YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Casualization

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Casualization https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:37:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization/page/2#post-1636076 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 01:17:43 +0000 Anonymous 1636076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Vix -- Your post was fascinating for me to read.  There was so much useful information and I loved how you broke it down into categories.  I had to read it several times to absorb even a portion of it.  I'll read it more closely in days to come.   I made the decision reading these posts to start a new style journey.  I will dress casually for home life (this is the first time I had a capsule dedicated to casual wear and it does marvelous things for my self esteem).   I will revert back to more professional stylings for work.  I'm going to order some of the tops that Carter suggested.  Her taste is superb and her climate is very similar to mine. Vix on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization/page/2#post-1635975 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 20:37:50 +0000 Vix 1635975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Sterling -- Thanks for responding! I'm fascinated by behavior change (past professional work, eternal personal struggle!) so found the below really interesting: "When I reviewed what I wore to work over these past six weeks, I saw lots and lots of tee shirts, chambray shirts, knits. Stuff like that. I wasn't pairing them with more work-relatable pieces, I was dressing like I would if I was running errands on a Saturday." So, great: you have the knowledge to move in a different direction, and you have some level of motivation. I have to tell you -- these are huge pluses when you're trying to make a longer-term change. Most people don't give themselves enough credit for being at this stage! <ul> <li>You *know* how to dress more formally, given that you did it in the past.</li> <li>You're interested in style and trends, and have examples of what others do to mix "straight" classic workwear with different types of clothes. </li> <li>You feel like you've gone too casual, and know what's contributing to it (internal motivation)</li> <li>You have new blood in the office who dress in more classic workwear (external motivation)</li> <li>You seem to have some classic workwear pieces already, though I'm not clear on the extent (decreased barriers)</li> </ul> Working against this: <ul> <li>you've built up your casual wear (time, money)</li> <li>overall, you enjoy wearing it to work (pleasure, physical comfort, perhaps some psychological rewards that offset the "new staff wears classic workwear, I should too" pull)</li> </ul> Unfortunately -- hey, let's be real -- you're now at the hardest part. There are 2 basic philosophies re change: <ul> <li>harm reduction (a sliding into change by making gradual shifts, you get to decide what that looks like)</li> <li>cold turkey</li> </ul> TBH I do better with cold turkey for some changes and harm reduction with others. This is very personality driven, especially when it's not "do or die" types of situations. You may have to experiment with both methods. I could go on and on, but I'll link to a good-enough site that covers<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prochange.com/transtheoretical-model-of-behavior-change"> both a proven behavior change model and has some strategies</a> for success that you're probably already doing! Anonymous on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization/page/2#post-1635967 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 20:24:28 +0000 Anonymous 1635967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really like the silky polyester button-down shirts I've found at Talbot's. Irina on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635938 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 18:49:56 +0000 Irina 1635938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can relate to this. I started with my work clothes last year. Like you, I tend to remove jackets as soon as I am in the office. Cotton button downs are too stiff. So I bought silk shirts and cardigans for the fall season. What I found - dress pants + silk shirt+ cardi+good pair of shoes is office appropriate wear but made me feel ... old and boring. I struggled with choice of cardigans. They are either too casual or plane hence boring. At the end, I don't wear this combo often, wear my cardigans as sweaters, may be with a silk t-shirt peaking. I don't know the answer, still looking for interesting toppers. Anonymous on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635927 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 18:17:54 +0000 Anonymous 1635927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carter, I love your "system" of pop over sleeveless blouses. Another idea: some sort of body-skimming tank top coupled with a fine- gauge sweater. The sweater would be used only indoors, and would come off as soon as you "hit the heat" outdoors. You would stash the sweater in the crook of your handbag. The above idea assumes you are OK with wearing body hugging tank tops though. I don't think sweaters with loose tanks would work, as the tanks would become bunched up under the sweater. The reason I mention sweater is because I don't love wearing cardigans: The long ones make me feel a bit too dressed down and sloppy (I have a small frame which might contribute to this feeling) and the cropped ones make me feel a little twee. Blazers feel a bit too formal for my workplace. Anyway, good luck on your de-casualization journey. I am with you Sterling! carter on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635922 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 17:58:20 +0000 carter 