Falling somewhere between tailored business suits and flowy evening gowns, casual chic style is all about combining your everyday basics with formal elements to elevate your look.
Whether you’re looking to take your outfit from smart-casual to more casual or are simply trying to achieve an effortless look, there are several steps to mastering this style.
1. Start with Basics
Whether you are trying to master casual-chic outfits to save time and effort when getting ready in the morning or you want to add a little extra polish to your everyday look, there are plenty of tips that can help. One of the most important things you can do to achieve this look is to start with your basics and build a combination that works for you.
Basics like jeans, tees, and a few blazers are the foundation of any casual-chic outfit. These pieces can be paired with a variety of different accents to make the outfit more polished.
The easiest way to create a casual-chic look is to layer and match different pieces together. For instance, a button-down blouse over a T-shirt & blazer is a great casual-chic combo because it is sophisticated yet comfortable and easy to wear.
Another option is to go for a maxi dress, which is a staple in the world of casual-chic fashion. This piece is super versatile and can be paired with heels for an evening out or sneakers for a more laid-back casual look.
A jumpsuit is also a must have in every woman’s closet, and it can be the perfect casual-chic outfit. Whether you choose animal patterns, flowers or monochrome combinations, this piece will never go out of style and it is very comfortable.
To keep your outfit looking as casual as possible, you can always opt for white sneakers, which are an essential accessory in any fashionable woman’s closet. These shoes are lightweight, extremely comfortable and can be worn with a variety of different outfits.
For a more formal touch, you can always dress your tee up with a jacket or vest. Adding a blazer or even a leather jacket will give your outfit the polished look that makes casual-chic outfits so appealing!
The best part about a casual-chic wardrobe is that it is within reach of most people. This is because most women don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a well-made and stylish wardrobe that can be used for any occasion.
2. Mix & Match
The Key to Mastering Casual-Chic Outfits
One of the best ways to build a casual-chic wardrobe is by mixing and matching different items. It is an excellent way to create a stylish look without spending a lot of money on designer pieces.
The key to mixing and matching is to start with basics and then elevate them by adding a fun pop of color or a statement piece. These elements will help you look put together and polished, even if you only have time to throw an outfit together.
For example, you can pair a t-shirt with jeans and high heels for a sleek, sophisticated look. Or you can add a belt or blazer to elevate your look. Shop Now at Inspire Joy and choose from their high-quality inspirational shirts.
A skirt is also a great option for business casual attire. If you choose a well-fitting pencil or A-line skirt, it will go with many tops and blazers. You can also try a pinstripe or herringbone skirt.
It is important to wear breathable fabrics when wearing smart casual outfits in the summertime. You should avoid tight or heavy materials, such as cotton or wool, in hot weather.
In addition, you should wear a nice blouse or t-shirt that has a good fit and is made of quality material. Using a low-quality or wrinkled t-shirt can really ruin your smart casual outfit.
Another element to consider is your shoes and handbag. The right bag can be an amazing accessory and give your outfit a whole new look.
If you want to wear a pair of high-quality shoes, make sure they fit your feet perfectly. This will ensure that they are comfortable and will last for a long time.
When it comes to the right handbag, you can choose a simple leather bag or a satchel that adds some interest. Or you can go for a trendy and colorful crossbody to dress up your outfit.
You can also try a bold lip or a fabulous shoe to add some personality to your look. These items will make your outfit more unique and stand out from the rest.
3. Add a Statement Piece
The key to mastering casual-chic outfits is to balance pairing comfy basics with some dressier classic pieces. Adding a statement piece to your look is one of the easiest ways to add personality and character to your style.
It’s like your personal fashion signature, and it can make a big difference in your wardrobe. Think of bloggers or fashion editors at one end of the spectrum who have a go-to statement piece in their closets, or celebrities with standout sunglasses and jackets.
As long as you’re choosing a piece that you love and that you feel comfortable wearing, you’ll be happy with the results! The only thing that you’ll have to keep in mind is that your statement piece needs to work well with what’s already in your closet.
Another important rule when incorporating a statement piece into your outfit is to choose one that’s not too loud or over-embellished. That way, it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb and make your entire look seem cluttered or unappealing.
A great way to achieve this is by going for a piece that’s brightly colored or embellished in some way. This will make your ensemble pop, but not overpower your face or the rest of your body.
If you want to take it a step further, you can try layering your statement piece with something else in your wardrobe. This could be a jacket, or a pair of shoes that match the color of your clothing.
You can also pair your top with a pair of shorts or pants, which will give you the chance to wear your statement piece in different ways. You can also mix and match accessories, such as a necklace and earrings to create an interesting and unexpected look.
Lastly, be sure to add a structured bag to your outfit. A structured bag is one of the easiest ways to make an otherwise boring ensemble a little more stylish and chic. It can be a clutch, a tote, or a crossbody, and it’s an essential piece when mastering casual-chic style.
4. Keep It Simple
There are a lot of decisions to be made when it comes to casual-chic style. And while it can seem intimidating, the key is to stay focused on the things that matter most and to keep it simple.
First, think about your wardrobe and what pieces are essential to mastering this style. If you have a few versatile basics in neutral tones like black, white, and gray, you’re already halfway there! Add in a few classic prints and a splash of color (preferably one that isn’t bright) to make your outfit pop.
Another important element of this style is accessorizing, which is essential for transforming your look from basic to glam. Whether it’s a cute hat, sunglasses, belt, or hair accessories, it can really elevate your look.
For instance, you can dress up a simple t-shirt and jeans outfit with a leather or croc-embossed top-handle bag in an eye-catching pattern, fabric, or color. Or, you can pair a casual jacket with a shift dress and a cute handbag for a chic, polished look.
Finally, you’ll want to look for quality pieces that can stand the test of time. The more durable a piece is, the more you’ll want to invest in it, and you’ll have greater confidence that your investment is worth it in the long run.
When it comes to investing in your casual-chic closet, it’s best to put it on a separate budget so you can be more thoughtful about your purchases. Plus, having a separate budget helps you track what you’re spending better and allows you to buy from more sustainable producers.
You’ll also need to choose clothing that is well-fitting and doesn’t have a heavy texture. For example, a quilted jacket is more casual than a smooth leather one, so be sure to opt for a style that is both comfortable and stylish.
Keeping it simple is also important when it comes to your makeup and hairstyle. A soft and natural palette is ideal for a casual-chic look, and you can go bold with a red lip or keep it subtle with a neutral shade.