How to elevate your casual outfits - five easy updates from the highstreet
Pandemic or not, most of us want to feel comfy in our clothes, but how can we stay casual and still look stylish? Not many of us want to look too ‘done’ on a daily basis or like we’ve taken ages to get dressed - that “oh this old thing” approach to dressing is cool, laidback and effortless and it has become the holy grail of getting dressed, I would suggest the epitome of a good outfit has the tick three boxes. COMFORTABLE, PRACTICAL and STYLISH. That really is how most people want to dress nowadays, even at work.
Because dress codes are more relaxed than ever both at home and in the workplace, it makes sense we have more casual clothes in the closet to match our lifestyle rather than suits or posh dresses. But how do you prevent a dull wardrobe full of jogging bottoms and plain t-shirts? How do we stop looking like someone who can’t be bothered, keep it low key but still feel amazing and confident?
Elevated Casual
I started talking about how ‘elevated casual’ is the Piece De Resistance of post-Covid dressing on my Podcast (listen to the episode here). Just because the first few weeks of lockdown felt like a relief in some ways - no rushing around, chuck on your gym kit and be done with it, it doesn’t mean we want to wear hoodies forever. Elevated Casual is about adding a few key items to pep things up a little bit but the emphasis is still very much on ‘casual’.
Lots of us like a bit more polish and intent with our outfits from time to time. Feeling good in what you wear gives you a confidence boost and helps you to be far more productive. There have been countless studies proving this, enjoying what you wear and knowing you’ve got a good outfit on enables you in other areas of life. This definitely doesn’t mean being an attention seeker, this is about dressing from the inside out and dressing for YOU but still looking and feeling practical and comfortable.
Some easy tricks
The great thing is, you can still be completely comfortable and practical in your outfits but by paying attention to a few details your outfits will be elevated and so will you.
My list of things to add
Statement earrings - elevates literally anything and everything, you can be in a plain white tee and jeans, by adding some interesting earrings you will instantly be transformed.
Colour pop - will always make you look and feel brighter.
Metallic trainers - adds a bit of glamour in the most practical way.
A smart handbag - does not need to be expensive!
Well cut ‘up-to-date’ jeans - one of the hardest things to come by but makes a big difference. If you’re not sure which cut suits you get my free bodyshape guide by signing up to my newsletter in the pop-up. At the moment (September 2020), it’s all about flares, cullottes, wide legged and straight cut/MOM jeans. If you still love your skinnies though and they work for your bodyshape then carry on!
The devil really is in the details, by adding these things you will easily be able to elevate your casual wardrobe, still feel comfy and look stylish too.
Elevated casual outfits I love
Here are some examples of outfits I’ve found with the pieces suggested above. Below I’ve put images and links to items you can buy in the shops now to help you to easily recreate these outfits.❤️
All these looks are simple and casual in essence but have been pepped-up with really simple additions that make a big impact.
Statement earrings
Images from Pinterest - jeans, jumpers and statement earrings
Anthroplogie are really good for a wide selection of statement earrings. I like HUSH too but at the moment they don’t have much colour.
Statement earrings at Anthropologie
2. Color Pop
Instant uplift with a pop of color - BODEN
HUSH always do fantastic brightly coloured knits and are often my ‘go-to’ brand for elevated casual pieces across the board. I love this shocking pink jumper - very cheery for Autumn!
3. Metallic trainers
Gigi Hadid in silver trainers jazzing-up an otherwise plain outfit with no pattern or colour. I would add a bright bag to this outfit - red would be great. Image Pinterest.
Silver is a neutral so goes with everything - these would look great with the red cross-body bag below.
4. Smart handbag
5. A great pair of jeans
We are all different with completely different bodyshapes so will suit certain cuts of jeans. Don’t feel because you are over 40 you can’t wear what’s ‘on-trend’. If you are worried then always opt for a darker denim which looks smarter. At the moment I’m really into straight cut jeans which make your bum look great! The Editor jeans by Topshop are their biggest seller and a great straight-legged jean.
Everything here is simple but the overall look is really effortlessly stylish. @linhniller
Five easy updates to your casual wardrobe to get it ready for Autumn and maybe back to work or whatever you are doing now the kids are back at school. I will do a special ‘back to work’ blog next time with my suggestions of what to wear in a slightly more formal work environment.
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I’m currently working on a series all about menopause with tips on what to wear, what to eat and how to relieve symptoms with a range of experts. Come over and join the conversation and get in touch if you want me to cover anything specific - I’d love to hear from you. Lisa x
If you want help updating your wardrobe this autumn I provide in-person services or services via ZOOM too. Get in touch to arrange a discovery call and find out more.
