We all have our favorites … color, dessert, vacation spot, child. I know I have mine (maybe not in regards to child, ๐Ÿ˜‰) but have you ever considered what your favorite no-fail look is? The one that gets you?

Often, it starts with a much-loved item. Perhaps it’s a dress, or pair of pants, or a jacket. In my case, it’s a v-neck pullover sweater that I came across while gift shopping this past holiday season. On sale, of course (but what wasn’t, right?). I bought it in gray and wore it multiple times in the first week I had it.

Have you ever liked/loved a garment so much that you think about buying a second one to have in reserve for when the first one becomes too worn out? Oh yes, I was smitten but would/should I buy another just to pack it away and save for some day in the future? Or maybe, I could buy it in another color that I would wear now since I liked the style so much?

The problem with that plan was that I then had some difficulty deciding on that other color. There were several to choose from that I liked so I settled on getting two, one in dark tan and the other in off-white. I’ve been gravitating towards a much more neutral-toned color palette lately so these two choices fit well into that aesthetic. The following two of my no-fail looks stick with familiar formula; jeans + top + boots + outer layer.

No-fail look #1: V-neck sweater in dark tan with my DIY distressed denim jacket (for details see Distressed: Magnificent 8 Collaboration) and black jeans (both were thrift store finds), L’artiste booties bought January 2019, necklaces bought via Poshmark.

No-fail look #2: V-neck sweater in off-white with chunky cardigan and button-front jeans (both were thrift store finds), Rocket Dog mid-calf boots bought via Poshmark, J Jill necklace bought during the post-holiday sale.

In a moment of weakness, I might have succumbed to the urges of overconsumption and bought the sweater in yet another color. After all, when is black ever a bad choice, style wise? In the look below, I switched things up a bit and opted for a midi-length skirt instead of jeans but otherwise, it’s still the same basic formula. I also bought the same sweater for my daughter as well as the boots. Anyone else follow the “one for you, one for me” rule when gift shopping, or is it just me?

No-fail look #3: V-neck sweater in black with a car-coat style jacket (a recent thrift store find) and midi-length skirt (bought via Poshmark), Crown Vintage boots (bought during holiday sales), necklace (a long ago thrift store find)

Let’s Wrap This Up

Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. Today’s featured post from the last link-up, How To Style Plaid Ankle Pants 3 Ways was added by Karin of Karin’s Kottage. I thought that her showcasing the versatility of her new pants was wonderful and she shows how well they fit into her wardrobe and lifestyle. Karin is a new contributor to the Fine-Whatever link-up, although she is not a new blogger. Her content ranges beyond fashion to cooking, entertaining, decorating, and travel.

As I was prepping for this post and laying out each of these looks, it occurred to me that I had the makings of a mini-capsule. To put that theory to a test, I planned out three more looks using just these pieces and each will be featured in upcoming posts. Truth be told, if I was truly putting together a mini-capsule for something like a weekend getaway (think The Husband will get the hint), I would add a denim shirt and probably swap out the off-white sweater for a white button-down in order to add some layering options.

Have you ever considered what the key elements are to create a no-fail look that’s both easy to wear and looks great? What are your favorite pieces and go-to outfits?

Stay well and letโ€™s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin โ€ฆ all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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23 Comments

  1. I am going to check out your denim jacket DIY…love that distressed look! I have been known to buy the same thing in different colors. I have also bought the same thing in the same color if I know it’s something I will wear out! If I love it and will wear it, why not?

    As far as a No-Fail look, mine would probably be jeans, some type of tee or shirt with a cardigan over it. Lately, I’ve been trying to lock down my style to keep me from impulse buys! I have to say I’m doing a pretty good job at it!

    Thanks for the link party!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

  2. I do that too, buying a good item in multiple colours, or the same colour as a extra one. I love a v neck why are there airways so little v neck sweaters to choose from! Nice to meet Karen!

