As someone with a proclivity for laziness, I’ve been forced to take up certain habits designed to force productivity. A strict 5 a.m. alarm and 11 p.m. bedtime, pre-scheduled writing times, and meticulously crafted outfit mood boards are essential to my getting things done. And for the most part, these practiced methods work wonders. But sometimes, specifically when sartorial inspiration runs dry, even my most tried-and-true formulas fall short, making outfit creation feel exceptionally tough.
Fortunately, it’s become clear to me in recent months that lazy dressing is having a moment. Whereas maximalism once reigned supreme on the runways and the streets, fashion these days is more enamored with simple, chic outfits that require hardly any effort at all, be it a tailored blazer worn with dark-wash jeans or a slip dress styled under a cashmere knit. In turn, the stress involved with putting together a well-balanced ensemble has become practically irrelevant.
Below, find 30 outfits that were practically made for lazy dressers. Though, you wouldn’t know it by looking at them.
There’s nothing difficult about pairing a classic tailored blazer with a T-shirt, loafers, and dark-wash jeans that, unlike light-wash and distressed styles, automatically make denim outfits far more impressive.
In 2023, looking effortlessly chic and luxurious is as easy as tossing on an oversize cashmere sweater and a pair of trousers purchased in the men’s department. Bonus points if you have a maxi-length overcoat to toss on top, giving the entire ensemble a very The Row aesthetic.
No matter the year, season, or occasion, a simple rib-knit dress will be an appropriate and perfect match. Dress one down with a pair of utility boots that will keep you comfortable and on-trend all day long.
Bodysuits are the ultimate lazy-girl basic, as they require no annoying tucking or underwear lines. Throw one on with high-rise jeans and a good pair of boots or heels, and you’ll look like you put far more work into your outfit than was actually necessary.
Monochrome is one of those trends that make dressing well shockingly easy. Though a maxi skirt and matching sweater fit today’s trends best, any two (or more) color-coordinated pieces will get the job done.
It’s common knowledge that leggings and lazy dressers are made for each other. But ever since the spring/summer 2023 runways, a new, more fashion-forward way of wearing the comfy staple has arrived that’s single-handedly vindicating sartorial sloths everywhere.
The best thing about a long dress coat is that it hides everything worn underneath. That way, you can wear sweatpants without anyone knowing it. For an added touch of style and shape, latch a classic belt around your waist.
Satin and cashmere on their own are luxurious, but together, they combine to create the ultimate opulent experience. Moreover, if you already own a cashmere sweater and satin pants (my favorite pair is from Vince, but both H&M and The Row have great options as well), putting them together can be done in seconds.
Little black dresses are iconic for a reason. Easy, classic, and indisputably chic, they are the perfect wardrobe staple to toss on when you have absolutely no idea what to wear. My suggestion? Pair it with over-the-knee boots for a casual-cool combo that’s sure to bring on the compliments.
A faux-fur coat is one of those wardrobe items that you can use to elevate an outfit to heights unheard of simply by slipping into its sleeves and heading out the door. Feel free to leave on your at-home loungewear set underneath—no changing necessary.
Shop the matching Austino Cashmere Ribbed Pant ($248).
A nice coat and some chic slingbacks are all you need to turn capri leggings into a full fashion look. In other words, you don’t have to reserve your leggings just for working out. The lazy-girl favorite is stylish for every occasion.
French girls are stylish because of their effortless, laissez-faire attitude toward dressing. Of all the items they’re known to wear on repeat, striped knits are among their most frequented. Style one with a quality pair of wide-leg jeans and some black boots to get the full Parisian look.
Slip dresses literally slide on effortlessly, making them a perfect choice for us lazy dressers. Sock boots and a cozy pullover will turn the warm weather–friendly frock into an easy yet upscale outfit for those chilly days when you don’t want to wear loungewear but want to feel like you are.
Then again, there are days when pajamas are all you can really muster. And that’s fine as long as said pj’s are silky and worn alongside a luxurious blanket coat that can hide 99% of the contents underneath.
