Ever stood in front of your wardrobe staring blankly at it waiting for inspiration? Me too, and I’m a stylist. You’d think putting outfits together would always come easily to me since it’s my job, but the truth is we can all feel a little uninspired by our own closets. That’s why every so often, I like to look to the coolest people I know for some much-needed styling ideas and compile a handy catalogue of easy looks I love that are super simple to re-create, even when I’m running late in the mornings.
Small styling hacks can make all the difference.
And truly, there’s no better time to do this than at the start of the year, with spring on the horizon. As we look ahead to the rest of 2023, it can help us relish in our wardrobes again, rediscovering what we already have and what might be good to invest in. I know how easy it is to let your once-exciting buys blend into the back of your wardrobe after a number of wears. But finding new ways to style them together or adding in just one fresh new item can breathe life into them and extend their use for at least another year.
That’s the best part about these 17 looks—they probably involve pieces you already have. It’s really all about subtle styling tricks or an unexpected pairing that can instantly modernise your look. A lot of them involve clever layering because there's nothing that elevates simple basics like it. Some show ways to incorporate 2023’s more difficult trends, like bold pops of colour or leather accents, into your wardrobes easily. And if you do find there are gaps in your own collection, we’ve added in shopping inspiration below too.
Keep scrolling to see and shop 17 new styling ideas that I, for one, plan on copying in 2023 and beyond.
1. Leather Bomber + Denim Skirt + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: A smart wool coat teamed with wide-leg trousers paired looks polished every time.
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The jacket our editors have been swooning over all season.
The perfect white t-shirt.
An affordable way to try the denim skirt trend.
A pair of ballet flats is a 2023 essential.
2. Ribbed Dress + Bomber Jacket
Style Notes: Try a tonal pairing, like Charlotte Kuhrt, with one of this season's trending colours.
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This colour is so beautiful.
Bomber jackets are perfect for the transitional months—in the meantime, layer yours under an oversized coat.
3. Straight-Leg Jeans + Heeled Pumps
Style Notes: A simple but elevated combination for everyday wear.
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Mango is my most relied-upon high street brand when I'm seeking affordable jeans.
This heel is an ideal height for all-day wear.
4. Double Denim + Loafers
Style Notes: I live in denim, so it makes sense to double it up. Loafers give the Canadian tuxedo a laid-back yet classy spin.
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Denim jackets will always be relevant.
Don't these look really high-end?
5. Cape + Flats
Style Notes: Capes are so elegant, especially when worn with this Parisian-approved footwear choice.
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You'll feel your most sophisticated in this poncho.
I'm obsessed with these loafers.
6. Oversized Shirt + Slip Skirt
Style Notes: A relaxed shirt is a great way to make your silky skirts feel more casual. Add a blazer for added warmth.
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Look to M&S for all your seasonless staples.
Carry this skirt into the springtime and style it with a cotton crop top.
7. Leather Blazer + Maxi Dress
Top-to-toe noir? Sign me up.
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An easy way to up your cool credentials.
Wear it with boots now and strappy sandals later.
8. Cream Coat + Platform Boots
Style Notes: Thick-soled boots will instantly toughen up your cream coat and knitted midi dress look.
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I feel warmer just looking at this coat.
So sleek.
9. Cable Knit + Mini Skirt
Style Notes: Mini hemlines are in—make your short skirt cold weather-appropriate with a chunky cable-knit jumper.
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I love this super thick cable knit pattern.
I own a skirt like this and I still haven't run out of new ways to wear it.
10. Leather Midi + Sock Boots
Style Notes: Right now, fashion people are very into leather in all shapes and forms.
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This will be one of the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe.
White boots always feel so fresh.
11. Cardigan + Check-Print Trousers
Style Notes: Throw a trench over this outfit for weekend brunches.
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This feels so fresh.
I can picture these looking so chic with platform boots and a fluffy-knit jumper.
12. Knitted Dress + Leather Trench
Style Notes: This outfit says relaxed but still cool and on-trend.
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What an uplifting colour combination.
The epitome of cool.
13. Matchy Matchy
Style Notes: Style two items of similar tones together will make you look like you put a lot of effort into your look.
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This is an incredibly versatile piece.
There's also a matching blazer. You're welcome.
14. Cargo Pants + Court Shoes
Style Notes: Boyish cargos and pointed heels is a juxtaposition I can get behind.
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Cargos are going to be big news in 2023.
Prada's shoes are always stand-out.
15. Hoodie + Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: Hoodies not only are comfy but go surprisingly really well with loosely tailored trousers.
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Comfort guaranteed.
These trousers are popular, so scoop them up while you can.
16. Shearling Jacket + Turtleneck
Style Notes: Shearling is having a moment. Opt for a jacket with wide lapels to show off your turtleneck.
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I'm really into this boxy, cropped silhouette.
A staple you'll reach for daily.
17. Belted Blazer + Baggy Jeans
Style Notes: This is such a chic transitional outfit.
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Keep the rest of the outfit simple and let this statement blazer do the talking.
Puddle pants meet denim.
Up Next: Spring/Summer 2023 Trends: The 21 Looks You Need to Know About
This story was published at an earlier datet and has since been updated.
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