Revelation – a Super Casual capsule? (LONG) - YouLookFab Forum

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Revelation – a Super Casual capsule? (LONG)

Krista

Veteran

I have literally just realized that the casual clothes I have are not casual enough for the super casual aspects of my lifestyle. I’ll blame this squarely on my husband, who just left to go watch Duke play Michigan State on TV at the local pub just 3 blocks away. He was dressed perfectly for the part: dark denim jeans, navy/white plaid shirt, light blue Adidas skate shoes, black windbreaker - simple, comfortable, stylish. He always looks this good when he’s casually dressed. I rarely feel the same about what I wear.

My realizations:

1. I have a “smart casual” capsule and it works just fine. If I’m going out for dinner with friends or my husband – I can do smart casual without difficulty. I have all of the components.

2. I have a “lounge wear” capsule and it’s perfect. If I’m really feeling the need to veg out – I’ve got what I need and want.

3. I have a veritable style meltdown whenever we’re doing something super casual that doesn’t require “gear.” We go to our local pub a few times a week to watch hockey games, meet friends and sing karaoke on Saturday nights. We live downtown and I would refer to the casual style as “Urban Casual”, a little RATE - the clientele is a mixture of young and old; some tattoo artists, young professionals, creative types. My smart casual clothes don’t really fit the bill; I wear them because that’s what I have, but it’s like I’m wearing my Friday work clothes to the pub. Boo! I feel out of place.

4. This is a more dominant aspect of my lifestyle than I previously realized as this type of clothing is what I aim to wear when I walk the dog or when I go grocery shopping, all of which I do in the community. Gear-type clothing for those activities is useful on days of extreme weather (wind, rain or snow) – but I have all of those the pieces for that. I literally feel like I’m missing the clothes that I need.

5. Smart casual has been my default for so long that I’m not sure I know how to do super casual without looking like I’m trying to go for a run or a hike.

6. I have looked at Angie’s MOTG capsules and would love more ideas

7. Even my pinterest page for casual wear doesn’t have a lot of super casual looks! Here is the link: http://pinterest.com/krista_mcnamara/wear-it/. Do you notice anything I haven’t noticed?

If you’ve made it this far, thank you and I would love some guidance on what you wear or what you could see me adding to my wardrobe. I would need the following components:

- Jeans, casual pants, khakis

- Flats (boots, shoes or sandals) - an absolute must for walking

- Casual tops (graphic Ts? T-shirts?)

- Toppers and/or outerwear because I’m usually cold

Thanks, everyone!

Dressing

28 replies

Latest reply was from jayne

kellygirl

Veteran

I think your list is spot on. Your Pinterest page has some great inspiration photos--I like the basic jeans, tee (with or without scarf), light topper and flat boot/oxford/Converse. It seems to me that the more simple the outfit, the more important fit is. I love graphic tees but rarely find ones that I like and that are flattering. Perhaps you can find some colorful tees/tops in a casual fabrication to add visual interest. I love the idea of a knit blazer or a leather jacket too. Functional and good for layering.

ETA: Just off the top of my head, what about a pair of bootcuts, the Gap mesh sweater and Cons? Top it of with a cargo jacket?

Joy

Veteran

I love the look of jeans and a graphic tee under a boyfriend blazer with sleeves scrunched. Is that not casual enough? Maybe a knit jacket could stand in for the blazer.
on your board you have several great looks that might work. I like puffy vest+ denim+ stripes. A simple button down shirt with jeans and Cons? A leather moto or bomber jacket?

Krista

Veteran

Thanks, Joy and Kellygirl - good suggestions.
- Leather jacket is a good start - have that. Yay!
- Cons - just ordered some, need to size down. Will pursue another size and DH liked them
- Cargo jacket - just bought one so I'll figure that out
- A boyfriend blazer with graphic tee and jeans is a great suggestion, but the blazer might be a little too dressy. What I didn't mention is that my city is super casual... I have a cute blazer and wore it last week - got the raised eyebrow from DH, which is code for "the blazer's a bit dressy"

kellygirl

Veteran

Even a knit blazer? It offers a little bit of structure but it's more like a sweater. Sounds like you've got the outerwear covered anyway--nice options!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I've come to a similar realisation about my own clothes. I'm basically a jacket & boots person but sometimes this feels like too much. I've just bought a couple of moto jackets that are in a stretch knit fabric & have tried them with my cargoes & jeans - they feel much more casual & right for when my jackets are too much (yet I still feel like me). I'm not sure about footwear - I'm not a lover of sneakers on me but I'm looking for my version of them.

pil

Veteran

Your denim vest with a tee is perfect.
Am I correct in remembering a waterfall cardi? Would that work?
How about a pair of comfy loafers?