1635922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fascinating read, Sterling! For Spring and Summer work tops (and even now that I'm not working), I prefer lightweight sleeveless popover blouses that are super easy hand wash, drip dry, no iron. I like the shoulders to be wide enough to be appropriate for work and for there to be enough interest for the top to stand without a topper. If I do have to throw on a blazer, at least the sleeveless blouse keeps me from feeling too constricted or overheated. With that in mind, I went shopping for you:-) Gaylene on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635921 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 17:54:19 +0000 Gaylene 1635921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just wanted to add another thought to the concept of "dialing back casualization"--colour. If you keep the bottom half of your outfit professional, as well as your accessories and grooming, I'd venture to say you could keep your cosy knits on top as long as you restricted yourself to a very neutral colour palette and restrained prints. Think polished black loafers, black trousers worn with a belt, an ivory silk jersey T, and a fine-knit black cardigan accessorize with discreet jewelry or a silk scarf, a good handbag, and polished hair--that outfit could easily fit into a very conservative professional setting. Maybe the trick is not to overdose on what makes an outfit read as Saturday morning--sneakers, knit pants, chambray work shirt, chunky casual sweater, cotton T-shirt, untucked top, and a combination of shades and colors? Keep 75% of the outfit professional and look for sophisticated versions of your casual favorites for the remaining 25%? Anonymous on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635910 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 17:08:51 +0000 Anonymous 1635910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for asking, Vix.   It was three things that seemed to occur roughly simultaneously.  I just got tired of ironing.  I did iron (because "I was supposed to," but it got harder and harder to get it done each week).  So slowly, I stopped wearing my button down shirts.   The second thing was the casualization of fashion.  I was seeing more and more items that were of a casual nature in the stores and I was seeing the fashion blogs feature them prominently as possible work wear.  I bought my first cardigan.  Then I bought my second cardigan.  As I purchased more and more cardigans, I stopped wearing my blazers.  I added in "soft" tee shirts, slouchy pants, and sneakers, and suddenly I found a degree of cosiness that I never wanted to take off.   The third thing.  My work wardrobe was in really good shape, but my casual wardrobe was an embarrassment.  So I started buying pieces to build up my casual wardrobe (cardigans, tee shirts, tennis, slouchy pants).  I never intended that my casual wardrobe would be worn at work, but I experimented by adding casual elements here and there.  I "felt" I got away with it and became bolder and bolder until my casual wardrobe took over my work wardrobe.   When I reviewed what I wore to work over these past six weeks, I saw lots and lots of tee shirts, chambray shirts, knits.  Stuff like that.  I wasn't pairing them with more work-relatable pieces, I was dressing like I would if I was running errands on a Saturday.   The change happened ever so gradually.  It probably started about two years ago.  Prior to that time, I hadn't owned any cardigans.  I would never have dreamt of wearing sneakers for anything other than working out.  I didn't even own any tee shirts.  But evidently, when I embrace a trend, I give it my all.  I started buying tee shirts like they were a new invention.  I did try to buy "nice tee shirts," but a tee shirt is a tee shirt is a tee shirt.   Did I answer your question, Vix?   Vix on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635903 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 16:41:40 +0000 Vix 1635903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Sterling --  I missed this post the first go-round, but am interested in how you found it a challenge to incorporate the (great!) suggestions mentioned during the last 6 weeks. If you want to indulge my curiosity, I'm wondering why you struggled. <ul> <li>Did you feel your dressier pieces didn't work with your casual ones? And if so, what bothered you? </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Was it a footwear thing? </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Etc</li> </ul> We might have more ideas for you if we know what's keeping you from getting from A to B. unfrumped on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635901 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 16:39:35 +0000 unfrumped 1635901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very interesting thoughts with some good possible approaches. I've had some maybe related experiences of settling for looks that might not be in my target zone just because I couldn't find what I thought were the right pieces. Need to be more picky and more patient-minimalist until something turns up. Anonymous on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635868 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 14:18:37 +0000 Anonymous 1635868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, this is an interesting topic. As one who tries to avoid knits because of their lack of staying power, I like silk or silky polyester shirts. I also like stretchy jackets for comfort. Our local Express SAs see older women as invisable, but there are some good products at great prices. I have had good luck with their trousers fitting my straight hips without bagging. Another thing I've learned from Angie's picks is to look for knit basics with an interesting detail. A bit of ruching or a ruffle on a long sleeved tee dresses it up a bit. Those pull on tube skirts are quite comfy and often have enough length to graze the knees. kkards on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635865 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 14:09:14 +0000 kkards 1635865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ sterling, not sure how you feel about silk, but i've found them to be a nice compromise between "button downs" and "comy knits". i have the find in red, and the plaid one….expensive it you buy the most "current" color or plaid, but i bought both on sale. i'll be honest, I've worn the plaid one more than the solid (as surprise to me) and it gets compliments every time i wear it, and just by changing the pants and/or shoes i wear with it, works really well dressed up or down.  