Cute and Functional Outfit Ideas for the Everyday Woman

When you're busy, it can be hard enough to grab something clean to put on - much less have a closet stocked with perfectly curated and coordinated outfits. What we're not going to do is tell you to buy a bunch of trendy, one-wear-only pieces that will sit in the back of your closet. We are going to instead let you in on how you can use what you already have to make easy looks you feel ultra-confident in.

Nothing - we repeat, nothing - was purchased in order to put these cute, functional outfit ideas together. We had two everyday women stick their heads in their closets and, along with a little creativity, we decided on new ways they could be worn.

Whether you're a student, a mother, a newlywed, or a woman tired of being bored by her own closet (we've been there), you'll be able to put cute, functional outfits together by the end of this post.

The Rule of Three

​No matter what you have sitting in your dresser drawers today, you can create a cute - but functional - outfit by utilizing the unofficial rule of three. The idea is that an outfit is complete when there are three pieces, not including shoes. At its most basic, you have a well-rounded outfit with a top, bottoms, and an accessory. Three pieces indicate a sense of completeness, making you feel put-together and ready to take on the day.

​Here are seven cute and functional outfit ideas for the everyday woman:

1. Tunic dress, denim jacket & statement earrings

Pictured: 
Tunic dress: The Happily Ever After
Jean jacket: Thrifted
Earrings: The Happily Ever After
Shoes: TOMS (no longer available on their site, but you could try eBay)

We love this concept because dresses are so easy to put on in the morning - and they look so put together. Since this is loose dress without a waistline, the jean jacket gives it some form, and the earrings add a little bling. We paired this outfit with these shoes for a more casual look, but swap those for gladiator sandals or wedges for an easy date-night look without any hassle. 

2. Graphic tee, solid skirt & headband

Pictured: 
Graphic tee: The Happily Ever After
Solid skirt: Merona by Target
Headband: Crafted from scrap fabric
Shoes: Time and Tru by Walmart

What we love most about this look is that is comfy and cute - because no one wants to sacrifice one for the other. The solid skirt and graphic tee combo plays opposite the typical printed skirt and solid top look, and the shoes add a fun, sporty factor to an otherwise very preppy outfit.

​Whether you love color or prefer neutrals, you can take this basic concept and get going with whatever is already in your closet. 

3. Long tee, basic leggings & chunky necklace

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Pictured: 
Long tee: The Happily Ever After
Leggings: BP by Nordstrom
Chunky necklace: Betsey Johnson
Shoes: Time and Tru by Walmart

This look is a favorite for road trips and running errands because it's fun, cute, and  - dare we say it again - comfortable. Long tees and leggings are easy, and paired with a chunky statement necklace, the outfit feels finished. 

P.S. If you don't already have some basic leggings in your wardrobe, that's a staple you should get on-board with ASAP. In addition to outfits like this, they make it easy for you to wear your favorite dresses year-round!

4. Simple tee, joggers & tote bag

Pictured: 
Simple graphic tee: The Happily Ever After
Joggers:  Maison Scotch (similar ones on Asos)
Tote bag: Kate Spade (similar one on Amazon)
Shoes: Walmart

We like to get a little bold mixing patterns with graphic tees, because who says functional has to be boring? Patterned joggers like these add a pop of color and texture without causing you discomfort throughout the day. No matter what your to-do list looks like, you can get it done while feeling cute, comfy and confident. 

5. Long-sleeve tee, vest & jeans

Pictured:
Long-sleeve: Bella + Canvas
Vest: Orscheln's
Jeans: Levi's
Shoes: Time and Tru by Walmart

A classic fall staple, we also love vests for summer night bonfires and those early days in spring when you aren't sure whether winter will make a second or third appearance (those Midwest ladies know what we mean).

This outfit is functional for the cooler days when you are totally sick of, or just aren't ready for, your winter coat. If you don't already have a vest, keep in mind that many come double-sided, which adds versatility and a little extra bang for your buck.

6. Fabric shorts, form-fitting top & simple necklace

Pictured:
Form-fitting top: The Happily Ever After
Simple necklace: The Happily Ever After
Fabric shorts: Lush (similar ones at Target)
Shoes: Sam Edelman 

Fabric shorts are an all-time favorite because they aren't pricey, there are so many colors and patterns you can choose from, and they surpass jean shorts in the comfort-division. However, fabric shorts tend to be flowery than jean shorts are, so we usually like to pair them with close-fitting tops. 

A tip to keep in mind when picking outfits is if you have one loose-fitting item, it's better to choose a form-fitting piece to go with it. That combo tends to be most flattering for the majority of women.

7. Dress, bangle & lip color

Pictured:
Dress: The Happily Ever After
Bangle: The Happily Ever After
Lip color: Lipsense in Mulled Wine
Shoes: Target

Can lip color be considered an accessory? On days when you've got things to do, it sure does. We love the extra little boost of confidence a great lip color can add to any outfit. This ensemble is simple and fun all at once. Printed dresses are great, no-fuss staples to have a few of, as the pattern can usually distract from any no-shower hair days (just being real over here).

Need to add a staple to your closet?  Use code "outfit15" for 15% off of your purchase on the THEA website.

Which outfit was your favorite? Be sure to tag us @TheHappilyEverAfterLife on Facebook or Instagram when you share yourself in yours online.