https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:29:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style/page/2#post-1924397 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 03:57:25 +0000 Alexandra Nicole 1924397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to work for corporate America so the workroom sleek look has always been my thing. When I quit and went to work for myself I had the same problem...always overdressed. My go to look is a pair of great skinny jeans (I love Lola brand because they have built in slimming support and don;t look like mom jeans, even though I am a mom), a button up top or white look tank tied at the waist, a pair of low heels, and if it is winter, a blazer. Always ready for professionalism if you need it, otherwise you come off as being classic casual chic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style/page/2#post-1924326 Thu, 31 May 2018 22:15:08 +0000 Aida 1924326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jussie I still see boho in those pinterest outfits so you won't be deviating too far Maybe take the "beach" half that pops up in summer and convert to "cabin" for winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style/page/2#post-1924314 Thu, 31 May 2018 21:21:15 +0000 Daisy Avalin 1924314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been pondering this for a while, since I'm a SAHM during the week (I work weekend night shift in uniform).</p> <p>I think fitted is key - either on top or on bottom if not both - I tend to go fitted on the bottom (jeans usually) with either a fitted tee/jumper or a looser top if it's hot. &nbsp;Make-up/jewellery/perfume/styled hair always makes it look like you've made an effort, even if you've just chucked on the nearest top/trousers! &nbsp;Trust me on this; even rushing out of the house 5 mins after I've got up because Child has to be at school, putting earrings/perfume/lipstick on can make it feel like I've been up long enough to be organised!<br />Sneakers can casual down jeans and a office-y style/dressier top, but do make sure they're clean/crisp/not too obviously trendy. &nbsp;Or boots/oxfords in winters or more on trend sandals/flats to smarten up jeans and a slouchier top.</p> <p>Hope this helps! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style/page/2#post-1924143 Thu, 31 May 2018 11:37:13 +0000 jussie 1924143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smittie, Aquamarine, Janet, Anchie, Gigi, Suz, La Ped, Leslie, kkards, Lisbeth, Torontogirl, Joy, Sterling, Katerina,Jessikams, the Cat, Aida, Donna F, Angie: Thank you all for adding your brilliant thoughts. &nbsp;I can see this is a topic a lot of people have been thinking about. &nbsp;All the suggestions and questions you guys have raised are very pertinent.<br />Why do I feel overdressed? Because people in my area seem to either wear work clothes OR high-tech sportswear OR dressy clothes if they going out somewhere nice. &nbsp;There does not seem to be a lot of people wearing nice casual. &nbsp;This is more of a noticeable thing for me because I only work part time, so I have several days a week where I need something to wear. &nbsp;I am happy to wear sportswear a couple of days a week but any more than that and I start to feel like a real frump. &nbsp;<br />Summer casual is easier for me because I like a boho-lite beach look. &nbsp;So at least I know what i'm aiming for!<br />&nbsp;But winter is a different story. &nbsp;I have created a Pinterest page for inspiration. Matter of fact I might emulate something from that tomorrow!&nbsp;<br />I agree that shoes are a great help, and some of my casual shoes are very unstructured, so maybe that's something to look at changing. <br />Also I only have one warm casual coat and I am very bored of that.... so there's a wardrobe hole right there. &nbsp;<br />On a positive note I have quite a few beautiful woollen pullovers that I enjoy wearing. &nbsp;<br />Thanks again everyone. &nbsp;I need to do some more pondering and experimenting I think... &nbsp;this is a tough nut to crack....&nbsp; </p> <p>Here's my Pinterest winter outfit idea page if anyone's interested&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.ca/jsmith0393/winter-casual-outfit-ideas/">https://www.pinterest.ca/jsmit.....fit-ideas/</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style/page/2#post-1924077 Thu, 31 May 2018 01:22:31 +0000 Aida 1924077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thread! Two other thoughts: 1) It might be helpful to sort out if you prefer a different style persona for casual vs. work. 2) If you haven't yet, evaluate if the types of activities you need outfits for are being satisfied with the clothing you have or if another piece or two are needed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style/page/2#post-1924049 Thu, 31 May 2018 00:03:05 +0000 The Cat 1924049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jussi, I hope this can give you some inspiration :<br /> <a href="https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/simple-tips-attain-casual-chic-look/" rel="nofollow">https://www.everydayhealth.com.....chic-look/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style/page/2#post-1923884 Wed, 30 May 2018 10:02:07 +0000 Jessikams 1923884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread continues to be great. Jussie, you’re wondering about levels of trendiness... so I’ve been thinking about it... and I realize lately I’ve been going for really, really trendy pieces- like, crazy and out-there- to add to my wardrobe. I think it’s because something really trendy is obviously casual. A navy tee shirt could be worn with jeans or it could be worn with a suit, so it seems kind of blah and in-between (of course there’s a place for it in my closet anyway). But a bright yellow floral bomber jacket is obviously not business wear, so it reads casual, fun, stylish. It brings attention to the fact that you’re not just wearing your business basics on the weekend, but you have put time and thought into purchasing casual items, I guess. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style/page/2#post-1923832 Wed, 30 May 2018 01:26:55 +0000 DonnaF 1923832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Age has freed me up to dress to please myself and not care at all whether I blend in as long as I dress respectfully for the situation. That may end up being somewhat overdressed compared to others whom I may consider underdressed. . .</div><div><br /></div><div>Especially since I mostly work from home, I am a fan of juxtaposition, BUT I have learned that there are a few things that will make me feel too business formal regardless of what else I wear with them: Dry clean only anything, especially blazers and pencil skirts and heels which my feet hate regardless. Umm, but those juxtaposed outfits are mostly in my head and not what I wear.</div><div><br /></div><div>Somehow, it is stuck in my mind that colored and print jeans are dressier and more polished than blue jeans so I don't wear actual blue jeans that often. I also don't wear gear except for exercise. Except for my very obviously gear shoes, I haven't found or liked the look of sneakers that make my feet happy. I have a pair of wool Allbirds sneakers on the way to me (unable to get the Finds to work), because to my eye they look more fashionable than the norm.</div><div><br /></div><div>Toppers/third pieces can elevate a look if they're not fleece. I run cold so am almost always wearing a pleather moto vest, scarf, or both. And I wear belts, mostly to hold up my pants which would otherwise slither down, but also for fashion. My waist has thickened so I mostly semi-tuck.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923804 Tue, 29 May 2018 22:58:56 +0000 Anonymous 1923804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m sorry I have not had a chance to read, but I identify with you Jussie, and here’s what I do:</p> <p>1. Knock back a dressy look with sneakers<br /> 2. Knock back a dressy look with flip flops<br /> 3. I only wear body-con or very straight tshirts<br /> 4. Don’t wear 100% polyester wovens. Polyester is very dressy but cotton is not. (Though it leans preppy.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923640 Tue, 29 May 2018 13:07:14 +0000 Suz 1923640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Lesley</b>, that's funny. I spent my formative young adult years in a bigger city with a slightly shorter endless winter (Toronto) and I swear it took me years to figure out dressing for this new environment, which is literally just 3 hours down the road, but in some ways a different world. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923638 Tue, 29 May 2018 12:55:40 +0000 Lesley 1923638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I had to check your city because it sounds identical to mine! Agree completely, well put, about changing up elements like jacket, shoes, jewelry, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923637 Tue, 29 May 2018 12:48:44 +0000 Suz 1923637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm another work-from-home person who lives in a casual university city with yucky weather for a large part of the year, and an active person. Oh, and my natural preference is for more polished and smart looks. Necessity and practicality dictate a more casual style than I might like, but I've become happier in my choices since joining YLF. </p> <p>&nbsp;I'm nodding along with others about the importance of irregular outfit juxtaposition, fit, footwear, grooming/ hair, makeup and owning one's own preferences.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also give thought to what I am actually doing. There is casual as in GEAR casual (sports, workouts, hiking, etc). or CHORE casual (as in gardening, major housework etc.) -- for these you need dedicated WORK clothes, i.e. clothes that let you get the job done. I have a gear capsule and one or two reserved items that I can wear if I'm doing heavy housework. I don't wear these outside those settings.&nbsp;</p> <p>Then there is clothing and even here, what I'll wear depends entirely on what I'll be doing. Pub with friends demands something different from visit to the dentist. Attending a reading is different from going to the market. I don't mean that I wouldn't use the same essentials (i.e. jeans) but I might change up the top, footwear, topper, jewellery for different types of event. This helps me find a balance between being true to myself and respectful/ mindful of the environment.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also agree that dresses and skirts can be casual So if you enjoy them, wear them! &nbsp;</p> <p>Typically, people make note of what you are wearing if you seem "dressed up" for a brief period of time only. Once they get used to it, they stop.