Anonymous on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635858 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 13:51:33 +0000 Anonymous 1635858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, El Cee.  I'll look in to the Express tops.  Express is retailer I have not shopped in the past.  I can't even say why that is, but I am seeing more and more stuff in their stores that pique my interest.   El Cee on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635843 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 12:57:17 +0000 El Cee 1635843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I understand about that office "uniform" thing. It is really good that you've fallen back in love with your button-downs. I also really love the look of a collared shirt but, like you, am not fond of the ironing. (Your dry-cleaning compromise was a great idea!) Although I haven't entirely eliminated the cotton blend button-downs from my wardrobe, a couple of years ago I started wearing softer more blousy versions -- like Express Portofino Shirts and Loft Utility Blouses. They feel less stiff to me, even though they are still a woven fabric. It is something about the soft drape that feels good on my body. The look is not as crisp because of the softer fabrication, but I think the look is "professional enough", especially when worn with nice slacks or dressy ankle pants. A lot of my teacher friends (who have fairly conservative school dress codes) wear these to work. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.express.com/clothing/women/portofino-shirts/cat/cat1660006">http://www.express.com/clothin.....cat1660006</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.loft.com/utility-blouse/394169?skuId=20138196&defaultColor=5767&colorExplode=false&catid=catl000011">http://www.loft.com/utility-bl.....plode=fals</a> If you find a great knit version of a button-down, please share the link… I would live in those if I could find a source. Anonymous on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635830 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 11:49:02 +0000 Anonymous 1635830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ We've had some changes in staffing at work.  The women all dress quite professionally (without looking like they are in banking or law).  They all seem to wear button down shirts.  It seems to be their uniform.  Their button downs make my tee shirts look all the more inappropriate (although they would be too kind to ever say anything negative).  So it was fortunate that I revived my button down shirts and trousers.  Just these two changes really helped.   I so adore the idea of a third piece.  I can't pull it off though.  I get instantly hot in the office and usually take it off within the first hour.  So my plan is start pinning pictures that illustrate my new style direction.  I'll use those pins to direct my future buying plan.  One thing I want to do is start buying collared shirts in a "softer fabrication."  I saw some in a very lightweight knit that looked woven.  I saw.  I walked away.  Still mad at myself for not that.   chirico (Chiara) on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635807 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 06:27:08 +0000 chirico (Chiara) 1635807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with the comment above about a shirt+blazer not being a cozy combination. I sometimes wear my blazer with knits, have you ever tried? I find cotton shirts annoying and fussy, although I like the look, so I look for alternatives. The casualization of my work wardrobe always happens to me during transitional seasons, spring and fall, mainly because I don't know what to wear and relie on jeans + tee + cardi. With this in mind, this year I have bought dresses that can be used when the weather warms up, after switching to more spring-y shoes and tights, and some lighter blouses. Will see how it goes. Anonymous on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635730 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 00:15:18 +0000 Anonymous 1635730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I find it hard to be as dressy as I want to be when my body and feet hurt and demand more comfortable clothes. I've managed not to go too casual, but it takes a lot of work and planning to find the right pieces. El Cee on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635718 Sat, 26 Mar 2016 23:45:11 +0000 El Cee 1635718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I notice that my community (a college town) is casual to the extreme. The only business folks I see as "dressed up" in any way (and only, perhaps, to the level of business casual) are those in the banking industry and in law.  Dark wash, non-distressed jeans are acceptable work wear for most people here. I sometimes miss having an "excuse" to dress up. I imagine that the environmental norms might be different in the South East. Sally on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635704 Sat, 26 Mar 2016 23:30:08 +0000 Sally 1635704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had to laugh because I am enjoying wearing jeans and t-shirts now I can fit them again so I'm loving being more casual.  