11 chic looks to copy for outfit inspiration

Floaty boho: the failsafe that returns every spring

You open your wardrobe, stare at the same ten pieces, and close it again. We all know that little pause. The problem is almost never a lack of clothes: it's a lack of ideas for wearing them differently. So rather than buying more, it makes sense to borrow formulas that already work. We went through outfits we've seen again and again — not for the flash, but for the recipe. Here are eleven looks to copy with what you already own, or nearly.

The recipe comes down to three pieces, and that's what makes it work: a long floaty floral-print dress, a raw denim gilet over the top, and a pair of slightly worn-in riding boots. The secret is controlled imbalance — volume below, a structured shoulder, feet firmly grounded. If you're on your feet a lot, you don't have to stick with boots: white trainers can step in and the look still holds. We like this kind of formula because it forgives everything, including the days when you haven't had time to iron.

Second formula: travel. A successful airport look rests on a short two-tone dress, a matching gilet, soft boots and a bag big enough for the essentials. Nothing tight, nothing bunching, but a clear silhouette. You can wear it as it is in town without getting on a plane — and that's the whole point, because we don't dress 'to travel', we dress to move.

Street and evening: contrast does the work

On the street, the rule that has worked for years hasn't budged: one fitted piece, one oversized piece. Mini shorts or leggings underneath, a large structured jacket on top, strappy heeled sandals. It's the contrast doing all the work, not the price of the pieces — remember that, and you'll save yourself plenty of unnecessary spending. A trapeze line, a jacket that falls just right and a dark base: you're set.

For an evening that moves, go for full-on disco: a sequin or frill dress, fine sandals, a small bag that sparkles. A little gold on the shoulders and you're off. It's the kind of outfit that puts you in a good mood straight away, without having to overdo it.

And for a summer that keeps going, the turquoise frill mini dress remains unbeatable. Fine pendant necklaces, strappy sandals, a sequin clutch: the accessories are just the cherry on top. Better still, buy it second-hand: this piece has been around so much that you can find excellent ones in consignment shops.

The black that saves you, again and again

Let's be honest: the little black dress hasn't aged a bit. The version that works today: loose but short, slightly low-cut, worn with heeled sandals tied at the ankle and a matching clutch. Simple, effective, zero fuss — and that's exactly what we're after some weeks.

You can also step it up a notch with a polished office feel: a dark straight dress with a clean drape, high-heeled court shoes, a long trench, honey-coloured hair gently waved. An office look that also holds up for dinner. Chloé's verdict: yes for the office and dinner, skip it for a weekend in the countryside.

Dare to wear colour, but sparingly

Strong contrast isn't for every occasion, but it works: a colourful jacket as a statement piece, a dark base underneath, boots that echo one of the shades in the top. At a party or a gig, the effect is immediate. It's a look that takes a little daring, admittedly, but it will never let you down if the base stays neutral.

Softer is the tonal recipe, which relies on layering. Dusty pink trousers, a powder-pink tunic, a tan leather jacket over the top. The combination warms up a dull complexion and finally breaks out of the black-grey-navy we so often shut ourselves into!

The Californian everyday look, or simplicity with confidence

The girl-next-door look is easy: slightly faded jeans, a colourful top, open-toe ankle boots, aviator sunglasses, long hair worn loose. An outfit you can throw on on Saturday morning without thinking, and one that's always just right.

Finally, the simplest formula of the lot: skinny jeans, a long vest top, a thin belt to define the waist, a small cardigan barely buttoned, boots. Three basics, one texture, and it works for weekdays and weekends alike. It's a good pick for body shapes that like to define the waist without cinching it; conversely, if you hate being belted, skip the belt and let the vest top float — that works too.

Budget

These looks can be recreated at every price point, the real variable being fabric and finish. A printed floaty dress sits around £30 to £120 in high-street ready-to-wear, more at designer labels; a gilet or jacket, £40 to £100 in faux leather or heavy cotton, noticeably more in real leather. For footwear, budget £60 to £200 for boots or ankle boots in bonded leather, more for full-grain leather, and £40 to £150 for court shoes. The little black dress remains accessible: £25 to £100. Bags and belts, £15 to £80.

What pushes the price up: real leather, branding, European manufacturing, the city where you shop. What brings it down: second-hand, end-of-season sales, mass-market retailers. You'll find everything in high-street chains and supermarkets, but also in charity shops or consignment stores for leather and structured pieces — a good habit when you want fabric that lasts without paying the new price. Online, compare sizes before ordering, especially for shoes: that's where returns are most painful.

One last word on care: a viscose dress with a good drape lasts longer washed cold, and in practice, leather is often fed a couple of times a year. It's this kind of detail that makes a wardrobe really worth it, far more than the number of pieces piled up.