Joy

Veteran

My casual blazer is black, slightly oversized and from the thrift store. It may be a matter of finding the right one. Mine doesn't look good with a skirt or dress.

Classically Casual

Veteran

If you're at all drawn to a Parisian type look, think about adding some stripped sailor tops : http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop.....ter-sleeve

They're affordable, very versatile & wear well.
As you might imagine, I'm all about casual clothing

Krista

Veteran

Kellygirl and Joy - You have convinced me - I will give the knit blazers a try

Pil - good suggestion on the denim vest and loafers! Waterfall cardi may have to hit the thrift box, not sure....

Caro - motos in a stretch knit are a great idea. Thanks for the suggestion!

K. Period.

Veteran

I know exactly what you mean. I'm usually a smart casual gal. However, I have a few outfits that I wear when I'm going to a very casual get together. Usually they are a sporting event or something at a rural friend's home (both because footwear has to be more casual and people are unlikely to dress up as much). Sometimes it is to a place where I know people may feel a little uncomfortable knowing that I'm a lawyer and a partner in my firm (odd, but I know it happens, and I don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable... I'm a farm girl, even if no one would normally guess it). I have a suede jacket that works great for that type of get together and a Columbia shell that works too. A jean jacket is great as well. Mine is from American Eagle. It was very inexpensive and is very flattering. I wear jeans, a tee (usually a striped one or a printed one) or even a gingham or plaid button down with the sleeves rolled. Usually I wear a pair of brown knee high boots, sometimes my converse. Having that super casual mini-capsule is fabulous. Your list looks like a great start.

pil

Veteran

And Krista, I hope your husband is rooting for the basketball team closest to the Canadian border?

Krista

Veteran

CC - the striped tops are a great suggestion and I do have 2. I have to be careful in that I'm busty and I wear petite sizes on top, so good proportions are key. I will look at what I have and see if they work

K - Thanks for understanding - I just never realized the super casual capsule was a need! You have given some excellent suggestions - I will check my closet.

pil - He's a long-time Duke fan. Sorry, friend!

I'm actually considering going down to the pub to catch a bite to eat and watch some of the game. I am going to look at these suggestions and try to come up with something that works. If I do - I'll post my outfit for feedback.

Anonymous

Graphic tees, sweaters, jeans, boots, vests, knit blazer -- you've pretty much described 90% of my wardrobe

Aida

Veteran

Krista, I've realized this for myself as well! It's a capsule I've been slooowly working on but is still definitely lacking. I don't mind being dressy at a pub (it usually happens, heh) but things like sport games, pumpkin patches, camping, dirt biking... that's the stuff I'm lacking proper clothing for. I kind of default to a slouchy sweater/boxy button-up + jeans/shorts + flats for these events, but more variation would be nice. The bottoms/shoes seem to make a HUGE difference in those outfits; you could get away with a dressier top if you had jeans and Cons on, for example. Items that would dress your smart casual pieces down are also useful, like denim/moto vests, denim jackets, knit motos, utility jackets, etc. I've also recently pulled my BF cardigans back out in lieu of blazers, even the knit ones, because my husband also gives me that look

Anonymous

Yes, that is definitely a need for you! I would think the new wedge sneakers, sweatshirts, and combat pants that Angie posted recently would help this along. I've seen some great canvas jackets--(utility I think?) at Old Navy in olive and tan that would be much more casual than a blazer.

Good luck, it looks like you're off to a running start already.

rachylou

Veteran

What about a bomber? One of those cute sweatshirts...

Love the idea of chucks, tee, and jeans. Cotton twill pants could be useful too. Don't have to be khaki. Could be a color.

Glory

Veteran

This is the style and capsule that I am trying to work out. Here is what I have written down (based on Angie's posts). I have all of these items and have tried to put down what seems to be working. For me the key has been the footwear and the jacket/topper. That seems to be what edges the outfit up into a cool casual look. Also the footwear has to be walkable.
1.
cream vest moto or black leather vest
casual unstructured blouse or tee shirt
sometimes a scarf
jeans - skinny
Veronica frye boots
cross body bag or hobo bag
2.
knit moto jacket in grey or black leather jacket (thin)
blouse or thin pullover or long sleeve tee
boot cut jeans
adidas or sperry dock siders in pewter. The sperrys only work in good weather because you cannot wear socks with them. I think cons or other cool runners would work. Mine are black leather and have 3 silver stripes and are very flat to the ground.. I also have a flat pair of navy/grey ankle boots that would work here
bag: slouchy black bag Le Sak
3.
plain tshirt
waterfall cardigan in black
scarf
jeans - skinny with the Fryes, or boot cut with the sneakers, sperrys etc
BFs would work but alas I dont have any

Not sure if this helps.

cciele

Veteran

In my neck of the woods, any blazer would also be considered smart casual. So for toppers, perhaps a long utility vest, utility jacket, bomber, or moto. Denim, twill, or knits are great for casual.