I don't wear knits though....I have only one sweater in my wardrobe and a few cardigans.  I wear a t-shirt and jeans but with a jacket.  I don't wear sneakers unless I'm exercising but wear flats and boots.  As others have said there are lots of ways to dress up casual items.   If I dressed up too much, I would look odd at work and wouldn't be able to do my job as easily. I have to walk the middle ground.  Aziraphale on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635694 Sat, 26 Mar 2016 23:08:25 +0000 Aziraphale 1635694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I guess it all depends on where you work. Anonymous on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1635510 Sat, 26 Mar 2016 14:07:43 +0000 Anonymous 1635510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wanted to revive this post.   During my six week challenge with Joy, El Cee, and Barbara Diane, I proved time and time again that I had indeed moved too far toward casualization at work.  And again, I absolutely love it, but I am going to take suggestions from this post and incorporate them into my future buying plans.  Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions.  (I actually write this stuff down).   Anonymous on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1614137 Wed, 10 Feb 2016 18:17:15 +0000 Anonymous 1614137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like the idea of mixing things up. Kkards has some good ideas. When you are older, you will have lots of time to dress more casually. Dress for business while you can. JAileen on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1614135 Wed, 10 Feb 2016 18:15:07 +0000 JAileen 1614135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In your outfit the other day, I couldn't put my finger on what was off, if at all. It definitely wasn't an epic fail, or anything. I agree with others that you can take something from Column A (formal and structured) and something from Column B (casual and unstructured) and create an outfit that is both comfortable and dressy. How about a knit top under a woven jacket? Or a drapey silky top under a knitted blazer? In both cases I would amp up the outfit with great shoes. Angie just showed us a ton of great shoes. kkards on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1614132 Wed, 10 Feb 2016 18:08:54 +0000 kkards 1614132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, i wanted to chime back in to say that i try to balance my outfits so that I have at mix of  "business" and casual in most outfits. as catseye noted, i wear knits and tee all the time, but i'll throw a blazer on to push the look more to business. I also use my footwear to help as well, for example, I wear a lot of patent leather because IMO it tends more dressy, so again can help push ponte pants towards business Angie on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1614103 Wed, 10 Feb 2016 16:55:19 +0000 Angie 1614103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Looking forward to seeing the dressier you!  catseye on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1614083 Wed, 10 Feb 2016 16:03:59 +0000 catseye 1614083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think is the combinations of knit pants, sneakers, and chambray shirts that read too casual. If you switch the pants and sneakers to a pair of slacks and loafers, that make a difference. I think for ponte pants to work in office environment, you need more dressy footwear,  I am also a big fan of knit blazer. I think they are somehow more dressy than knit pants. I would think knit blazer and jeans and  boots/loafers can go most places. You can even wear a tee under the blazer. It will be just as comfortable as a cardigan. Anonymous on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1614061 Wed, 10 Feb 2016 14:58:52 +0000 Anonymous 1614061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hear you, and have the same issues myself.  It's a lot easier to dress casually , and I sometimes worry I push the limits myself what with wearing jeans, even distressed ones sometimes , in work environments.   lyn67 on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1614044 Wed, 10 Feb 2016 14:12:53 +0000 lyn67 1614044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's all in the fabrics used for the dressier formula, too. Nowadays every type of clothing item  can have a good dose of elastane/lycra which goes a long way for comfort. For ex. you can  find many cozy knitted (fake)blazers- and stretchy pants/tube skirts which can do well even for a business casual/smart casual office setting. Anonymous on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1614013 Wed, 10 Feb 2016 13:19:53 +0000 Anonymous 1614013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not sure it's going to be that easy to go back to button downs and blazers now that you've been immersed in knits. Is it still "you" or will you feel weird in that much structure? There might be a half-way solution for you. Carter, Liz, and kkcards have some great ideas. Fwiw, I would wear what you were wearing the other day with a thicker cardi. I have a very all-over-the -map office though, with ultra dressed down working next to ultra dressed up. carter on "Casualization" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/casualization#post-1614006 Wed, 10 Feb 2016 12:53:53 +0000 carter 1614006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Blazers and button-down shirts sound decidedly un-cosy. I have a feeling this may frustrate you. Perhaps there's a formula that is both comfortable and professional. Something like: ponte pants (or other comfortable pants), refined knit pullover, blazer, jewelry/scarf sufficient to "finish" the outfit if you take off the blazer at work, refined but comfortable shoes.