If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet and thought, “I have nothing to wear,” you’re not alone. Most of us already own plenty of clothes—we just don’t always know how to put them together in a way that feels fresh, stylish, and like us.

That’s where an outfit formula comes in.

And if you need help sorting through your clothes to find the ones that actually fit, our Closet Cleanout Assistant can help!

The Simple Idea Behind an Outfit Formula

Think of an outfit formula as a recipe for your wardrobe. Instead of giving you a pre-set outfit you may or may not like, it gives you the ingredients—so you can mix and match what you already own.

Here’s an example:
Denim Jacket + Striped Top + Olive Bottoms + Neutral Shoes

With this formula, you might pull out a classic denim jacket, a black striped sweater, olive pants, and neutral sneakers.

Someone else might wear a chambray shirt, a black-and-white striped tee, olive joggers, and black flats. Both are following the same “recipe”—but the end results look personal and unique.

Why Outfit Formulas Are Valuable

The magic of formulas is that they maximize what’s already in your closet.

  • Save money: Instead of buying something new, you shop your closet first.
  • Cut decision fatigue: You wake up and already have a guide for what to wear.
  • See new possibilities: You’ll discover fresh combinations from pieces you already own.

That striped top you’ve worn the same way for years? Suddenly it looks brand new when you pair it with olive bottoms instead of jeans.

Inspiration, Not Imitation

In the Outfit Formulas app, you’ll see a pictured example of each formula. This is meant to spark ideas—not to dictate what you must wear.

If you don’t own the exact items shown (or if they’re not your style), that’s totally fine. The real power is in the written words of the formula. By focusing on the framework—Denim Jacket + Striped Top + Olive Bottoms + Neutral Shoes—you can adapt it with pieces, colors, and styles that fit your closet, your body, and your personality.

That’s where the flexibility shines. Now let’s explore how that may look!

How Outfit Formulas Adapt to YOU

Formulas are flexible—you can tailor them to your style, climate, and body.

  • Personal Style: Prefer a classic vibe? Stick with neutral loafers. Want a little edge? Swap them for ankle boots or combat boots.
  • Climate: If it’s warm, go for olive shorts instead of pants. If it’s chilly, layer in a cozy scarf and boots.
  • Colors: Don’t love olive? Try navy or burgundy instead—still works with the formula.
  • Body Shape: Whether your olive bottoms are wide-leg trousers, skinny jeans, or joggers, the formula adapts.
  • Lifestyle: Dress it up for the office with a blazer and pumps.

The point isn’t to copy—it’s to create your own version.

💡 Need a little extra help? Meet ALI.

If you’re ever stuck on how to personalize a formula—or you’re just not feeling confident in your styling skills yet—you don’t have to figure it out alone. Inside the Outfit Formulas app, you can chat with ALI (our AI Look Inspiration stylist). She’ll:

  • Suggest outfit variations based on your closet staples
  • Offer styling tweaks for different body shapes, climates, and occasions
  • Give you fresh ideas to make a formula feel more “you”

Think of ALI as your on-demand style buddy—always ready with practical tips and outfit inspiration when you need it most. Get to know ALI here.

The Bottom Line

An outfit formula is a framework, not a rule. It’s a way to simplify your mornings, stretch your wardrobe further, and feel more confident in what you wear.

Because the secret isn’t more clothes—it’s more clarity. And once you have it, getting dressed is no longer stressful. It’s easy. And even fun.

✨ Not a member yet? Outfit Formulas takes the guesswork out of getting dressed by giving you daily outfit formulas you can personalize with pieces you already own. Head here to start your 7-day free trial today, and discover how effortless (and fun!) your mornings can be.