I like the of Cons. Boots or booties too! Low heel, moto, engineer, or western influenced styles.

For tops, nongear knit tees and tanks are about as casual as you can get

For pants, jeans of course. Leggings if you wear a tunic top or shortish dress.

Good luck! You have many great ideas already.

Krista

Veteran

To give an idea of the style meltdown I have when faced with this type of evening, I texted my husband over an hour ago saying that I might meet him for a bite to eat. He just texted me saying "So, I guess you're not coming?"

I'd love to text back that I'm having a style meltdown but I won't! Imagine his response! Instead, I am defaulting to smart casual just to get out of the house to eat. I see lots of people have responded - thank you thank you! I will have a read when I get home and respond. xo

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Interesting! I live in an even more casual city, but I wouldn't consider my knit blazer too dressy to wear to a pub. Not if I scrunched my sleeves and wore a T under it. And I don't think I'd get comments, either, if I were wearing it with jeans and sneakers or my Blundstones. So some of it must be individual comfort levels, too...or something. Mind you, my knit blazer is fuchsia, not sober navy blue! And I'd probably be wearing it with distressed jeans and a fairly rugged bootie.

Anyway, just to confirm, this is a real capsule, you have a genuine need, and you deserve to look great!

You've already received great suggestions. I was also going to suggest the striped sailor tops that Classically Casual mentioned.

Another idea, check out Cleo. That Bailey 44 type dress you got there was great for you, we know they do petites, and I think Shannon has got some cool graphic tees from them at various points. They have a striped top, here. They might also have some kind of utility jacket you could use instead of a blazer if a blazer feels too dressy. But if not them, then maybe The Bay?

You have a denim vest, right? So maybe some non-demin pants would be good. Khakis or even a slouchy casual pant.

I second Glory's idea of a cross-body bag. That is a great addition.

And a knit or twill moto could be really fun.

I have a few pics of some of my super casual weekend outfits from the past fall. (Actually, my whole life in Kingston is pretty much this capsule and I get mighty sick of it!!) You'd have to modify for spring and for body type, your colours, and such, but it strikes me that a lot of this looks similar to outfits you pinned on your amazing board!

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Mo

(website)

Veteran

Ah, yes, it took me some time to realize my life was way more casual than my closet. Light cotton jackets and easy sweaters are good completer pieces for casual looks. Flat ankle boots and snazzy sneakers both are perfect footwear options. I like the idea of graphic tees, but somehow don't own any myself.

Krista

Veteran

Okay - I just got back from the pub and I had a good look at the style while I was there. I think I'm on track with my pieces, I just need to figure out how to complete the looks.

Aida - I really like your suggestion of aiming to dress down my smart-casual pieces. I will look at different combinations with the casual pieces I have and see what I can come up with. Also glad to hear I am not the only one who gets the "look" from their DH!

Ceit - I'm so glad you chimed in as I have been thinking that your style will be an inspiration for me as I go forward with this capsule

Claire - I have a utility jacket so now on to styling and completer pieces. I like the suggestion of wedge sneakers! I will look around and see if they suit me

Rachylou - I will admit to a personal poison-eye for khakis but your idea of colored khakis is very appealing! I will explore further. Thanks!

Glory - I could hug you for sharing these details. I got a lot out of this. Thank you!

cceile - Thanks for understanding about the blazer! Isn't it strange how some places can dictate whether or not something so specific is suitable! Great suggestions as well - thanks!

Suz - the visual learner in me loves you for posting pics! I saw some key items here that I agree are on my Pinterest page. I'm going back to Cleo to see what's there; I tried on the striped top you mention and didn't favor it but there are other tops there that might work. I also definitely need non-denim pants. Have the cross-body bag already though - whew!

Mo - thanks for sharing that it took you time to realize this as well. I see you as very evolved in your style so to know that it takes time and that I will come out the other side is a relief! Thanks! I also like the suggestion of flat ankle boots - they could work very well with what I'm going for.

Thanks again, everyone. I am so grateful. I have some great ideas for key pieces now and will start my list for some shopping. I promise to post pics as I grow and learn how to be more casual!

Gaylene

Veteran

Krista, I think you've identified a capsule that most of us need but rarely spend much time or money putting together. I've also found that the super casual capsule gets even harder when you get older. Graphic T's and a pair of faded, ripped jeans just don't look as good on those of us with a few extra wrinkles on our faces as they do on a younger woman. Maybe that's why so many older women end up wearing fleece vests and baggy LLBean pants with athletic shoes when they are out grocery shopping.

