OUTFIT FORMULAS FOR CONCEALED CARRY

August 5, 2025

This article was originally published in USCCA’s Concealed Carry Magazine in April 2023, and I’m bringing it out of the archives to share with you! You’ll find the publication PDFs below, or you can keep scrolling to read the full article typed out for easier access.

16 Outfit Formulas for Concealed Carry

Your life could depend on the most important accessory you'll ever wear, a firearm. But even those who understand its value can find themselves leaving home without it. Some women find getting dressed with concealed carry in mind intimidating or just too time-consuming, which is why I want to share the "outfit formula" - your style-savvy shortcut for quickly incorporating firearms into all kinds of looks.

What is an outfit formula?

An outfit formula is a guide for putting together an outfit. Instead of telling you exactly what to wear, it provides a recipe for what might work well together; for example, jeans, a T-shirt, and a pair of heels. I included a holster with each formula to adjust this for concealed carry. When recommending a holster for each look, I drew on my experiences and what I know to be effective. Of course, the best holster for you will depend on your body type and preferences.

The fun part of an outfit formula is when you add your sense of style to the basic framework. For instance, when a pair of boots are required, one woman may opt for a polished pair with pointy toes, while another may choose western boots with fringe. In this way, the outfit is entirely customizable. Each formula begins with an inspiration piece and is styled in three or four ways to help you get the most out of your wardrobe. Let's start with jeans.

Jeans

Jeans provide the perfect canvas for a concealed carry outfit! When paired with a Kydex holster and belt, you can enjoy superior retention and accessibility. From the classic straight-leg cut to the more modern wide-leg crop, there is a pair of denim for almost every occasion. Make sure to go with a silhouette that looks good on you!

1. Enjoy casual comfort with the perfect relaxed-fit jeans and a basic tee or tank top. When looking for a T-shirt, ensure the material is thick and loose enough to conceal your firearm. You can conceal more effectively with a few styling hacks, such as purchasing an oversized shirt and tying a knot in the front. Add a pair of heels, a matching bag, and statement earrings to elevate the look. (Formula: Jeans, T-shirt, Belt & Kydex Holster, Accessories, Purse)

Even the most classic ensemble can appear trendy with the right pair of jeans. Start with classic elements: a blouse, a trench coat, and loafers. Next, wide-leg crop jeans will make you look more modern. Bring it all together with gold earrings and an eye-catching animal print purse. (Formula: Jeans, Blouse, Coat, Loafers, Belt & Kydex Holster, Earrings, Purse)

Opt for a pair of high-waisted flare jeans and heels or wedge sandals when you want to look taller. Conceal your firearm with a peplum top and ensure the ruffle lines up with your gun for the best concealment. If your Kydex holster doesn't line up, you can always use a bellyband that provides more compression and can be moved up and down on your torso. Add some jewelry and a chic bag, and you're ready to go. (Formula: Jeans, Peplum Top, Belt & Kydex Holster, Wedges, Purse, Accessories)

Master the art of chic with a look that never goes out of style: skinny jeans and an effortless button-up top. Give it some edge by opting for denim featuring side slits, then bring your ensemble together with glamorous sunglasses, a necklace, and a crossbody purse. (Formula: Jeans, Belt & Kydex Holster, Block Heels, Crossbody purse, Accessories)

Concealed Carry Camisole

A black camisole is a must-have for any wardrobe. But let me introduce something even better - one I designed specifically for concealed carry! The idea came to me as I stepped outside wearing a blouse on a windy day. My cover was blown when the wind brushed up against my holster and created the outline of the firearm!

The Concealed Carry Camisole creates shape with structured fabric and is reinforced with eight panels, which shield your gun for optimal concealment. The material on top adds dimension and movement, which softens sharp edges and distracts the eye. You can dress it up or down with a few styling tips.

5. Layer a duster cardigan over your camisole and pair it with comfortable jeans for a casual look that is perfect for running around town. Complete the outfit with simple hoops, a crossbody purse, and sneakers. Jeans and a belt provide great support for a Kydex holster worn over your appendix, at your side, or in the small of your back. (Formula: Jeans, Camisole, Belt & Kydex Holster, Cardigan, Sneakers, Crossbody Purse, Accessories)

For a bit of fun, pair the camisole with your most flattering jeans, a blazer, and a pair of high heel sandals. Add some dangly earrings and a clutch, and you're ready for a night out. (Formula: Jeans, Camisole, Belt & Kydex Holster, Blazer, Clutch, Heels, Accessories)

7. Pair your black camisole with tailored trousers when the dress code is business casual. Dress pants can be a little flimsy, so you could opt for a bellyband if they don't support your gun. Add a blazer and accessories to instantly elevate the outfit and remember to choose the right shoe for the occasion. A timeless pump will work perfectly when you're headed to a meeting. (Formula: Dress pants, Camisole, Blazer, Belt & Kydex Holster or Bellyband, Pumps, Accessories)

Button-Up Shirt

Button-up shirts are great for concealed carry because they're often made of stiff fabric that won't conform to your gun. You can add even more structure if needed by spritzing the shirt with starch before ironing. Button-ups offer a variety of looks, from a casual and relaxed vibe when worn open with rolled sleeves to a polished look when worn tucked in and paired with heels.