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923611 Tue, 29 May 2018 10:38:41 +0000 Lesley 1923611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with a lot of what is said here... Jessikams, Michelle, La Pedestrienne... they have got it right. I started working from home 9 years ago after working in a super stylish industry, so I transitioned to casual most of the time (I changed to a way more casual city too), but I came up with some philosophies to keep it fun and *me* rather than feeling like I was downgrading.</p> <p>1. I still put on makeup every day. It's pretty minimal, but it polishes my whole look and makes me feel my best. When I used to not do it (who was I going to see that day?) then any time I had a chance encounter or was suddenly asked to go to x place, I had to make quick and sometimes awkward decisions about whether or not to slap some makeup on first, and also I generally felt like I looked awful whenever I saw my dark circles in the mirror! So my 5 minutes of makeup in the morning has taken all thought out of the equation and I always feel like I look great.</p> <p>2. Definitely still spend real money on your casual stuff and be as considerate about things like fit as when you're buying more fancy. I wear jeans every day but I wear shoes that I love rather than just my running shoes or something—it's leather/wood clogs on those days that I'm *really* only leaving the house to drop off kids or flats if I'm going to lunch or something. If I have a tee shirt and jeans, real shoes make the look—if I want to wear some fashion sneakers I'm more likely to choose a blouse instead of a tee, so that I have that contrasty high-low thing, rather than just being, you know, casual-casual-casual. And don't be afraid to wear good stuff every day. In the winter, I wear real wool and cashmere sweaters (this was risky during the diaper cream years, but I persisted). It just makes me feel like a grownup! They last a long time and are nice and warm, and I have always hated how casual fleece was (although these days they make some fun fleece things. Few, but they exist.)</p> <p>3. I wear jewelry every day! This means my rings and tortoiseshell watch, plus either a fun necklace or large earrings (I have big hair so otherwise they get lost).&nbsp;</p> <p>Does it mean sometimes I'm more "dressed" than people around me, who might be in sweats? Sure, but I'm cool with that. When a tee and jeans becomes too dressy, you know we've gone too far. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923610 Tue, 29 May 2018 10:37:54 +0000 jussie 1923610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><u>Toban</u>:I love your idea about including one structured piece in your casual outfit. &nbsp;I think this is why I have always avoided sneakers- I think wearing sneakers tips me over the edge into a structural no-mans land.<br /><u>efbgen</u>: It's great that you have a casual style that you are really happy with. &nbsp;I will get there in time! Just having a minor recalibration.&nbsp;<br /><u>Like the season</u>: Thanks for sharing your outfit formula. &nbsp;I also love scarves, they are just about my favourite thing.&nbsp;<br /><u>Sal</u>: Thank you for the compliment. &nbsp;I totally agree that shoes, bag and sunglasses make the biggest impact. I may need to experiment a little more with bags and sunglasses to take full advantage of their styling possibilities. I also think hair and make up make an immense impact. Although of course hair and make up are a lot more time-consuming than putting on shoes and sunnies.&nbsp;<br /><u>Lisa P</u>: Thank you. Maybe I should just "own it". &nbsp;But a part of me aesthetically craves a change in my casual wear too.... although wanting to look "right" for the situation does weigh on my mind too.<br /><u>Rachylou</u>: I sure do hope you can find a marvellous gardening ensemble. Floral surely?? <br /><u>Jessikams</u>: I really like your comment that it's OK to spend on casual clothing too! This is what I struggle with actually, I get penny-pinchy about casual wear so consequently don't have a great deal of nice pieces. &nbsp;Also your idea of elevating the outfit with one trendy piece really speaks to me! That I feel like I could implement. &nbsp;How trendy is trendy? Like, a scarf in a metallic polka dot? Or something REALLY cutting edge? How do you play it? &nbsp;This is why I want a leather jacket....<br /><u>lyn67</u>: Thank you for your response. I like the sound of interesting pieces all over. &nbsp;I may need to experiment a little more with TEXTURE and SHINE, as I think this might help.....<br /><u>Michelle</u>: Thank you for your thoughtful advice. &nbsp;I COMPLETELY agree about grooming. &nbsp;Not that I'm a brilliantly groomed myself but I certainly feel 100 times better when I at least have halfway fresh hair and a dash of makeup. Also Fit is so important. Unfortunately I struggle here and am trying to get better at it but I have a lot of trouble gauging whether something fits me correctly or not.&nbsp;<br /><u>Cindysmith</u>: Thank you for your response. I'm glad you're not letting the pig snot get you down. &nbsp;hehe xx</p> <p>I shall respond to the rest of your wonderful comments a little later when I have a minute. Thank you all so much for your brilliant advice.... I'm sure I will have a breakthrough with my casual wear soon.