My super casual wardrobe these days consists of the following:

Woven shirts and nicer T's: linen, silk, Breton-striped, or good quality cotton
Light-weight linen and cashmere sweaters--usually demoted from my smart casual capsule
Dark-wash, straight-legged jeans, cotton pencil skirts, and bermudas
Leather moto, a bomber-style windcheater, and a waxed-cotton utility jacket
Boots, oxfords, espadrilles, and leather sneakers
A cross-body bag

It's not the most exciting capsule, but it's easy to wear and maintain.

Day Vies

Veteran

First off -- love your pins! I have some of the same ones but you have several I've never seen (yay!).

Maybe I'm "that girl" (the over dressed one) I suck at super casual -- generally. I think the best I've done is sort of a uniform: Threadless tee and straight-leg jeans or shorts. If I need another layer I put a white long-sleeve tee under the short-sleeve tee. My tees are usually some intense color -- like my sneakers. (I just got mint green all-stars!) Overall, this is not my default look and it makes me feel unfinished or like I'm trying too hard.

Jules

Veteran

I feel the same about blazers feeling "dressy" to some - and I don't actually WANT that added structure in my casual life (which includes work for the most part!). But I do love colourful cardis. Cleo is good for cardis in a rainbow of colours. Right now they have more muted ones in spring pastels I believe, but they could be mixed with navy,white or grey. So for example today I wore dark skinnies, grey hi top converse (I changed to grey laces too for a lower contrast look), navy stripe t, and a yellow cleo cardi. And as recently as yesterday, a grey striped t and orange cardi. It's my FFBO I guess! I can mix it up with scarves too and I feel cute and put together but definitely casual. Those mesh sweaters that seem to be all the rage might work too? Reitman's has a version. Last summer I picked up a casual denim pencil skirt on a whim and found myself wearing it all the time, it feels just a little less sloppy than shorts but still very much casual. How about those fun graphic button-downs from the Gap?

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Krista, I like your list, and I'm really impressed at the precision with which you've identified this gap in your wardrobe. Very astute!
I just scrolled through your forum posts, and I see a lot of tops (top or blouse plus cardigan, tunics) that would look great paired with jeans. Building on what you have, I would focus on getting a great-fitting pair of bootcuts and another great-fitting pair of skinnies or straight legs. And get some shoes to wear with them that make you feel really hip. Those two items, added to any of your lovely, flattering tops, will give you an instant change of clothes to head out for fun after work.
For me, the power of shoes cannot be underestimated. When I put on a particular pair of heeled booties I have, or another pair of neat wedge sandals, I feel immediately current, and I feel like the entire outfit is elevated, figuratively as well as literally. I can't help but feel I project a certain amount of that sass that I feel.
You can gradually build on these items to create a casual capsule that gives your wardrobe and attitude the lift it sounds like you're looking for..

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I don't know if this helps at all (especially since I'm the worst person in the world for not posting actual photos), but here is one of my super casual "fast fall-back" outfits for early spring:

Boyfriend Jeans + Gingham Shirt + Converse shoes or comfy flats + casual utility jacket:

Jeans:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ku.....ns/3301403
Shirt:
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=385980032 (green, orange or red gingham)
http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom.....5002360194 (Joe Fresh - I vote green or pink)
Shoes:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/co.....8;contextu
http://www.zappos.com/converse.....e-ox-black
"No-Show" Socks:
http://www.amazon.com/K-Bell-W.....B001T9NNYG
Maybe some casual, comfy flats instead of the Converse (I kind of like the green in these):
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mi.....659?origin
Light-weight Utility Jacket:
http://www.target.com/p/conver.....2?reco=Rec|pdp|14352232|Cli
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ca.....;contextua
Ultra- casual, but fab bag:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/fo.....-60140905-

Hang in there - I also find this 'section' of my wardrobe tough to manage. I like very casual shirts instead of tees or graphic tees. I don't know if it's just me, but I always feel like I'm wearing pajamas or gear in just a tee, no matter how fab it is, hence the super-casual shirt instead.

In the meantime, glad you made it out to the pub, despite feeling like you were experiencing a wardrobe meltdown.

--> editing to add: these colours might not be 'spring-like' enough - but you get the general idea/gist of an easy-ish, super-casual outfit. You might want a lighter-coloured utility jacket and shoes. That said, this is one of my 'go-to' ultra-casual outfits these days, even if the colours don't scream "Easter-egg spring", if you know what I mean

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jayne

Veteran

One thing I see alot in your pins but didn't read in the list you have is scarves? Just to take the Tshirt from ok to fab and still be casual..do you already own some?

I admit that I own a few but hardly wear them so maybe you are in that category also? But I try, I really do