When it comes to dressing casually, there are many different ways to go about it. You can mix and match different pieces to create a look that’s both comfortable and stylish. If you’re looking for some ideas on how to elevate your casual outfit, here are five tips that you can use. Each of these tips will help you take your outfit from average to amazing, so read on and get inspired!
Your Daily Outfit
Has your daily outfit become a bit more casual over the years? Maybe a LOT more casual?
Our closets used to contain dressy and professional outfits that we wore to work, church, parties, and out to dinner. Casual clothes were folded in a dresser drawer and worn primarily around the house: khakis or mom jeans, casual shirts, and a few shapeless cardigans.
Now that so many of our occasions are defined by some variation of casual, we can feel lost trying to put together the right outfit. Business casual, smart casual, dressy casual, elevated casual…..how do we navigate these different styles?
Start by expanding your definition of a casual outfit. Rather than just a top, pants, and shoes, think about your outfit as being made up of five components:
- Top
- Bottom
- Finishing Piece
- Accessories
- Shoes
Elevate Your Casual Outfit: From Average to Amazing in Five Simple Steps
1. Top
Start with neutral tops that are classy and refined. Until you are more comfortable with an elevated casual look, choose solid color tops in shapes that are more tailored than funky. If you wear a t-shirt, it should be flattering and wrinkle-free.
2. Bottom
Your pants or jeans should fit well and be flattering for your body shape. Too often, we wear bottoms that are shapeless and too large. Pants that are too big make you look larger, not smaller. Choose darker pants and dark-wash jeans if you want to divert attention from your lower half. To appear taller, wear the same color top and bottom.
3. Finishing Piece
Your finishing piece pulls your outfit together. Typically it will be a jacket, but it could be a vest,
cardigan, or even a scarf in warmer months. Let your finishing piece set the theme for the entire outfit.
A tailored blazer turns it into a classic outfit, a velvet jacket will take you to a holiday party, and a plaid shacket is perfect for after-work get-togethers at the local brewery.
4. Accessories
Don’t forget accessories. They reinforce the theme of your outfit. A simple bracelet and gold watch complement a tailored look. A necklace at the correct length can be slimming and draw the eye away from areas you want to de-emphasize. You don’t need to go overboard on accessories. Think of them as playing a supporting role in your overall outfit.
5. Shoes
Wear cute shoes! Comfortable footwear does not have to be ugly. Stay away from chunky shoes and find tapered flats or low heels with interesting detail such as hardware or an animal print. A low vamp shoe or a no-vamp bootie can make your legs look longer when wearing pants. Comfortable shoes will cost more, so you might want to check out sales and Nordstrom Rack to save money.
Remember, if you have a fabulous outfit but frumpy shoes, you have a frumpy outfit.
Equation to Build Your Perfect Elevated Casual Outfit
Use this simple five-part equation to build the perfect elevated casual outfit. It is endlessly flexible. As you get more comfortable with the new casual, make it your own with details that complement your body and convey your personal style.
RECAP: Elevate Your Casual Outfit
If you are looking for some fresh outfit inspiration, we have five tips to help you elevate your casual outfit. The Style Equation is your go-to guide to help you find elevated casual outfits that fit properly so that you feel amazing. We’ve taken the guesswork out of fashion, so you can shop with ease and confidence. Look at our five steps to creating the perfect elevated casual outfit—we have all the tips you need! Whether it’s a day at work or an evening out with friends, these easy-to-follow guidelines will get your wardrobe in top shape and make sure that your outfits always pop!
