Are you walking into Monday with confidence and style or walking into Monday in a state of unconsciousness looking like a trash pile? I have a comfortable Monday uniform that I fall back on when I’m short on time. I’m short on time a lot. For Monday mornings or any morning that I’m in a rush, I rely on my basics. Because I have good basics, I have endless options.

Is being basic good or bad? A reality star wrote a how-to book, so being basic might be a good thing now, maybe? Regardless, having a basic uniform and using accessories to add style will make your Monday easier. I get a lot of grief for the lack of color in my closet; I dress around four neutral colors and my closet is a neutral wonderland where everything matches. Having my closet filled with neutrals allows me to grab an outfit in two minutes. Below I added a few styling tips to turn basic pieces into pieces that can be worn over and over and show your style in different ways.

$10 dupe of Elizabeth and James sunglasses available here

Layering a long cardigan over a dress is a casual but polished look for work. Wearing a cardigan over the dress pictured allows me to wear my summer dress in the colder months. I am always looking for ways to re-wear my pieces to get the most value. Whether I pay $10 or $100, I want to wear my clothing until it falls apart, and I want to wear it in a different style each time. That’s what I call getting maximum value out of each piece.

If your waist feels lost under the dress, belt it; or belt the cardigan on top of the dress. Adding a belt will show off your figure without showing skin in the workplace. By adding a belt, you add personal style with your choice of accessory. Another way to add your style to a basic look is with a scarf draped around your neck; with a neutral base, you have a multitude of scarf prints/colors to choose from, go wild.

With a neutral base and simple shoes, a statement bag will make your outfit pop. I added texture with a fuzzy scarf, so I chose a simple bag. Choose one stand-out piece and allow it to get all the attention it deserves. Accessories are a great way to add pops of color/texture to your basic wardrobe pieces, and accessories are perfect for experimenting with trends for a small investment, not to mention accessories as souvenirs when you travel is a sweet and lightweight memento.

Scarf from Zara (old) similar available here and here, both under $20

With these quick, easy, and wallet-friendly styling tips you can be out the door in style faster than a hot knife slides through butter. Do you have a Monday uniform? Do you have any tricks for getting out the door fast on a Monday?