Outfit Formulas for When You’re Crashing Out

The world might be a mess, but your outfit doesn’t have to be.

When things are falling apart—emotionally, mentally, globally—getting dressed can feel like such a huge chore. The idea of picking an outfit becomes completely overwhelming.

I know the easy fix is to throw on a pair of joggers and an oversized sweatshirt and be done with it. But I hate that. It never makes me feel better. If anything, it makes everything me feel worse.

Wearing something that looks like I’ve given up only confirms what I’m trying not to admit: I’m struggling.

On the days when I don’t have the energy to think, let alone get dressed, I rely on my ‘just-get-through-the-day’ outfit formulas. They’re comfortable, quick, and easy to wear. They don’t require me to think too hard or try too hard, yet they still make me feel like myself—or at least a version that’s doing okay.

I’ve realised that when I’m feeling low, I tend to reach for the boldest items in my wardrobe—loud prints, bright colours, anything with a bit of personality.

Maybe it’s a distraction tactic. Maybe it’s my version of self-care. All I know is that wearing something fun gives me a little mood boost, even if it’s just enough to get me out the door.

If you’ve ever stared blankly at your wardrobe and thought, “I cannot do this today,” this is for you. These are the outfit formulas I rely on when I’m just trying to make it through the day. I hope they help.

Adding jewellery to an outfit always makes it look more intentional. It’s a tiny detail, but it makes a big difference. Jewellery gives the impression that you got dressed on purpose, not just because you had to.

Easy Outfit Formulas for Hard Days

1. Dress + Vest

There’s something about wearing a dress that feels like I’ve made an effort, even if it’s the easiest option in my wardrobe. A smock dress is my go-to, paired with a vest depending on how I’m feeling.

A fitted vest makes the outfit feel a bit more put-together; an oversized one makes it feel playful and comfy. Either way, it’s a low-effort combo that always looks like I put more thought into my outfit than I actually did.

2. Trousers + Big Jumper

Loose linen trousers and an oversized knit is my favourite choice on days I need to go easy on myself. It’s soft, slouchy, and forgiving without looking like I've given up completely.

It’s comfortable enough to feel like loungewear, but put-together enough to leave the house in. If linen feels too summery, a pair of comfy jeans works just as well—as long as they’re the kind you don’t have to lie down to zip up.

3. Trousers + Oversized Shirt

This is the slightly smarter version of the trousers-and-jumper combo. Still comfortable, just with a bit more polish. I usually go for an all-black outfit, but a bright colour or bold print makes it feel a lot more fun.

A shirt with crisp fabric and slightly structured fit does all the heavy lifting, instantly making the whole outfit look more intentional. It’s still easy, still comfy, and makes me look like I've got my life together even if that's a complete lie.

4. Just a Dress

When I really can’t be bothered, I put on a dress and call it a day. No layering, no matching, no decisions. Something loose but with a bit of shape, like a smock dress, makes me look and feel put-together without trying.

I’ll always add jewellery plus whatever shoes are by the door. It’s comfy enough to work in, run errands in or curl up on the sofa in. A simple dress is the ultimate lazy-day outfit that still looks like I made an effort.

5. Smart Coat + Anything

If everything is going wrong—like, everything—my solution is simple: I wear whatever I can tolerate, then throw a smart coat over the top and hope for the best.

A well-structured coat has a magical ability to pull an outfit together (even if underneath I’m wearing the same joggers I walked the dog in.) It hides the chaos, adds polish, and makes me feel like I at least tried to look presentable.

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