
In my quest to create outfit formulas that truly serve most women in most sizes and most ages, I come back again and again to the versatile, elegant, relatively timeless pieces that I have called modern classics. But what makes a modern classic? Well, it varies, but in general, a modern classic is:
- Simple
- Solid (usually)
- Tailored without being boxy or tight
When you choose these pieces in a color palette that works with your natural color palette, they truly mix and match endlessly to create chic and versatile outfits for dressing up, work, and casual days.
And most of these can be found at LilySilk. If you’ve ever thought of skipping LilySilk because natural luxury fibers are out of your price range or don’t suit your lifestyle, I hope these outfits will help you reconsider. Not only are these modern classics chic and flattering, but they’re also comfortable, easy to care for, and surprisingly affordable.
Here, 10 age-defying outfits (and outfit formulas!) I created by combining modern classics from LilySilk with old favorites from my own wardrobe.
Use code NADA15 for 15% off any of these items.
Outfit Formula 1: Sweater + Jeans + Blazer + Cap-Toe Shoes
This outfit combines some of my wardrobe workhorses in a new and chic-but-casual way. Any neutral simple sweater and blazer would work here, and a pair of polished shoes continue the classic look.
Use code NADA15 for 15% off LilySilk.
- Blazer (similar) https://rstyle.me/+TExi2mmEyRQfDkcrdsRzew
- Sweater: https://rstyle.me/+LendiwOiAKwwDw13vcXgzQ
- Jeans: https://rstyle.me/+L3eZaNNUAQo4cfRKvU1unQ
- Shoes: https://liketk.it/4lxfE

Outfit Formula 2: Striped Sweater + Fancy Skirt + Pumps
A statement or fancy skirt gets new life when paired with a casual but chic striped sweater or tee. Add an elegant pair of shoes to continue to polished look.
Use code NADA15 for 15% off LilySilk.
- Sweater: https://rstyle.me/+bI2LjFwwcBe4m7snhBlXTQ
- Skirt (similar): https://rstyle.me/+_z4aT7C3xDmbROKFPESgxA
- Pumps: https://sarah-flint.myshopify.com/discount/SARAHFLINT-BANADA
- Clutch (same color): https://rstyle.me/+HaVCTahQyYdiU1E-M5x9SQ

Outfit 3: Silk Blouse + Fun Skirt + Clutch + Fun Shoes
This outfit combines a statement skirt, this one in a knit and slightly less dressy, with a simple silk blouse and fun accessories. A silk blouse adds elegance and grounds this collection of statement pieces.
Use code NADA15 for 15% off LilySilk.
- Silk Blouse: https://rstyle.me/+YKZqe8rCCciQPBG6LlWQBQ
- Fringed skirt (similar shade, but suede!): https://rstyle.me/+N7sEqigHbZReRN9IMKl1Vw
- Clutch (mine is vintage Renaud Pellegrino, but this is lovely) https://rstyle.me/+DLXTTehv-MipdRAdyJciRw
- Shoes (similar): https://rstyle.me/+vNeH3TmLzNdIGjcWjk0JXg

Outfit 4: Silk Blouse + Skirt + Blazer + Cap-Toe Shoes
An office-worthy look that goes easily from day to night, I topped the two-piece “dress” of a silk blouse and silk skirt with a colorful blazer and then added work-appropriate shoes.
Use code NADA15 for 15% off LilySilk.
- Blouse: https://rstyle.me/+YKZqe8rCCciQPBG6LlWQBQ
- Skirt: https://rstyle.me/+aW7V3Z229cSNANeP1egfEQ
- Blazer: https://rstyle.me/+x7lZhwq5ucPs00LzVsIUzg
- Shoes: https://liketk.it/4lxfE

Outfit 5: Silk Blouse + Silk Skirt + Evening Shoes & Clutch
Take the work outfit from above, lose the jacket, and add evening accessories for a night out.
Use code NADA15 for 15% off LilySilk.
- Blouse: https://rstyle.me/+YKZqe8rCCciQPBG6LlWQBQ
- Skirt: https://rstyle.me/+aW7V3Z229cSNANeP1egfEQ
- Shoes: https://7or9.com/discount/NADAMANLEY?ref=ldeqf6g8 CODE: NADAMANLEY
- Clutch (mine is vintage Renaud Pellegrino, but this is lovely) https://rstyle.me/+DLXTTehv-MipdRAdyJciRw

Outfit 6: Sweatshirt + Silk Skirt + Sneakers + Crossbody
Take the silk skirt seamlessly into the weekend by pairing it with a sweatshirt and sneakers.
Use code NADA15 for 15% off LilySilk.
- Sweatshirt: (similar): https://rstyle.me/+GIwXz8TdeoGpXR-h8EoCkg
- Skirt: https://rstyle.me/+aW7V3Z229cSNANeP1egfEQ
- Sneakers: https://shop.allbirds.com/nada-manley2 (The Piper)
- Crossbody: https://creator.portlandleathergoods.com/nada-manley (The Toaster)

Outfit 7: Flowy Pants + Bodysuit + Moto + Ballet Flats
Flowy pants, whether palazzos, a wide-leg, or a breezy cargo like this, call for a fitted top for balance. A moto jacket adds structure and completes the look.
Use code NADA15 for 15% off LilySilk.
- Pants: https://rstyle.me/+Zt077rGTeZNvCjO1yhwOdQ
- Bodysuit: https://rstyle.me/+naXxX9oCYSXfshTztfx0Jw
- Moto: https://rstyle.me/+BFxhbe8JDh-t4DXX2c65Ig
- Flats (similar): https://rstyle.me/+fBGWjHHQhiwBw1-NXG1FCQ

Outfit 8: Flowy Pants + Bodysuit + Moto + Mules
Switch out the flats for mules for a dressier look, and one that can take this outfit from day to night.
Use code NADA15 for 15% off LilySilk.
- Pants: https://rstyle.me/+Zt077rGTeZNvCjO1yhwOdQ
- Bodysuit: https://rstyle.me/+naXxX9oCYSXfshTztfx0Jw
- Moto: https://rstyle.me/+BFxhbe8JDh-t4DXX2c65Ig
- Shoes: https://rstyle.me/+PWjiy3WrRyMq7gFiGYcUxA

Outfit 9: Versatile Black Dress + Glam Accessories
A versatile dress in your best dark neutral is the hardest-working item in your wardrobe. Here, it gets a glam makeover for evening with sparkly accessories.
Use code NADA15 for 15% off LilySilk.
- Dress: https://rstyle.me/+eHVbBg8vaYDD91EJVaUKKg
- Shoes: https://rstyle.me/+vNeH3TmLzNdIGjcWjk0JXg
- Necklace (mine is gold from Barmakian): https://rstyle.me/+AYiFdFpW3V89HpKXLDYX3Q

Outfit 10: Versatile Black Dress + Denim Jacket + Sneakers
Add a denim jacket and sneakers to this versatile dress, and it becomes the perfect errand-running outfit.
Use code NADA15 for 15% off LilySilk.
- Dress: https://rstyle.me/+eHVbBg8vaYDD91EJVaUKKg
- Jacket: https://rstyle.me/+svMOTGEi-VdkQqRe8MffxA
- Sneakers: https://shop.allbirds.com/nada-manley2 (The Piper)

Which of these outfits is your favorite? And which are you going to try and recreate with items from your own wardrobe? Let me know in the comments!
Nada Manley says
Thank you Emily!!
Nada Manley says
Thank you so much!
Wendy Miller says
Like all the ideas.
Emily says
I love these looks!