Dressing casually is supposed to be easy, laidback, and cool, but finding a balance between an effortless outfit and something you’d wear on lazy Sundays can sometimes be a struggle. Casual doesn’t mean sloppy, and believe it or not, you can look relaxed yet polished. Style takes a break for no one, and there’s no excuse for not looking sharp!
Put down your sweatpants (though you love them, we know), and it’s time to have fun with your casual style. You’ll be rocking your off-duty looks in no time at all!
Knowing what kind of casual you’re looking for
Yes – there are two kinds of casual, but don’t panic! There are still subtle differences that will allow you to distinguish one dress code from another. Here are the different kinds of casual that exist:
- Casual style: It’s the basic casual style that we know and love. Basic t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers for example. This is a style that you can wear running errands, hanging out with friends, or even just relaxing at yours. We love simple casual, and Fresh Clean Threads is an apparel brand all about that vibe, offering basic yet classic t-shirts that will compliment your casual looks.
- Smart casual style: Smart casual is an outfit made up of at least one casual element and one dressier element. This could be a t-shirt with a pair of chinos or a formal shirt with jeans. It’s not as formal as the professional style (tailoring for example) but is more office-appropriate than a t-shirt and jeans.
Not going crazy on color
Sure, we love some bright colors, but the key to acing your casual style is to not go crazy on different hues. If you still want your casual outfit to look suave, then keep your color palette to a minimum. Three shades maximum will make for a polished yet relaxed look.
Monochrome is also another way of making your outfit look put together with minimal effort – for example, opt for a navy t-shirt, a dark wash pair of jeans, and navy and white sneakers for style points. As we always say – less is more!
Style your loungewear
So, earlier we told you to put down your sweatpants, but we have good news for you – there are other items in your loungewear that you can style up to make into a casual yet fashionable outfit. In winter, hoodies look great with a tailored coat for a mix of old-school style and athleisure. This will create a fresh take on your casual outfits, and breathe a new lease of life into your wardrobe. Loungewear isn’t just for working from home!
Invest in casual shoes
Casual shoes will make your outfit! And if your sneaker collection is already overflowing, don’t worry – that’s not your only option. Casual shoes can be boat shoes/loafers, derbies, Chukka boots, or Chelsea boots. However, choose your shoes wisely! Old, worn-out casual shoes will cheapen your outfit and make it seem sloppy – which is not the vibe we’re going for.
Layer with unstructured blazers
Blazers, you say? Well, they can be casual. The more tailored they are, the more formal they will become. So how can they become casual? If they’re unstructured. Loose blazers in lightweight fabrics are perfect layering pieces that will still blend in perfectly with your casual outfit. Their relaxed fit will still help you feel cool and stylish, all while being comfortable. It looks smart enough, without being too extravagant.
Now you know all there is to know about casual dressing! Now we’re back in the great outdoors, it’s time to make an actual effort with our wardrobes, even if it’s just to run errands. We’re sure that with a little imagination and our advice, you’ll be rocking the casual look very soon!
