This is one of those questions I get asked a lot:
“I always wear jeans and sneakers. How can I change my style and look more sophisticated?”
Many women have a very casual, sporty style in their teens (they usually wear jeans, t-shirts and sneakers) – simple and comfortable.
When they’re no longer teenagers and/or start to work, they want to change the way they dress, but they don’t identify with the classic style (straight leg pants, shirts, pencil skirts, blazers, …)
Is this you?
If it is, don’t worry, help is on the way ;)
It’s really easy to have a more chic, sophisticated, elegant style, and keep wearing the casual pieces you love so much (and that’s great because I also LOOOOVE casual pieces).
The problem is that jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, cargo pants, and so on, are sporty/casual pieces and when you only wear those kind of pieces you get a style that is… too casual!
It’s great for teenagers or a weekend but it’s not appropriate for all occasions or for the office.
What’s the solution?
Very simple. You like casual pieces. You want to look more chic. You need the casual chic style.
To recreate it have to combine your casual pieces with other classic or sophisticated items.
How to Recreate a Casual-Chic Look
Follow two steps:
1. Choose 1 or 2 casual (or sporty) pieces to wear
- Sporty Pieces: sneakers, t-shirts, striped pieces, any piece associated with sports, etc.
- Casual Pieces: jeans, any denim piece, leggings, cargo pants, large and relaxed pieces (tops, knits, dresses), flowing dresses or in a casual fabric like cotton, flat boots or ankle boots, etc.
2. Combine with sophisticated or classic pieces / accessories
- Classic Pieces: blazer, chanel jacket, pencil skirt, straight classic pants, shirts, classic dresses (like a shirt dress), classic shoes (ballet flats, pumps, closed-toe shoes), etc.
- Sophisticated Pieces: any piece in a more chic fabric (silk, leather, fur, …), pieces with a sophisticated or fashionable style (asymmetric, peplum), sophisticated shoes (high-heels, stilletos or embelished sandals), structured pieces (jackets), feminine pieces.
- Accessories: handbags, earrings, stacked rings or bracelets, a big cocktail ring, bib necklace or statement necklace, sunglasses, leather belts, etc.
Casual-Chic Looks
Casual + Classic Pieces
Combine your casual pieces with a fur coat or jacket, blazer, cardigan, chanel style jacket, ballet flats, straight skirt, feminine shirt, pumps, trench coat, knee-high boots, classic trousers.
Fur jacket
Blazers & Other classic style jackets
Cardigan
Shirts
Trench Coat
Straight Skirts
Classic Trousers
Casual + Sophisticated Pieces
Combine your casual pieces with leather pants or leggings, beautiful tops, asymmetric tops, a maxi skirt, high-heels, embellished flats, leather jackets.
Leather pants
Beautiful & Chic Tops
Asymmetric Tops
Maxi Skirt
High-Heels & Embellished Flats
Leather Jackets or Vests
Casual + Accessories
Handbags, Sunglasses, Scarfs, Bracelets, Earrings, Necklaces, Belts, Hats
What about you?
Do you like the casual chic style? How will you wear it?
Love,
Lena*
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17 Comments
I think this is great look for most women. Not too casual, but not too overdone, either. There were many pictures in this post that I liked, and several I really didn’t, haha. :-D
I’m still trying to find my style, and thankfully I now live in a place where there are actually stores with great clothes to choose from! I’ve noticed that I do go for a more casual look, but I also like a skirt with my knee-high boots on the weekend. And HUGE jewelry. Not too many pieces, you know. One giant necklace is enough. Next up – giant ear rings (without the necklace, of course!). :-)
haha, I’m glad you liked many ;)
I also love this style and I tend to go for a more casual look. Huge jewelry is great because it really makes the difference in a simple outfit and I agree, just one big piece is enough, and looks better!
Great post! The pictures are EVERYTHING! :)
Thanks KishaLynn!
Great post and selection of pics. I’m sure I’ll be back to browse through these a few times.
Thanks ;)
I’m all for a casual look that’s got some chic elements to it. Thanks for showcasing so many different outfit options and highlighting the style science behind each look. Nobody does casual chic like Cameron Diaz, but I do have to say Jessica Alba is starting to win me over too. I’m drooling over that first look too…neutrals paired with a red shoe…yes, please! ;)
You’re welcome Kristina,
I also love the first look, it’s from the blog Lovely Pepa, she has awesome casual chic looks :)
I don’t do casual chic myself. Some days I’m overly casual, others I’m closer to a domina or a witch than chic :)
You should try it Linda, it’s a style that is very easy to wear, comfortable and looks great!
Ooh, I love all the gorgeous pictures and the shoes in the second pic are amazing! Yes, I like the casual chic style. Shoes and blazers work for me to add a bit more sophistication to the casual things I enjoy.
Thanks Leanne :)
Shoes and Blazers are great options to make a more sophisticated look!
I’ve never really thought about “style”. Browsing those pics I love the cable knit baggy jumper with the maroon leggings – I could see myself wearing that, perhaps in a darker colour!
You should try that look then Jan, it’s a great way to learn about our style!
I actually really like the casual chic style and think I will be wearing the looks a lot more frequently now that I now I can safely pair my business attire, fashionable pieces, and casual clothes in a way that will work for everything!
That’s great Emily! You’re right, it’s a very versatile style and you can mix a lot of different pieces together! You’ll find a lot more outfits in your closet ;)
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