Find someone who doesn’t already own a leather jacket and a pair of vintage or vintage-inspired jeans—I’ll wait. Because of their ever-present nature, the two items make for the perfect no-effort pairing that never gets old.
If you want to look as effortlessly cool as someone decked out in The Row, this is the low-lift look for you. Pick up a tissue-thin turtleneck sweater from COS, Everlane, or J.Crew and toss it on with any pair of pleated trousers. Trust me—this recipe has been creating outfits for editors for years.
Though you’ll have to be careful of spills, wearing white jeans is an instantaneous way to defy outdated fashion rules like the coolest dressers without having to try hard (or at all really), especially if it’s not summer.
When in doubt, throw a blazer over whatever you’re wearing to dress it up and make it look like you put some thought into your outfit (even if you didn’t). Bonus points if you keep your entire outfit black, the secret to any lazy-chic look.
If squeezing into a pair of jeans simply feels like too much for the day, an open-leg maxi skirt might be your ultimate solution. To give it a Rachel Green–esque touch, pair the silhouette with retro sneakers.
Unlike blue jeans that come in seemingly a million slightly different shades, you really only need one great pair of black jeans that you can then wear again and again and again with different tops and shoes. For the easiest combo, throw on a matching black tee and some clogs.
The simplest way to make loungewear look like ready-to-wear is to pair it with a jacket worthy of a dozen compliments. And right now, the outerwear style that’s most wanted of all is the shearling jacket, specifically the style made viral by Toteme and Mango.
If I had to pick the one item I grab most when I can’t for the life of me pick out an outfit, it would be my trusty slip skirt. Worn with boots, heels, sneakers, or flats, this easy, breezy basic is the epitome of low-maintenance while still looking intentional and cool every time.
For two super-basic items that everyone owns, a white tank top with an unbuttoned oversize button-down shirt styled on top is one of the coolest-looking combos in all of fashion. Wear them together with jeans, trousers, or khakis for a menswear-inspired look that will always impress.
If hiding in plain sight is your sartorial goal as often as it is mine, this is the outfit solution for you. For starters, a baseball cap is perfect for hiding both your dirty roots and your identity on a day when you just want to lay low. As for a faux-fur jacket, I liken the style to a blanket you can wrap yourself in when staying home sadly isn’t an option.
Dresses often get slept on by lazy dressers because of how often they’re worn to formal occasions, but really, nothing’s easier to toss on and go than a long slip that doesn’t require any additional effort. To make a simple frock look trendier, add a pair of Mary Janes to the mix, specifically a pair that’s comfy and aesthetically pleasing.
One thing I love about menswear is how much more curated and edited down it is compared to womenswear. Not only are there fewer brands, but there are also far fewer trends and silhouettes to choose from. That’s why when I’m feeling extra lazy, I focus only on the menswear pieces in my wardrobe. Think baggy trousers and a classic poplin shirt.
A bandana or silk scarf, though small in size, can pack a lot of punch when done right. The accessory can be fashioned into practically anything, including a hair accessory, a necktie, a belt, a bag, and even a top with the right folding and tying skills. For the fashion person–approved route, tie one in your hair and pair it with a graphic tee, jeans, and a trench coat.
A long-sleeve patterned dress eliminates the need for multiple pieces in an outfit, including jewelry, outerwear, and more. All it takes is one showstopping frock to make your outfit look like it took you hours to put together.
Comfort is the name of the game with this look that is aesthetically gorgeous but really only calls for an oversize turtleneck sweater and a matching or close-to-matching knit skirt. We’re not picky here—matching isn’t necessary if you don’t want it to be.
Shop the matching Soft Skirt ($30).
Leather pants make everything look cool, even if it’s just any ol’ T-shirt and trusty pair of sandals. Unlike jeans or trousers, the celeb-approved pant trend never looks boring or expected, yet it can still be styled in the same easy ways as both.
Coming up next: My Style Is Simple—These Are the Items I’m Wearing With Blue Jeans Right Now
