CASUAL WEAR
What is casual wear exactly?
The invitation says “dress code: casual.” So, you’re supposed to, what—wear clothes?
Although dressing casual is easy in theory (most of us do it every day), decoding what “casual” means when it’s the dress code is a little bit different. “Casual” doesn’t necessarily mean “wear whatever you feel like.”
Casual basically means “whatever you’d like—as long as it’s event appropriate.” Like business casual, casual dress is dictated in part by the nature of the event. But casual attire offers a much wider range of possibilities than business casual attire.
How to wear casual clothing?
Casual clothing essentially means that you wear what you love, but do not go overboard the casual phenomenon. It's better to be little formal instead of being the odd one out in the crowd.
Dresses
Plain denim dresses and block print dresses are an eye catcher during the day. You can dress up or down for am occasion. Opt for a cute midi, cardigan, and sandals – cinch your waist with an oversized belt, and you’ll get mistaken for a supermodel!
Footwear
While casual dressing draws a lot of focus on clothes, it’s essential to not forget about the footwear. Mules, flats, sandals, and sneakers – they’re all great options if you’re keen on comfort without sacrificing style. If your clothing is colourful go for matching footwear, though if it is plain try a contrasting shade of footwear to level up your game.
Knitwear
When it comes to dressing casually, comfort is key. During transitional and colder months, enjoy the warmth and style of chunky knitwear. Oversized puff sleeves are fantastic with jeans or a mini skirt, and a rollneck looks best with a pinafore. Wear thigh high boots with denim jeans and a cute sweater to look hot yet cosy.
T shirts and jeans
Have to go out with friends on a last minute movie date and don't want to take off your hoodie?
Don't worry. Just pair your oversized hoodie with a pair of boots and a cute bag and you are ready to go.
Playing with layers is the key to a great outfit – tuck in your hoodie or a sweatshirt or add a chunky necklace so you can go from day to night in an instance.
Skirts
Tuck your t shirts into your skirts and turn a casual look into something steaming hot. Minis, maxis and everything in between, sometimes you can't beat a skirt. Freshen up an outfit by rocking a pair of chunky boots and a jumper – you can wear this ensemble during the transitional seasons without a fuss. Up the ante with delicate accessories like drop earrings or an elegant bracelet and you can go from a cafe to the office in no time!
When to wear casual outfits?
Casual daytime events
Keep it light and comfy during the day. This gives a fresh face to your casual outfit and it doesn't look like you went overboard.
Wide leg pants and loafers or low heel pumps with a tucked-in long sleeve top look great with a statement chain necklace and bag. For warmer days, go for a printed dress with sneakers or low heel booties. As for the head accessories, rock hairpins, minimal earrings, and sunglasses.
Casual evening event
Whether its day or night, you can don your casual look with a fancy touch to the simplicity.
Midis are an easy way to keep yourself comfy while looking incredibly stylish. Complete the look with a skimming rollneck or an oversized button-down.
Casual date night
Want to spend the night with your significant other in style, without sacrificing on comfort. A cute coordinate with a rollneck plays homage to ’90s Versace – complete the look with a pair of stilettos, and you’re set. Swap out a button-down shirt with a band T-shirt, slip on a leather pencil skirt and a denim jacket. You can quickly put a romantic spin on a laidback look with a pair of drop earrings or bold red lip.
Tips and tricks for casual wear
Pay attention to fit
Know what kind of fit suits you.
Fit can make all the difference with casual attire. The difference is, you don’t always have to look tailored. How should your clothing fit? This really depends on the look you're going for and your body type. Opt for loose clothes if you are too skinny and vice versa.
Know what you are comfortable in
There's no use investing in hoards of the latest streetwear if you don't feel comfortable wearing it. Wear what feels right to you, because if you feel self-conscious then this will show and it won't matter how many hundreds you've dropped.
Nod to trends but don't be dominated by them
Casual style is dominated by trends, from high street to high end. Whilst this is all well and good, the very nature of trends ensures they will fall out of favour soon enough. So, if you want to future-proof your wardrobe, it's preferable to only dabble in trends and instead spend big on pieces that will last.
Organise your closet
When it comes to dressing stylishly, organizing, and editing your closet is essential. After all, how can you create a great outfit if you can’t even see what you own? Start by decluttering your wardrobe and donating or selling anything that you don’t wear or love. Then, organize the remaining items neatly into categories. Hang what should be hung and fold the rest.
Balance your top and bottom
While those catwalk models might make pulling off an entirely loose or tight outfit appear simple, it’s not. For most of us, a successful look comes from striking the right balance. As such, it’s important to plan outfits where the top and bottom complement each other. If you’re wearing a loose shirt, try pairing it with tight pants, and if you’re wearing wide-leg pants or a full skirt, consider partnering it with a fitted or cropped top.
Don't be afraid to mix patterns
Patterns are an excellent way to add some life and fun to your wardrobe, and mixing patterns is even better. So, if you’ve been sticking to basic block colours for the past ten years, now’s the time to be bold and embrace checks, stripes, florals, gingham, and more. Just remember to make sure that your patterns complement rather than clash. To do so, try choosing one focal design and accenting your outfit with another. Alternatively, opt for two patterns with matching or complementary colour palettes.
Keep these tricks in mind and you are perfectly ready to rock the casual outfit you choose!!!