ve tried on three things. None of them feel right. You’re one bad outfit away from throwing on sweatpants and calling it a day. Sound familiar?

Same. And that’s why I have a go-to formula I fall back on every time I feel stuck. It works for running errands, grabbing lunch, casual meetings—pretty much anything where you want to look like you tried just enough.

Here’s the formula that never fails me:

Silk Skirt (Mini or Midi—You Pick)

Trust me, this is the magic piece. A silk or satin skirt instantly makes you look like you have your life together—even if you just took your hair out of a claw clip and ran out the door. It moves well, drapes like a dream, and looks intentional even when the rest of your outfit is super simple.

Go neutral if you want max versatility. Go bold if you need to feel like a main character again.

Classic Tee or Lightweight Sweater

You already own these. A basic fitted tee or a relaxed sweater brings balance to the silk skirt—it tones down the dressiness and makes it feel cool instead of too “done.”

If you're layering both? Wrap the sweater over your shoulders for that effortless, “Oh this? I just threw it on” look. Or tie it around your waist if you're going for more edge than prep.

Bold Jewelry

This is where the personality comes in. Statement earrings, a chunky ring stack, layered necklaces—whatever makes you feel like you again.

Pro tip: Even if the rest of your outfit is super chill, throwing on a few bold pieces makes it feel like you put in effort (without actually doing much).

Fun Sandal or Chic Sneaker

Sandals add that breezy, I’m-not-in-a-rush energy—especially if they’re raffia, metallic, or have a cool texture. But if you're running around or just want to keep it casual, a clean sneaker works every time. Think classic white or a subtle color pop.

Style Tip

If you're bored with your basics, swap in some color. A silk skirt in rich green, soft lilac, or rust instantly makes the outfit feel seasonal and fresh. Or keep it all neutral and let your shoes or jewelry bring the fun.

Save This for Later

Seriously—screenshot it, pin it, write it on the back of a receipt. This is your “get dressed in 5 minutes and still look great” combo. It works in every season, it’s easy to make your own, and it’ll save you from yet another day of feeling like you have nothing to wear.

And yes, it beats sweatpants. Every time.

Ready to try the formula? I put together a shoppable collection of my go-to picks—silk skirts, tees, accessories, and the sneakers I wear on repeat. It will solve your outfit crisis in 5 minutes flat.