  3. I think I was closer to a “1 for you, 2 for me” rule this past Christmas… I don’t usually buy myself anything in December but really splurged a lot this year. I have definitely bought myself the same shirt (and even pants!) in multiple colors before. My outfit formula for this time of year tends to be jeans or leggings with a soft tank or tee and a big chunky sweater.

  4. Gail Is This Mutton

    Your No Fail look#2 is a classic – many of us have a variation on that theme! My favorite no-fail look is a pair of colorful jeggings, funky brogue shoes, a tee and a wrap cardigan in bright colors. I wore that formula yesterday, out with two very smart ladies for afternoon tea!

  5. Rena, I think buying something you love in multiple colors is a great idea – especially when it’s a classic piece like this! You’ve already proven what a wardrobe workhorse it is. Glad you got it!
    xo,
    Kellyann

  6. If it’s something that feels just perfect then I’m often in there for a repeat. I frequently panic when something is past it’s best and I can’t replace! Looking good and comfy today Rena.

  7. These are great outfit formulas! Your sweater is such a great wardrobe staple and I’m glad you got it in multiple colors! That’s something that I always say I’m going to do but then it gets away from me. Thank you for the linkup!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

  8. Does my indoor winter uniform count? Haha. I don’t get out much.
    Yes, guilty of buying multiple pairs of Lularoe leggings off Poshmark. They are part of the uniform!
    I well aware it’s a horrible company (there’s a doc streaming about them. The founder is wAcKy. Don’t remember which streamer), and that the polyester fabric is terrible for the environment (those micro bits of poly washing out to sea). Oh well, at least I’m wearing them multiple times, and when they get too sad and baggy, I’ll upcycle them into art.

  9. Sweater, skirt, tights, boots, scarf with optional quilted vest is my uniform right now. And I have definitely bought multiples of an item with no regret.

  10. Rena!

    I can see why your v neck sweater is a go to because it looked great in each and every look! I can honestly say that I don’t really have a go to because I love everything so much. However, there are many items that I’ve really liked enough to buy it multiple colors or patterns!

  11. Mica - Away From The Blue

    I definitely am guilty of buying the same thing in multiple colours! I’m trying not to do that so often, as I’m at the stage where I have a lot of colours in my wardrobe and I really don’t need to add to the rainbow just because I like something. But sometimes you find a staple, like this knit, that it just makes sense to stock up on as you can mix and match it with so much! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Thank you for the link up Rena.

  12. I’m liking simple neutral combinations a lot for work lately. All of these are great but I especially like the first one.

  13. thestylesplash

    I often buys things in multiple colours. If I find an outfit formula that works it makes sense and saves time to repeat it but with different colours. I love the chunky cardigan and those black lace up boots!

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

  14. mireilleftm

    I think in this case, having it in 3 colors is not a bad thing: the layers you put on top change it up so much. I really like all looks but my favorite is with the cardigan and grey boots. I went thrifting today and found some great pieces and decided to purge some from my closet that I don’t love.
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

  15. Yes! I’m doing the same thing at the moment with shirts. I’ve found that I just love wearing a shirt beneath a sweater with wide-legged trousers or jeans. It’s actually all I’ve been wearing on the blog lately lol!!
    Hugs xx

  16. These really are no fail looks and I’d even call them ‘right-on’ looks! They’re super cute and trendy, fun, easy to wear and passe-partout, what else is there?! I have a few of these combinations myself that work every time! Have a great weekend:)

  17. HI Rena, I am just playing catch up with blogs due to my health. Love the go to looks. The v neck sweater is a staple. For me, this time of year, it is a dress with combat boots that i favor ๐Ÿ™‚ Or a blazer with a cami and skirt.
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

  18. I love your no-fail looks. It makes it so easy to get dressed when you have a trusted formula to guide you. Those V-neck sweaters look great on you and provide the basis for pulled-together outfits.
    Thank you for sharing this post in the Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 50.
    Carol
    http://www.scribblingboomer.com

  19. Rena I just saw this today! Thank you so very much for highlighting my and my blog. What a sweet surprise! Looking forward to getting to know you and the other fashion bloggers ๐Ÿ™‚