I'm a Modest Dresser, and These Are the Outfit Ideas I Always Rely On

I don't think I need to give an explanation on my relationship with modest dressing, as I've written about it a lot over here on Who What Wear. But as much as I love experimenting with new trends or learning new styling tricks to show you, there are a few classic outfit formulas that I always rely on. While it's fun to play dress-up in your own closet, sometimes it's 15 minutes till you have to leave and you just need to do what's easiest yet chicest for you. That's where my go-to looks come in.

To prove I actually do rely on these formulas (journalistic integrity!), I've added photos of me wearing each not once, but twice. (Side note: I'm sure there are many other times I've sported each look but didn't have the grace that day to shoot for the 'gram.) Once you have these formulas set in your mind, it'll be easy for you to get dressed quickly. Trust me, as I'm not a morning person. I've even shopped out similar options for you if you're feeling inspired to add something new to your closet this season.

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Blazer + T-Shirt + Jeans
(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

A blazer, T-shirt, and jeans make a classic look that just always looks polished. It's not too fancy but not too laid back, which pretty much sums up my style.

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(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

Even in muted tones, the look still stands out.

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Maxi Dress + Vest + Boots
(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

Maxi dresses are considered to be a modest-dressing staple, but I've always found them to be a little boring as-is. Wait till it's cold out to wear one with a vest and boots. Trust me—it makes a simple dress so much better.

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(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

See what I mean? Top it off with some statement accessories if you're feeling brave.

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Statement Top + Jacket + Wide-Leg Pants
(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

Styling loud tops like above are known to be hard, but they're actually the most worn in my closet. Since the top draws enough attention, it's easy to style around. An oversize jacket and wide-leg pants don't take away from the top, but accent it perfectly.

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Statement Top + Jacket + Wide-Leg Pants
(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

Just because an outfit involves the same formula, doesn't mean it looks exactly the same. See how I took the same from above but used different colors and silhouettes to change it up?

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Fitted Top + Open Vest + Wide-Leg Pants
(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

I love a good sweater-vest, but I think open vests can look so much more elevated in a look. A fitted top and high-waisted trousers cinch perfectly between the open vest, making it an ensemble that will flatter anyone.

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Fitted Top + Vest + Wide-Leg Pants
(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

Opt for a knit vest or a tailored vest. Either way, it's a key layering piece.

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Matching Set + Easy Flats
(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

When in doubt, opt for a matching set and an easy pair of flats. It's casual-cool in the best way possible, plus there's not much to think about in the styling department.

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(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

To get a knit set to not look like pajamas, add a basic top underneath to break up the look.

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Button-Up + Slip Skirt + Sandals
(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

When the weather is warm, slip skirts are all I rely on. I've found they pair best with a button-up as both pieces are just as breezy and comfortable.

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(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

There are plenty of more statement-making button-ups on the market too, it doesn't have to be a simple one.

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Next: 6 Wardrobe Updates We're Making This Winter

Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.