5 Unexpected Styling Formulas To Refresh Your Outfits

A short guide to mixing pieces you wouldn’t normally put together.

POSTED 08.05.26 12:48 BY ANNMARY MAILYAN

Owning a wardrobe full of clothes isn’t always synonymous with having stylish outfits to wear. Sometimes the usual combinations feel repetitive: you wear different pieces, but it ends up feeling the same. I definitely know that feeling. In reality, you don’t need dozens of new items to create something fresh. The trick is how you style what you already have.

Here are 5 fun styling formulas to try when your outfits start to feel a little too familiar.

Dresses with shirts

Owning one dress doesn’t limit you to a single way of wearing it. You can make it feel more versatile by mixing it with different shirts—either classic button-ups or basic tees. They instantly shift the whole mood and make the ensemble feel completely different.

For colder seasons, you can switch the shirt for a sweater: it works just as well. This pairing reminds me of 90s fashion, cause that’s when it was at its peak.

Button-up, vest and baggy jeans

These feel like they belong to different worlds, but somehow they still work together—like peanut butter and jelly—creating a truly balanced look. The shirt paired with a vest gives off a more put-together and sophisticated vibe, while the baggy jeans make it feel more relaxed and chic.

For me, contrasting combinations like this are more than just an outfit. They feel like a rebellious fashion statement of breaking the rules, mixing the unmixable, and making it your own.

Hoodie with a skirt

If you want to channel your inner “girl next door” aesthetic, this is the formula to consider. The skirt makes the look feel soft and delicate, while the hoodie—preferably oversized—adds a sense of effortlessness and a bit of intentional messiness. Together, they create the impression that you didn’t really plan the outfit too much. You just threw some random things on, and it happened to look remarkable. And those are frankly my favorite type of looks.

Corset with sweatpants

As Lewis Carroll’s Alice once said, things are getting curiouser and curiouser, or in this case, this list does. If I’m being completely honest, I never could have imagined this combination working. But Pinterest convinced me otherwise, showing it styled over and over again. The corset delicately highlights the waistline, while the sweatpants add volume and contrast.

The best part is that you can wear this outfit both with sneakers for everyday errands and with heels for a more intentional feel.

Cardigan with shorts

Now, this is where things get fun. Unlike other combos that lean into one specific style, this one is known for its flexibility. Depending on the cardigan or shorts you choose, you can shift the whole essence of the outfit.

An oversized cardigan in dark colors with denim shorts gives off an edgy Tumblr vibe; tailored bottoms with a classic jacket feel more polished; a colorful knitted cardigan adds some whimsical playfulness to the look, while fringe details channel boho vibes.

That’s what I call real versatility.

If there’s one thing this list proves, it's that the most interesting outfits often come from unexpected pairings. Pieces that don’t seem to belong together at first glance can create something truly distinctive.

So, instead of reaching for the obvious, try experimenting with contrasting styles, and you might end up with something that feels fresh and entirely unique.

And if you want to build these combinations, my Fizzypicks is a pretty good place to start.

Kimchi Blue Keepsake Tie-Front Smocked Cotton Maxi Dress

KIMCHI
Blue Keepsake Tie-Front Smocked Cotton Maxi Dress
$79