5 Closet Chameleons—and How to Style Them

Certain items—like wetsuits and wedding gowns—serve one intended purpose. On the opposite end of the wearability spectrum are what we call the closet chameleons: versatile pieces that adapt to two or more completely different settings. The ones that, coupled with outside-the-box thinking, can stretch your wardrobe significantly. Here, a few of our favorites.

Sleepwear for Everywhere

Deiji Studios’ linen creations are good in bed, and even better outside the house. The kimono-inspired tops double as dusters, the button-ups can hang with jeans and tailored trousers alike, and the matching sets are beach-ready with a bikini and a woven tote.

FROM LEFT: FROM TOP: deiji studios set, goop, $220; EPHEMERA TOP, goop, $160; DEIJI STUDIOS DRESS, goop, $192; deiji studios set, goop, $210; deiji studios set, goop, $281; ANEMOS TOP, goop, $155; JOSEPH SANDALS, goop, $170

Wear It With

One-Pieces as Bodysuits

With wide-leg pants and woven accessories, your favorite maillot easily approximates a bodysuit. It’s a look that works for sweltering summer days and any time suitcase real estate is tight. This black-on-black combo is endlessly chic, but we also love a colorful suit with cream trousers.

Boxers as Bottoms

If the last few years have done anything for fashion, it’s making cozies more wearable than ever. One look that’s dominating our feeds right now? The boxers-and-button-up combo. We’re fans of Comme Si’s cotton poplin options (they’re as crisp and breathable as a set of hotel sheets) and this silk pair by ESSE.

Photo courtesy of Alexander R. Morgan

Comme Si boxer shorts Comme Si, $65
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Photo courtesy of Şirin

Alex Mill shirt goop, $135
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Photo courtesy of Kristen Lam

ESSE shorts goop, $475
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Photo courtesy of Megan Adelaide Vega

Button-Ups as Cover-ups

Leverage a button-up by shrugging it over a bikini on your way to the nearest body of water. The more oversize the silhouette, the more easily it will slip coolly off your shoulders. And the more lightweight the cotton, the better it will billow in a breeze. Complete the look with a neutral cap and minimal jewelry. Photo courtesy of Megan Adelaide Vega

G. LABEL MADDY DENIM SKIRT, goop, $395

One Skirt, Three Ways

Subbing in a denim skirt is an easy way to give your favorite jeans the day off without stepping too far outside of your comfort zone. Every detail of this midi, from the paneled A-line cut to the dark-wash Italian denim, lends itself to whatever you pair it with: little black bikini, prim blouse, cashmere cardigan, whatever. G. LABEL MADDY DENIM SKIRT, goop, $395

By the Water

At the Office

Running Errands

Slightly More Daring Ideas

Full-length lingerie moonlights as an evening dress with strappy sandals and diamond earrings. A cardigan turns into a chic top when you pop the top button and shimmy it off the shoulders (fashion tape is your friend here). And bike shorts go from gym gear to dressed up with sharp shirting and fashion-forward sandals.

g. label apple circle pavÉ drop earrings, goop, $1,450;

olivia von halle dress, Net-A-Porter, $450;

g. label alisha v-neck cardigan, goop, $595;

LEFT:TOP: olivia von halle dress , Net-a-Porter, $450; g. label apple circle pavÉ drop earrings, goop, $1,450; emme parsons sandals, goop, $395. MIDDLE: g. label alisha v-neck cardigan, goop, $595; loquet necklace, goop, $3,190. RIGHT:BOTTOM: maria mcmanus shirt, goop, $480; HÉROS bike shorts, goop, $120; dior sandals, Dior, $1,150.