7 Casual Outfit Formulas That Just Always Work

casual wear

Photo:

@JEN_WONDERS

Is it just me, or is picking out a casual outfit usually even more challenging than putting together a dressier look? If I'm leaving the house in a plain tee and denim, I could easily try on 10 different pairs of jeans just to land on the right look that's casual and laid-back but still says I'm a fashion girl without saying I'm a fashion girl, you know? 

Since I find myself mulling over these casual looks more than I probably should, I figured it would be useful to create a fail-safe guide to casual wear for those moments when you want to be easygoing but still look cool. To me, the seven outfit formulas below do just that. Whether they feature the simplest basics in our closets or riff on a few trendier elements, putting together one of these ensembles is a can't-lose scenario. 

Neutral Blazer + White Tee + Jeans

casual wear style guide

Photo:

@lefevrediary

A structured blazer—especially one in a neutral tone—works wonders to make a simple denim outfit look polished.

Every closet needs a great structured blazer.

Denim Shirt + Jeans

casual outfit ideas

Photo:

@JEN_WONDERS

Double denim, or the Canadian tuxedo—whatever you want to call it—is a never-fail formula. I'd take a cue from Jen and pair a denim jacket with jeans in the same wash and your favorite flats.

Wear as a shirt or unbutton it as a jacket.

Fewer accessories are sometimes better.

Trouser-inspired denim will always look polished.

The prettiest flats I've seen in a while.

Floral Dress + Sneakers

guide to casual wear

Photo:

@himichelleli

A pretty dress with athletic sneakers is a calling card for fashion girls everywhere, and it's actually so easy to re-create. Style a fun frock (bonus points if it involves elements like ruffles or puff sleeves) with your favorite kicks and add in whatever accessories suit your mood.

Running shoes cool enough to wear off the trails.

Relaxed Suit + Ribbed Tank + Sneakers

Take a dressed-down approach to suiting by wearing a relaxed set with a simple ribbed tank and "dad" sneakers.

I'll just say it: We made the perfect blazer…

Printed Skirt + Tee + Flat Sandals

casual style inspiration

Photo:

@tamaramory

Hinge your outfit around one piece—in this case, a printed skirt—and fill in the look with your favorite basics.

I live in my baby tees in the summer.

Nobody does '90s-inspired pieces quite like Réalisation.

I have these and can attest to how comfortable they are.

Tank Top + Wide-Leg Trousers

When you're not feeling jeans, relaxed trousers are a chic alternative. Wear them with a simple tank for an easy summertime 'fit.

Sweat Set + Structured Jacket + Sneakers

casual outfit formulas

Photo:

@deborabrosa

Thanks to 2021, coordinating sweats are an outfit you actually want to be seen out of the house in. A structured jacket pulls the look together.

If you're going to invest in outerwear, you can't go wrong with a classic wool coat.

This color makes everything look more elevated.

Airport outfits will never be the same.

Cool girls everywhere own them. Are you next?