Reaching inside your wardrobe without a clue of what to put on? This is your guide to casual dressing from what to wear on the streets to how style business casual for the office. When you’re away from your desk during the week the clothing you put on your back is more than likely going to be casual. However that doesn’t mean you have to lose all sense of style. Enter our easy to follow guide on casual dressing. So what exactly should you be adding to your wardrobe? These are the key items you should be investing in to achieve casual dressing.
Casual T-shirts
A basic crewneck t-shirt may be an obvious choice, but it’s an item that practically go with everything in your wardrobe. A casual cotton t-shirt in easy to wear shades of white, grey and black, will carry you throughout every season and can be layered beneath thicker knit jumpers, smart blazers, full length coats and styled with any pair of trousers. The possibilities are endless.
Jeans
A good pair of jeans should fit you well and be comfortable to wear. The denim wash itself is all down to personal preference, but be sure to avoid styles that are overly ripped, frayed or feature any exuberant design details. A slim fit jean will suit most body types and can be coordinated with everything from a t-shirt, hoodie jacket to a tailored blazer. Jeans are an ideal alternative to the suit trouser to dress down your look for casual events.
Hoodie
The casual hoodie came into fashion during the 1930s as a layering alternative for manual workers. Fast forward a few decades and it has become the item of choice for street style aficionados and athletes alike. A hoodie comes in a variety of colours and patterns, and sometimes sports brand logos or typography depending on the style. French brand Vetements is making waves with their street inspired pieces, with the hooded jacket being a key piece in their collections. Wear with an equally sporty pair of track pants or denim jeans. A hoodie looks best with a striking pair ofhigh top trainers or worker boots.
Trainers
The ultimate casual shoe has to be the sporty trainer. It’s strength in performance and endurance makes it the ideal shoe of choice for those looking to dress down. Wearing trainers with almost anything has become popular with the street style crowd, and you can achieve the look too with the pieces you choose to style with them. With trainers it shouldn’t matter about the brand. The most important aspect is to consider the colourway. A minimalist’s wardrobe will suit pristine white trainers or a shoe with a graphic black and white design. Meanwhile a more urban, street lead guy would opt for a trainer design with sportier materials such as mesh and leather.
Casual Knitwear
Knitwear should be roomy enough to allow for optional outfit layering, but also snugly fit to avoid any oversized outfit fails. A casual knit jumper made from merino wool, cashmere or lambswool is the perfect option for those of you who don’t want to don a jacket, or think it’s a little too chilly to wear just a shirt. A V neck silhouette is typically worn on more formal occasions, so if you want to dress casual your best bet is to opt for a crewneck design or a rollneck, both can be worn on summer evenings and during the transitional period between autumn and winter.
Casual Jackets
Designs like the bomber jacket, denim jacket and leather jacket call on a try before you buy mantra. That means, if you want a stylish fit then go down a size. There’s nothing worse than a loose fitting jacket, even if the look you’re going for is casually inclined. A well-made casual jacket should stand the test of time; this is where in particular you should invest your money. A good leather jacket will set you back, but after a few years of wearing it the leather will practically mould to your body. For more seasonal pieces like the bomber and denim jacket you can be a little more daring in your style choices, even when dressing casually. To achieve casual wear from your jackets, style them with a basic t shirt and jeans, or layering a hoodie beneath.
What have you learn from our ultimate guide on casual dressing? To recap it’s about choosing classic pieces that will carry you throughout the season and that can pair with more statement pieces without fuss. Remember to consider the fit of everything you add to your casual wardrobe.