8. For a professional look, tuck a button-up shirt into a pencil skirt and conceal your firearm with thigh holster shorts. If you need to un-holster the gun for any reason, a concealed carry purse makes a great backup holster. Give your outfit some color with accessories like earrings and a scarf tied around your neck or bag. Then add heels to complete the look. I chose two shades of blue for the skirt and heel, which is my take on the denim-on-denim trend. (Formula: Button-up Shirt, Pencil Skirt, Thigh Holster Shorts, Heels, Purse, Accessories)

A button-up can be effortlessly chic when paired with straight-leg jeans, loafers, and bold gold jewelry. Carry your gun in a belt and Kydex holster. Wear the dress shirt with tails out, and sleeves rolled up for a relaxed feel. For something a little more polished, you can tuck the shirt in. You'll need a holster clip with space to tuck your shirt between the firearm and the clip. (Formula: Button-Up Shirt, Jeans, Belt & Kydex Holster, Flats, Accessories)

10. A pair of bright high-waisted shorts will give you a sophisticated vacation look. I recommend wearing a belly band and tying your shirt tails in a knot at your natural waist. Include a handbag, jewelry, and a pair of wedges. This purse and matching espadrille wedges are perfect for fun in the sun. (Formula: Shorts, Button-up Shirt, Wedge Sandals, Belly band, Handbag, Accessories)No matter how you style it, a white button-up dress shirt will surely add sophistication to your wardrobe.

Shift Dress

Given that they are short and loose-fitting, shift dresses are perfect for spring and summer. The silhouette does not cinch at the waist like other dresses, giving you room to conceal a gun. If this is true for your body type, the Enigma holster is a fantastic choice because it enables you to wear the gun over your appendix, even without a belt. Thigh holster shorts are also a potential option if the dress is long enough but check this before heading out the door.

11. When running errands, throw on a denim jacket, easy slip-on sneakers, and a pair of stud earrings. A leather concealed carry purse finishes the look and allows you to carry a second firearm. (Formula: Shift Dress, Enigma, Sneakers, Handbag, Jacket, Accessories)

12. For going out with your girlfriends, top the shift dress with a long blazer and accessorize with striking pieces like dangling earrings and a delicate bracelet. An eye-catching clutch and strappy heels will add a flirtatious touch to the look. (Formula: Shift Dress, Enigma, Long Blazer or Jacket, Heels, Clutch, Accessories)

When it comes to business casual, choose understated jewelry and a dapper jacket that complements the outfit. Close-toed pumps and a purse with an air of professionalism complete the ensemble. (Formula: Shift Dress, Blazer, Enigma, Pumps, Purse, Accessories)

Striped Shirt

Striped shirts are the perfect choice for concealing your firearm! Not only do alternating colors create visual diversions, but stripes always stay in style, so you can easily integrate them into any wardrobe.

14. For a patriotic look, accessorize your striped shirt with a red hat or another clothing item with a star pattern. Shorts and sneakers create a fun and easygoing feel. If your belt and Kydex holster tend to ride up when wearing shorts, try using the Enigma or a belly band to secure your gun. (Formula: Striped Shirt, Shorts, Sneakers, Enigma, Hat, Accessories)

Try this top with a breezy pair of linen pants and comfortable sandals for an easy travel look. Since there are no belt loops, a belly band or the Enigma makes comfortable options for carrying your firearm. Opt for a lightweight denim jacket if you need an extra layer. Finally, complete the outfit with a small backpack, and you'll be ready to take on any adventure! (Formula: Striped Shirt, Linen Pants, Sandals, Enigma, Jacket, Backpack)

Creating a casual yet cute look is easy with the right pieces, like a classic striped shirt and white denim skirt. A thigh holster may peek out below the hem with a skirt this length, but the Enigma is sure to keep your firearm secure and hidden. Add a concealed carry purse, slip-on sneakers, and nautical accessories before leaving the house. (Formula: Striped Shirt, Jean Skirt, Enigma, Sneakers, Purse, Accessories)

Having a few outfit formulas on hand makes getting dressed so much easier. Now that you've seen a few examples, it's time to style outfits from your closet! Feel free to use the images as inspiration and have fun mixing and matching pieces until you find your go-to looks.