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923594 Tue, 29 May 2018 09:34:47 +0000 Anonymous 1923594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923568 Tue, 29 May 2018 05:31:39 +0000 Katerina 1923568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I struggle with casual myself, feel OFTEN overdressed in casual settings, but cannot get myself to dress very casual, not comfartable in very casual style. Working on trying to define the “right” casual for me and trying to learn.<br /> I love how you dress Jussie and your style. You look always very beautiful in your WIWs.<br /> What Lisa p. says really resonates with me, so I will only echo her wise words. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923552 Tue, 29 May 2018 03:54:34 +0000 Gigi 1923552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with&nbsp;<b>Michele:&nbsp;</b>fit and grooming are key. If you are very well groomed, and all your items fit perfectly, you will look dressy even in a plain t-shirt and jeans.</p> <p>"High-low" combinations are also helpful. A glitzy top with jeans; a tank with dressy pants; a blazer with a tee and jeans; a floral, flowy dress with fashion sneakers can all look casual but dressy.</p> <p>I think that having at least one item that is fluid but still generally tailored to the outlines of your body is helpful for dressy casual.</p> <p>I personally have come to the opinion that people who tell you you are overdressed are actually envious of how good you look. I think that you probably have a lot of secret admirers as well, people who enjoy your outfits but just have not made a point of mentioning it to you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923404 Mon, 28 May 2018 16:21:05 +0000 anchie 1923404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am learning a lot from this thread. I struggle with casual dressing myself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923397 Mon, 28 May 2018 16:15:21 +0000 Janet 1923397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A key for me is balance and juxtaposition. If I wear a really casual piece like a graphic tee, I need to make sure the jeans or pants are not also ultra-casual (no ripped, faded jeans -- I'll go for dark wash tailored cuts instead). Conversely, my more slouchy or faded jeans get paired with tops that are not basic tees -- a fitted blouse or top with a bit of structure. Or I'll wear really basic casual pieces top and bottom and amp up the shoes (ie heeled sandals) instead. I also pay attention to how casual or structured my handbag is, or isn't. Adding a bit of carefully chosen jewelry also ups the fashion quotient of an otherwise casual outfit.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923364 Mon, 28 May 2018 15:10:14 +0000 Aquamarine 1923364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will reiterate the importance of shoes to a smart casual wardrobe. I work from home most of the time, so the majority of my clothes are indeed casual, but I always feel I’ve upped my style game when I wear great shoes/booties, or even fashion sneakers. And if it’s not too hot, a third piece like a nice denim jacket or Moto. Even with (good-fitting) jeans and a (nice) tee, I feel pretty good. The same outfit with flip flops or trainers feels sloppy to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923354 Mon, 28 May 2018 14:38:33 +0000 Anonymous 1923354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a href="https://youlookfab.com/2015/03/13/mini-capsule-smart-casual-office-wear/" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/2015/03.....fice-wear/</a><br /> <a href="https://youlookfab.com/2011/06/13/smart-casual-for-women/" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/2011/06.....for-women/</a><br /> <a href="https://youlookfab.com/2006/09/07/smart-casual-for-ladies/" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/2006/09.....or-ladies/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923349 Mon, 28 May 2018 14:30:23 +0000 Anonymous 1923349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My first thought was that you should look in the archives on this site for Angie's posts on Smart Casual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923319 Mon, 28 May 2018 13:22:13 +0000 Helena 1923319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jussie, I love your casual style and I think you've got great advice here! All I can add is that, when I feel sloppy in my casual wear, it's often a function of neglecting my hair, nails, makeup, or even my healthy eating and fitness routines. It's always worth checking in on these to see if some self-care might do the trick :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923314 Mon, 28 May 2018 13:12:41 +0000 Angie 1923314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Darling Jussie, your casual style is adorable and suits your lifestyle. It’s unique to you and you wear it well.</p> <p>Going forward with new purchases, may I suggest being extra mindful about fit. You sometimes wear tops and toppers that are too big for you. And necklines that are too wide. Keep the fluid vibe the same but size down or choose a less open neckline. Sorted! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923312 Mon, 28 May 2018 13:07:36 +0000 Liesbeth 1923312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also wonder what your definition of casual is, or your starting point. It seems to differ so much depending on where you live. I live in Antwerp, a fashion city where you may be accused of self-neglect if you don’t look at least a bit trendy (not just presentable), even when going grocery shopping :). </p> <p>I’m unsure whether your usual WIW’s are work or play outfits. I would deem them appropriate for both (depending on the job and workplace of course). I myself have a largely overlapping work and casual wardrobe because I have many casual pieces but prefer to look polished &amp; structured nonetheless. Sneakers, faded denim and canvas bags are<br /> reserved for weekend wear; I also wear more unstructured pieces, crease-resistant things and or comfy knits then. I only wear things verging on sloppy on days when I have to do only housework and take care of my baby. I try to pick those items with care too so everything fits, colors coordinate etc. – but don’t want to spend too much in that area so often, items will get worn even if they are no longer flattering.</p> <p>One tip: seek out those casual fashion trends that appeal to you. For me it’s birkenstocks and flat sneakers under dresses. That will look sloppy or unflattering to some and right on trend to others :).</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923304 Mon, 28 May 2018 12:58:36 +0000 kkards 1923304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>so....A) overdressed and slightly out of place.....<br />i get this, no one wants to look out of place, but i'm wondering what makes you feel overdressed? is it that you are wearing trousers and blazers and everyone else is wearing jeans? is that you are wearing jeans and everyone else is wearing yoga pants? is it because you are wearing outfits and everyone else is wearing clothes?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923287 Mon, 28 May 2018 12:20:23 +0000 LaPed 1923287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like to think about this in terms of juxtaposition. If you're trying to avoid very basic jeans-and-tee or tracksuit looks, take one casual piece and combine it with something that feels more polished to you. A hoodie over a dress or under a blazer, a pair of boyfriend jeans with a silky blouse, dresses/skirts paired with sneakers, etc.&nbsp;</p> <p>You might also want to identify what your favourite work silhouettes are and then look for versions of the same in more casual/easy-care fabrics. If you like wearing classic trousers, perhaps you could do with a pair of bootcut jeans. If pencil skirts make you happy, maybe switch to a jersey-knit tube skirt on the weekend. Etc.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923279 Mon, 28 May 2018 11:42:59 +0000 cindysmith 1923279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always err on the side of "slightly overdressed" as a way to make myself feel a bit more formal than my casual lifestyle calls for. I spend so many days getting sweaty, dirty, and smelly; so being overdressed is my way of.... I don't know, I guess comforting myself after spending my weekend having sweat mix with smashed fruit to cement the dirt to my skin (and this doesn't even factor in all the goat hair and pig snot that I deal with at work). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923270 Mon, 28 May 2018 11:02:36 +0000 Michelle 1923270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've gotten some great advice here, Jussi! And of course, Angie has much, much more. Have you ever explored the archives and looked at her "mom on the go" series? I suspect there's lots of inspiration to be found there. <br />For myself, here are the things I find helpful for a casual look: <br />Groomming: First and foremost, if I know my hair is cut well and my brows are sculpted and my feet are presentable (that last one may be just me), then I'm on my way to pulling off whatever look I'm after. In my case I like a polished vibe. But having good grooming allows me to feel like I have a little more leeway in terms of my clothing choices because I'll look unfussily put-together in at least one basic way. <br />Fit: This is huge. Everything needs to fit well. Casual pieces too. So truly look for the jeans that make you feel best and fit the best. Apply the same rigour to your tops etc. This way when you want an outfit you can just "throw on and go," you can literally do exactly that but be secure in the knowledge that it looks good. <br />Someone above advised throwing in an accessory. This strikes me as a great idea. When I'm going for casual I'll usually keep it simple with a pair of larger hoops or something like that. Laid-back, but still deliberate. <br />People often argue that shoes make the outfit, and that's true for casual style too. So as an extension of being particular about fit, be selective in your shoe selection. Because even the most basic outfit can get a lift (literally and figuratively) from the right footwear. <br />Also, dresses can be casual! Just sayin'. And there's no simpler option out there to style! <br />I hope this helps. Good luck on this quest. We've all been there before,, and in so many cases the journey is ongoing. You have lots of company who are happy to share travel tips. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-needed-how-to-do-casual-with-style#post-1923257 Mon, 28 May 2018 09:37:58 +0000 lyn67 1923257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Now, yess! -this is a high order, and I can so relate!<br />I think a <b>mainly&nbsp; neutral</b> (in <b>tonal</b> or <b>big contrast</b>-which both look, feel and work great for me for ex.),&nbsp; an <b>occasional pop of bright</b> color and <b>interesting</b>&nbsp;<b>pieces</b>&nbsp; all over (accessories included) is the <b>best way </b>to go. </p>