If you’ve been following along for quite some time, you’ll know that I’m not one for following strict fashion rules and instead, I’m a huge advocate for wearing what you love. But I also love a good style tip that helps me get dressed with ease. So when I stumbled upon the 2×2 outfit formula on TikTok, I knew I had to try it out. The premise of this is to take 2 pieces in the “smart” or “formal” category and mix it with 2 pieces of casualwear. The result is a smart casual outfit – one of my favourite ways to get dressed. And now I can’t imagine putting together a smart casual outfit without this formula. See them incorporated in this Reel and this Reel.
Since I love this outfit formula so much, I wanted to create this post to showcase how seamless it is to implement into your everyday looks. Here you’ll find two outfits that incorporate the 2×2 outfit formula. And in each one I’m thrilled to feature a super easy-to-wear smart piece – comfortable and practical heels from Ally Shoes.
This post is sponsored by Ally Shoes and all thoughts are my own. Some other items showcased are PR products (labeled as c/o) and some links used in this post are affiliate links. This means if you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. My goal is to inspire you to get creative with what you already have and be intentional with quality pieces you’ll love for years to come. Thank you for supporting Her Simple Sole blog!
Pictured: Bold Block Heel in Black Suede | Lower Block Heel in Bossy Beige
The Perfect Smart Piece
A stylish pair of heels makes for the perfect smart piece, but the thought of wearing them all day long may provoke instant feelings of discomfort. Insert Ally Shoes – a brand that takes a thoughtful approach to stylish heels, designed by women for women. Each pair is made of premium lambskin leather and features a technical stretchy lining, as well as a patented ergonomic insole. You can find several different heel heights, from 2-inch block heels to 3 inch classic pumps. And if high heels aren’t your jam, they also offer styles in kitten heels and flats. To aid in intentional manufacturing and less waste, most styles are made-to-order. As investment pieces, these shoes are truly made to last.
Most intriguing to me is how they offer a wide range of sizes from US 4.5-12 (also available in half sizes), as well as four different widths to cater to all shapes and sizes. As someone with wide feet and bunions, I deeply appreciate how size-inclusive the selection is. Never in a million years did I think I’d be able to comfortably wear pointed toe heels, but here we are! And I’m thrilled about it! Their website even has a quiz you can take to find your perfect size.
Use code SHARON10 for 10% off your first order with Ally Shoes
Outfit 1 – Tank Top + Wide Leg Pants + Cropped Jacket
The first outfit creates the perfect workwear look, beginning with an outfit base that consists of a square neck tank top and wide leg pants. The cropped jacket, which leans more casual, is added as a third piece. The outfit also intentionally incorporates the 3 colour rule (black, beige, and brown) to form a cohesive smart casual outfit.
2×2 outfit formula breakdown:
- Casual (1) – square neck tank top
- Smart (1) – wide leg pants
- Casual (2) – cropped jacket
- Smart (2) – bold block heel
If you’re wondering what constitutes a “smart” piece, I would say anything that is appropriate for an office setting. This includes pieces that are normally more modest and tailored, like a button-up shirt, a blazer, tailored trousers, and of course, a pair of comfortable pumps.
The Bold Block Heel features a 3″ heel and I love how I get the additional height without the pain and discomfort. I also love how each pair of shoes from Ally Shoes can immediately elevate an outfit, reducing the guesswork and decision-making process when choosing a smart piece.
Outfit details:
Aritzia tank top (S, similar here and here)
Uniqlo wide-fit pants (XS)
Modern Ambition cropped jacket (S, c/o, similar here and here)
Ally Shoes Bold Black Heel in Black Suede (c/o, use code SHARON10 for 10% off your first order)
A.P.C. bag
Sheena Marshall Jewelry necklace (c/o, use code HERSIMPLESOLE10 for 10% off your order)
Jenny Bird ring (c/o)
Outfit 2 – White Tee + Blue Jeans + Blazer
The intentionality behind this outfit is to showcase how an outfit base consisting of a basic t-shirt and jeans combo could also work using this formula. These two pieces are arguably the most common casual items in your wardrobe. So to incorporate this formula, I’ve added a flowy blazer as a third piece, along with the Low Block Heel as the two smart pieces.
2×2 outfit formula breakdown:
- Casual (1) – white basic t-shirt
- Smart (1) – linen-blend blazer
- Casual (2) – straight-fit jeans
- Smart (2) – low block heel
I love how simple the 2×2 outfit formula is to implement, even with the simplest of pieces like a t-shirt and jeans combo. Moreover, the Low Block Heel features a 2″ heel and is perfect for those who still want added height and a dressier element, but a bit more control. I’m so in love with this beige/taupe tone – it’s absolute neutral perfection!
Other “smarter” or “dressier” wardrobe options that could be worn here (instead of the blazer) include a button-up shirt, either tucked in or worn unbuttoned, or a sweater over the shoulders for a preppy vibe.
Outfit details:
Uniqlo t-shirt (S)
Everlane jeans (24)
Frank And Oak blazer (S, c/o, linked similar colour)
Ally Shoes Low Block Heel in Bossy Beige (c/o, use code SHARON10 for 10% off your first order)
Polene bag
Sheena Marshall Jewelry necklace (c/o, use code HERSIMPLESOLE10 for 10% off your order)
Jenny Bird ring (c/o)
Thank you Ally Shoes for partnering on this post!
