Wait, Could This TikTok Outfit Rule Be the Secret to Getting Ready in 5 Minutes?

Here at Who What Wear we pride ourselves on our know-how when it comes to solving sartorial dilemmas. Wondering what to wear in winter? We’ve got you covered. Searching for an office outfit that doesn’t feel stuffy? We’re experts. Simply searching for the next It item or trending style? Easy. But what can prove trickiest is actually the simplest question: how to perfect an easy, elegant, everyday outfit that is as low effort as possible with maximum pay off. Sound familiar?

Unlike dressing to meet a specific dress code, daily outfit building has to meet practical requirements as well as making us look and feel good. Should you also be the kind of person who spends Monday morning pulling apart your wardrobe to find something that will fit the bill, you know just how difficult the balance can be, and after declaring for the umpteenth time that I have “nothing to wear” (something I know to be untrue), I came across an outfit formula that provided a solution so simple that there was almost no thought required. Cue the TikTok sandwich rule.

Those familiar with last year’s “2×2 outfit formula” will know just how much of a game changer it was for our wardrobes, so imagine my excitement to come across a brand new method that makes the concept even easier. The idea is simple but believe me, effective: Start by choosing a colour for the top and matching it on the bottom. For example, a black jacket worn with blue jeans can be balanced with a black shoe. A brown coat over a cream dress will look expensive with a brown shoe, and so on and so forth. No matter how outfit combinations I tried, the rule was still applicable, and once I realised just how easy it was, I kept spotting it everywhere (you may even do it without realising). 

With this 5 minute-wonder in mind, I put together some of my favourite new-in finds into sandwich outfits that might help you the next time you get stuck with what to wear this week. Happy scrolling.

A smart cardigan like this will help elevate even the most simple outfit. 

A pair of straight-leg blue jeans might just be the hardest working piece in your wardrobe. 

Kitten heels are sticking around for 2024, and your feet will thank you.

A pop of cream always stands out against a monochrome outfit.

Charcoal grey is the perfect foundation for any outfit.

Basic tops like this are well worth stocking up on in every colour. 

It’s a tough call between the navy, black, and beige colourways—they’re all so good. 

Good luck getting your hands on a pair of these in trending bright red anywhere else.

It always helps to have a timeless pair of sunnies in your arsenal.

This shade of brown looks far more expensive than it’s price tag.

You’ll be able to wear this all year round. 

These come in black too, but chocolate brown looks luxe in sandwiched layers.

The finishing touch.

As the weather is getting milder, a trench coat makes an ideal outer layer. 

Such a cute party dress.

You’ll be able to dress these up with mini hemlines and keep them casual with jeans and a jumper.

The key to making good outfits great.

I can’t think of an outfit that won’t benefit from this.

My dream knit. 

The full suit is good, but you can wear the skirt on repeat with anything 

A true classic. 

Top handle bags are having a moment and this ticks every box. 

Up Next, Calling It: These 5 Blazer Trends Will Be Everywhere in 2024