I stumbled across the “2×2 outfit formula” while scrolling through my feed recently, and it is a certified game changer. The concept is simple but effective: Take two pieces of “formal wear,” e.g., a blazer, a pair of tailored trousers or some glossy boots, and pair them with two pieces of dressed-down casual wear, like a T-shirt, denim jacket or a jersey sweater. With me so far? It’s the very definition of smart casual, and I promise you the results always make sense.
Keeping this failsafe formula in mind, I rounded up some of my favourite new-in finds and put them together in some easy, everyday 2×2 outfits that might help you the next time you get stuck with what to wear to the office or on the weekend. Try it and see. It just might make the clothes at the back of your wardrobe feel inspiring again.